7.1 Course preparation

7.1.1 Due dates

ICE allows writers to prepare content for courses for delivery as either online, CD or print modes. Due dates for completion of content vary according to the type of delivery, as content delivered on CD or print requires time for printing or replication, packing, mailing etc.

7.1.2 DeC support

Materials Development Officers (MDOs) located in the Distance and e-Learning Centre (DeC) are available to assist with the preparation of your course. Time permitting, it is highly recommended to request an MDO to look over a course before making it available to students. They can make a final copyright check, cross-check data from course specifications and generally quality check the course materials (not the content of course, this is your area).

MDOs can organize:

• printing of content

• replication of CD content

• copyright applications

• multimedia (e.g. audio and video) requests

• scanning

• graphic requests etc.
  

Electronic Publishing Services (EPS) can compile files for any content requiring hard copy or CD delivery. They are also available to insert media and edit content if required.

7.1.3 LTSU support

Learning and Teaching Designers (LTDs) located in the Learning and Teaching Support Unit (LTSU) can provide assistance in the design of course packages. For example, how to write material and/or teach effectively in distance or online mode.

7.1.4 ICE support and package migration

ICE support (including package migration) requests can be submitted through:

• ICT Service Desk <ictservicedesk@usq.edu.au>

• ICE Support <icesupport@usq.edu.au>

• USQAssist <http://usqassist.usq.edu.au>.
  

Before requesting a migration, ensure that edits are completed and the content has been synchronized with the server. Requests should state:

• the package details (such as course code e.g. TEA5101)

• offer to be migrated from (e.g. S1 2009)

• offer to be migrated to (e.g. S2 2009).

7.2 USQ skin

The skin is the package wrapper which controls how the content is displayed. Files such as site templates, images, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are part of the skin.

7.2.1 URLs

The USQ skin displays icons associated with hyperlinks which open in a new window.

7.2.2 Course specification

The USQ skin includes a hyperlink on the left-hand navigation to the course specification synopsis. From there, a student can select the relevant specification link.

7.3 Multimedia

7.3.1 Media services

Media Services located in the Distance and e-Learning Centre (DeC) offer services and facilities to support academic programs, research projects, promotional and marketing activities for the university. They also work with external clients.

For further information, visit Media Services <http://www.usq.edu.au/dec/media/>.

For users who create their own multimedia, be mindful of copyright obligations, quality, size and file types. Don’t hesitate to contact Media Services for advice.

7.3.2 Embedding Flash video and MP3s with USQ players

DeC Multimedia and Web Development Services have provided Flash video and MP3 players for embedding Flash and MP3 files into course material.

Player locations

The players are located in the packages generic directory for copying.

Image thumbnails

Examples of thumbnail sizes follow.

Using the Flash video player

1. Copy the Flash video players (flv_2.5.swf and USQ_skin.swf) and the video file (e.g. [filename].flv) into the package media/video folder using the ICE file view.

2. Link an image or text with the URL for the video player in the content.
   For example:
   http://localhost:8000/rep.2009cw/eng/5105/s1/media/video/flv_2.5.swf

   The parameters of embed, media, width and height need to be added to the end of the URL. Check with the file creator for the relevant parameters. The media parameter is the location of the Flash video file relative to the player. Use the Hyperlink dialog box to add the parameters to the URL.

   For example, at the end of the URL include:
   ?embed&media=video.flv&width=400&height=300

   The full example URL becomes:

   http://localhost:8000/rep.2009cw/eng/5105/s1/media/video/flv_2.5.swf?embed&media=[filename].flv&width=400&height=300

3. Proof the HTML to ensure it is working correctly.

Using the MP3 player

1. Copy the MP3 player (mp3_2.5.swf) into the package media/audio folder using the ICE file view.

2. Link an image or text with the URL for the MP3 player in the content
   For example:
   http://localhost:8000/rep.2009cw/eng/5105/s1/media/audio/mp3_2.5.swf

   The parameters of embed, media, width and height need to be added to the end of the URL. Check with the file creator for the relevant parameters. The media parameter is the location of your MP3 file relative to the player. Use the Hyperlink dialog box to add the parameters to the URL.

   For example, at the end of the URL include
   ?embed&media=[filename].mp3&width=300&height=50.

   The full example URL becomes:

   http://localhost:8000/rep.2009cw/eng/5105/s1/media/audio/mp3_2.5.swf?embed&media=[filename].mp3&width=300&height=25

3. Proof the HTML to ensure it is working correctly.

7.4 Selected readings in DiReCt

The Digital Resource Collection (DiReCt) system at USQ manages online access, security, storage and copyright of course readings and resources.

7.4.1 Generate a course list of readings – Online delivery

For a course with online delivery, which incorporates readings stored in DiReCt.

The Generate selected readings function will generate a list of readings file at [packagepath]/selected_readings/list_of_readings.odt. If a list of readings file already exists in that location, a warning message displays and asks if you want to replace the existing file.

From the ICE toolbar, Advanced tab, click the Generate selected readings button. Click the Replace button if you wish to replace an existing file.

