Skype is a peer to peer application that supports voice calls over the internet.  The application also supports chat, file sharing, and video conferencing.  Calls involving only skype users are no cost, as is the software download.  Skype calls can be made to landline phones and cell phones with a usage charge.  This brief guide will get you started with installing and basic use of Skype.  Access the Skype FAQ for comprehensive instructions.

Download this article as a printable pdf document.

The exclusive vendor for Qwizdom student remotes at OSU is the OSU Bookstore .

As an instructor, when you place your textbook order, you may also place an order for Qwizdom remotes for your class.

• Be sure to order a quantity sufficient quantity for your anticipated class size.


• The skew number for the Qwizdom remotes is 18079531.


• The ISBN number (which you should not need, but just in case) is 8595120010258.

Don't forget! Come see us at TAC! Let us help you to prepare for using Qwizdom in your classes.

We can assist you with learning the Actionpoint software, preparing classlists and uploading the results from your class to your Blackboard, and help you to realize the potential of incorporating an audience response system into your teaching environment. 

OSU TAC technology tutorials (GEMs) win excellence award from higher ed computing consortium, NWACC!

Sending Captivate Data to a Web Page using Javascript

Here is an example of sending data from Captivate via JavaScript and displaying it on the container HTML page.

Once again, attach a JS function call to a Captivate object, and add the appropriate JS function to the html page that wraps the Captivate SWF.

In the next example we will add a simple push using the javascript variable and another JS function with an additional php file to insert the Captivate data into a MySQL database.

JavaScript on a Button

Here is a simple way to add a pop-up browser window to a Captivate slide. There are two basic parts, the first, adding the js function to the standard.js script that is published with all Captivate projects. You have to add your js function to this file:

C:\Program Files (X86)\Adobe\Adobe Captivate 4\Templates\Publish\standard.js

This js file is re-copied to the directory where you are publishing your project every time you publish it, so you must modify it here in the Templates directory, otherwise your changes wil be wiped out each time you republish.

Here is an example.

Copy Existing Grade Book to the New Grade Center

Copy or write down the course ID to be copied to (i.e.PHL_201_400_S2010) > Open the course to be copied from > Control Panel > Course Copy > Copy Course Materials into an Existing Course > Enter ID of course to be copied to > Select Grade Center Columns and Settings > Select Submit. *You may copy parts or all of the course at any time.

Interpret Grade Value Icons

Select Icon Legend (lower right).*The icon legend shows nine icons which indicate qualifiers for individual grade values.

Create a Grade Column

Select + Add Grade Column > Enter the column name > Enter the grade value > Enter a due date > Select Submit.

Modify a Grade Column

Select the menu in the column header > Select Modify Column > Make changes, select Submit.

Organize Grade Columns into Categories

Select Manage > Select Categories > Create or modify categories > Select Submit *See also Organize Grade Center in the Manage menu to select and modify grade item categories and grading periods.

Download the full PDF Quick Steps brochure or click on the Read More link to see more Blackboard 8 Quick Steps! ------>>

Ever wonder where the papers for sale on internet "Paper Mills" come from?  In the article linked below, a professional term-paper ghost writer offers his blunt insight into the business of selling college assignments.  His experience casts uncomfortable implications upon the business of selling college degrees.   Those of us in the business should take heed.

The Term Paper Artist , The lucrative industry behind higher ed's failings. 

By Nick Mamatas

This summer, Media Services replaced classroom computers with dual-platform MacPro computers that support either the PC or Mac platform. The new computers provide greater processing power and flexibility, and replace five-year-old computers that were beginning to fail.

The login process for the MacPro computers is different from last year.

We hope you find time to review the following instructions prior to your first class.