The Live E-Learning FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q: What is live e-learning? A: Our live e-learning program is aimed at engineers, technicians and electricians who need to become acquainted with a particular topic without investing a large amount of time. E-learning is a learning environment where the presenter of the material and the receiver thereof (the learner) are not simultaneously present in the same room. Instead, the material is shared via the Internet. The most common type of e-learning is where the learner logs on to a remote server, and the course material for a specific topic is dispensed on-line. This is also referred to as a web based or asynchronous approach. The advantage is that the learner can do this at any time. The disadvantage is that the learner might as well read a bookthere is no-one to answer questions or clear up any misconceptions. Self-motivation could also become an issue! IDC has opted for the live approach, also referred to as the synchronous or videoconferencing approach. You will log in at a pre-arranged time together with several other participants from all over the world, and the moderator in attendance will be a real instructor/presenter, qualified and experienced in the particular topic. The presentation will be in the order of 45 minutes (slides and/or video clips) and at any stage you can signal the instructor if you have problems understanding the course material. After the presentation, there will be a question and answer session where you can talk to the instructor as well as other delegates. There will, however, be no requirements in terms of preparation prior to the presentation, or subsequent assignments. Before the session you will receive a set of condensed notes (in .pdf format) via e-mail.

Q: What is Distance Leaning? A: Our distance learning program is aimed at engineers, technicians and electricians who need to familiarize themselves with the same topics as those covered in our e-learning program, but in much greater depth. It obviously necessitates a much larger investment in terms of time. Distance learning makes use of live e-learning, as outline in the previous section, but goes well beyond it. IDC will forward the course material to you in electronic format (.pdf) two weeks ahead of the presentation so that you can familiarize yourself with the topic. This will be followed by a live on-line presentation and discussion. Subsequent to the
E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.idc-online.com AUSTRALIA CANADA IRELAND NEW ZEALAND SINGAPORE SOUTH AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES

presentation you will be given practical exercises and/or assignments. These will be forwarded to your instructor for evaluation. Software required for practical session can be downloaded from the IDC web server. Credits for modules passed under the distance learning system can be used towards a Diploma as discussed in the next section. Support in terms of course content is available via phone or e-mail.

Q: What is the Certificate Course in Industrial Communication Systems? A: This program is for engineers, technicians and electricians who seriously want to educate themselves in Industrial Communications. The program consists of a predefined selection of modules from the Distance Learning program. Although these modules can be done separately, it makes more sense to do it this way if you really want to master the area of Industrial Data Communications. The pace will help you maintain motivation and it is also less expensive than doing the modules one-by-one.

Q: Do I get any certificate(s)? A: Live E-learning program: no certificates are issued. Distance learning program: once you have attended the live session and completed your test/assignment with mark of more than 50%, you will get receive a certificate of completion. Diploma course: once you have attended all the live sessions and completed your tests/assignment with mark of more than 50% for each module, you will get receive the IDC Diploma in Industrial Data communications.

Q: What methods of payment do you accept? A: Major credit card or company order. Credit card purchases can be made on-line on the IDC website.

E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.idc-online.com AUSTRALIA CANADA IRELAND NEW ZEALAND SINGAPORE SOUTH AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES

Q: What hardware do I need? A: We will refer to your computer as the client machine. The following are recommended configurations. Slightly less powerful machines may still work reasonable well but faster is better. Windows Client Windows 98/ME/2000/XP Pentium III 500 MHz processor 128 MB RAM 20 MB free disk space Soundcard with headset Mac Client Mac OS 9.1/9.2, Mac OS X 10.1/10.2/10.3 G3 233 MHz 64 MB RAM (OS9), 128 MB RAM (OS X) 20 MB free disk space Soundcard with headset SPARC Solaris Client Solaris 9 UltraSPARC llc 300 MHz 128 MB RAM 20 MB free disk space Soundcard with headset Java Desktop System Client Java Desktop System 2 Pentium III 1 GHz processor 256 MB RAM 20 MB free disk space Soundcard with headset

Q: Do I really need a headset? A: Headsets are recommended for sound quality and to avoid feedback through the microphone. You can manage even with built-loudspeakers and microphones although it is not recommended. If you cannot get hold of a headset, IDC can ship one to you overnight please enquire on the phone for current costs. Should you encounter microphone problems, you can still follow the presentation as long as you have audio. You can then just type in your feedback or questions.