7.4.2 Export for CD delivery

For a course with CD delivery, which incorporates readings stored in DiReCt.

The CD template plus the Export function will create a list of readings file and harvest the reading PDFs from DiReCt into the exported content Zip file.

1. From the ICE toolbar, Publish tab, select the Check links button.

   Correct invalid internal links and check that external links are valid.

2. From the ICE toolbar, Publish tab, select the CD template from the dropdown list. The package changes to the CD look and feel.

3. From the ICE toolbar, Publish tab, click the Export button. The package is exported to a Zip file.

   The CD selected readings file is generated at /selected_readings/list_of_readings.odt. and the reading PDFs are harvested from DiReCt into /media/readings in the CD export.

   The hyperlinks in the list of readings are re-directed to the local PDFs in the CD export content.

7.4.3 Export to Moodle

For a course with online delivery via the Moodle StudyDesk, which incorporates readings stored in DiReCt.

The StudyDesk template plus the Export to Moodle function will update the list of readings file (if previously generated via the Generate selected readings function) or generate a list of readings file and export the content to a Zip file. Select the options for the Zip to load into the relevant course in Moodle.

1. From the ICE toolbar, Publish tab, select the Check links button.

   Correct invalid internal links and check that external links are valid.

2. From the ICE toolbar, Publish tab, select the StudyDesk template from the dropdown list.

3. From the ICE toolbar, Publish tab, click the Export to Moodle button. The selected readings file is generated at /selected_readings/list_of_readings.odt and the package is exported to a Zip file ready to be uploaded to Moodle.

   The Export to Moodle dialog box displays. Select the URL from the dropdown list (USQ Study Desk), insert your USQConnect username and password then click the Get courses button.
   
   
   

   Select a course from the dropdown list then click the Export button.
   
   
   

   Click the Moodle file manager hyperlink.
   
   
   

   The USQStudyDesk login screen displays. Login then the Moodle file manager opens. Click the content hyperlink to enter the content folder.
   
   
   

4. Locate the Zip file then click the Unzip hyperlink located to the right of the filename. A screen will list the files then click the OK button.
   

   
   

5. Delete the Zip file to free up space on the server. Select the Zip file checkbox then from the dropdown list below the files, select Delete Completely. Click the Yes button to confirm the deletion.

7.5 Hyperlink suggestions

Unless otherwise requested, the following minimum hyperlinking will be completed by Electronic Publishing Services (EPS) when they convert existing content into ICE or set up a package for the initial offer. You may also wish to use this as a guide for your package.

7.6 Generic content

The admin repository generic directory contains files, icons, study schedules etc. These files can be copied into your content, if required.

A package level generic directory is used to house generic files relevant to your content. (Location example: tea/5101/s2/intro_material/generic/)

7.6.1 Generic files

Generic files contain content to be consistent throughout study materials. For example, a file directing students to the library for information on Harvard referencing. The following process assumes you have ICE started and explains how to locate a generic file from the admin repository, then copy it so it can be pasted into the generic directory in your package.

1. If already logged into a repository, from the ICE toolbar, click the Logout button.

2. From the ICE toolbar, select the admin repository from the dropdown list then click the Login button.

3. From the ICE toolbar, click the Synchronize button.

4. Navigate to the relevant generic file (e.g. generic/general).

   Copy one file – Click the Copy icon to the right of the generic file.

   Copy multiple files – Select the checkbox for each file. From the ICE toolbar, click the Manage tab then click the Copy button.

5. From the ICE toolbar, click the Logout button. Select the required repository (e.g. 2009cw) from the dropdown list then click the Login button.

6. Navigate back to your package generic directory (e.g. tea/5101/s2/intro_material/generic).

   Click a Paste icon. Either the Paste icon assigned to the generic folder or go inside the generic folder and click the icon below the Path.

7.6.2 Study schedules

A study schedule is included when a new course package is created in a repository. The following process assumes you have ICE started and explains how to locate a generic semester study schedule from the admin repository, then copy the table so it can be pasted into the existing study schedule file in your package.

1. If already logged into a repository, from the ICE toolbar, click the Logout button.

2. From the ICE toolbar, select the admin repository from the dropdown list then click the Login button.

3. From the ICE toolbar, click the Synchronize button.

4. Navigate to the relevant study schedule (e.g. generic/study_schedules/s1/word or writer).

   Click the Edit icon to open the generic study schedule file.

   Select the table then from the Menu, select File > Copy then close the file.

5. From the ICE toolbar, click the Logout button. Select the required repository (e.g. 2009cw) from the dropdown list then click the Login button.

6. Navigate back to your package (e.g. tea/5101/s2/intro_material).

   Click the Edit icon to open the package study schedule file.

   Place the cursor on a blank paragraph then from the Menu, select Edit > Paste.

7. Modify the new study schedule as required. For example, copy the content from the previous semester study schedule then remove it.

7.7 Insert AutoText entries

Follow the relevant word-processor instructions in sections 3.12 or 4.12 Insert AutoText entries.

7.8 Writer AutoText shortcuts

Press each shortcut key and release (do not hold down).