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Are you new to online education? Ever taken an online course before? If not, you will find taking an online course can be both challenging and rewarding at the same time. The reward can come knowing that you can work through the course at your own leisure and repeat components as many times as necessary until you have mastered them. The challenge comes in that you must be a self-starter and motivated to complete the course in a reasonable time period. You may want to see if you are a good candidate for on-line learning by taking the Rate Yourself self-test. In addition, you will also need to know how the module components function so that you are not frustrated or confused with problems and strange things that may happen on the screen as you work through the content. Here is an overview of things you are likely to encounter in this on-line module:
Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks are the blue underlined text that, when your cursor over the top, the pointer changes from an arrow to a hand. These "links" will jump you to other pages or outside resources. Some of the links may be within this site, while others may link to outside resources on the World Wide Web.
| Example: | This is what a Hyperlink might look like. This link loops back to this page. Once you click the link, the color may change from blue to purple (depending upon your particular computer) indicating that you have visited the link previously. |
Hypergraphics
Hypergraphics are images that require you to click on them to navigate or retrieve information. As with hyperlinks, your cursor will change from a pointer to a hand when over the top of a hypergraphic.
| Example: | A Hypergraphic may look like a menu option, such as this picture below. Sometimes there will be a bounding blue box indicating that it is a link, but most often there is not. Again, this link simply loops back to this page: |
Click to test Hypergraphic
Enlarging Photos
Throughout this module you will find photos that can be clicked on to enlarge, such as the example below. Simply click the image to review a more detailed view. Once you are done, click the Back button on the browser to return to the originating page.
| Example: | Below is a typical enlarging photo. Simply click the image to see the enlargement and then use the browser's Back button to return. |
Click to enlarge
Use Back button to return
Checklists/Information Boxes
Throughout this course you will find checklists and information boxes that ask you to check responses. When you do this, you will see the corresponding information box fill with a text response. These are designed to provide formative elevation throughout the module.
| Example: | Below is a typical information box. This information is not collected or scored, but is simply provides feedback. Simply check the corresponding checkbox on the left and the large window will provide feedback. Another similar information box will contain 'Radio Buttons' instead of check boxes. The same principal applies, only the radio buttons cannot be checked on and off - only on. |
Example Information Box
Select all that apply...
Pop-Up Boxes
Throughout this module you will find 'Pop-Up' boxes that provide feedback and information. When the corresponding button is clicked, these pop-up boxes typically spawn in a separate window on top of the originating browser window. After reading the information, it is important that you close the pop-up window before proceeding. This can be done by using the button within the window that says "Close Window" or the Close Button in the upper right corner of all Windows applications.
| Example: | Below is a typical pop-up box. After selecting the option, a separate window will spawn. Remember to close the window before proceeding! If you fail to close the window, it will remain 'open' and underneath the active window, which can be confusing because other pop-up boxes will not function while one is open. If this happens, look at the Task Bar (Windows) and you will see two browsers running: one will be the course page and the other will be the pop-up window. Close the pop-up window from the Task Bar. |
Definition Boxes
Throughout this module you will find 'Definition Boxes' that provide feedback and information. When the cursor is moved over the top of teal green text options, a definition box will automatically spawn in a separate window on top of the originating browser window. After reading the information, simply move the cursor away from the text and the window will close automatically. No clicking is necessary to activate a definition box.
| Example: | Below is a typical definition box. Simply run the cursor over the top of the teal text to see how this option functions. |
Definition text is always in Teal Green. Run your mouse over an Example Definition to see how this feature works.
Return to Previous Page
At the bottom of some pages, you may see a graphic which says "Previous Page". This hypergraphic does exactly what it says - it returns the user to page just prior to one they are viewing.
| Example: | Below is a Previous Page hypergraphic. Selecting it will send you to the page you were viewing just previous to this one. |
Back to Page Top
At the bottom of some pages, you may see a graphic which says "Back to Top". This hypergraphic does exactly what it says - it returns the user to the top of the page they are using. This is simply a convenience to eliminate scrolling on longer pages.
| Example: | Below is a 'Back to Top' hypergraphic. Selecting it will send you to the top of the page you are currently viewing. |
There you have it. These options comprise the majority of strange appearing windows and interactive features in this module. Remember, you should have the latest browser (either Netscape or Explorer) to take full advantage of this module and its features. If you have further questions, refer to the Help section on the sidebar.
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College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