E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.idc-online.com AUSTRALIA CANADA IRELAND NEW ZEALAND SINGAPORE SOUTH AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES

Q: Do I need any special software? A: No, the required software will be downloaded to your machine when you connect for the first time. Refer to How do I set up my computer?

Q: Can I use a dial-up connection? A: Ideally, you should have a broadband connection such as ADSL. You can, however, get by with a dial-up connection as slow as 28.8 kbps as the system will compensate for it.

Q: How do I set up my computer? A: We recommend that you do this at your earliest convenience, preferably at least a day before your first session. This may take a while on a dialup link, so please allow sufficient time before the first session. Below are the steps that you will need to follow: Ensure that you are at the computer on which you will attend your live session, and that it is connected to the Internet. Ensure that you have a headset or microphone and speakers to take full advantage of the audio capabilities during the session. Ensure that you are an administrator on your computer and can install software. If you are unsure, please contact your system administrator.

Step One: Installing Java Web Start To pre-configure a workstation or laptop, access www.elluminate.com and click on the Support button, then follow First Time User instructions Click on the button labeled Download and Install the Required Software o Click Yes when you see a security warning that asks Do you want to install and runJava Plug-in o When you see the License Agreement, click I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next. o Select the Typical installation. When the installation is finished, Java Web Start is ready to use.

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Step Two: Installing and Testing Elluminate Live! Click on the button labeled Join Configuration Room o Enter your first name on the sign-in page. o During the installation you may see a security warning that states This application is requesting unrestricted access to your local machine and network. Click Start. o You may see a License Agreement. Click on I Agree. Once you are in the Configuration Session, follow the directions displayed on the Whiteboard. When complete, choose Exit from the File menu.

Possible Technical Issues When installing Java Web Start (JWS) and the Java Application Resource (JAR) files, some technical issues may be encountered due to Security Policy stipulations of your organization and resulting firewall restrictions. Below are the solutions to the common issues. Problem: Can not install the software because participant has no Administrator privileges for computer system. The solutions are: Request the System Administrator to log in and download JWS. Once this is done, the user can then log in and join the session. Note that this is a one-time download.

Problem: Firewall or proxy is blocking access. There are two possibilities the firewall/proxy is blocking the download of the JAR files or is blocking connection to the Elluminate Inc server. The solutions are: All meeting rooms created via the Session Administration System use HTTP Tunnelling. Firewall issues can be easily solved by configuring Java Web Start and your proxy settings in Elluminate Live!. The proxy settings are available from your Internet browser. Depending on your network, there are cases when this information is not available and will require the intervention of the System Administrator, to provide the proxy information or open up a port (80 or 2187) so that you can connect. For connection to session recordings, port 83 needs to be open. The Elluminate Access Guide available from: http://www.elluminate.com/support/docs/Elluminate_Access_Guide.pdf provides all of the necessary information and should be made available to the System Administrator.

E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.idc-online.com AUSTRALIA CANADA IRELAND NEW ZEALAND SINGAPORE SOUTH AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES

Q: When do I need to log in to be ready for a session? A: Please sign in at least 15 minutes before the start of the session so that you can ensure that your equipment is functioning properly.

Q: What happens if I miss a session? A: Please contact us so we can arrange a make-up class.

Q: Can I attend the same presentation more than once? A: Yes, provided there is space available in the room. Please contact us to make arrangements.

E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.idc-online.com AUSTRALIA CANADA IRELAND NEW ZEALAND SINGAPORE SOUTH AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES