CONNECT
COMMUNICATE
COLLABORATE
GROW
Table of Contents
TOPIC
PAGE #
LearnLink:
General LearnLink Information .......................................................................3
LearnLink Terms & Conditions of Usage ..........................................................4
LearnLink Start Up Objectives.........................................................................8
LearnLink Client Software Installation Instructions ...........................................9
LearnLink Connection Settings...................................................................... 12
Strong Passwords: How to create and use them ............................................ 13
Where’s my Nursing Course? ........................................................................ 15
Where’s my Anatomy Course? ...................................................................... 16
Where’s my Biochemistry Course?................................................................. 17
LearnLink Emails Addresses.......................................................................... 18
Private vs. Public Messages in LearnLink ....................................................... 19
LearnLink Quick Tips ................................................................................... 21
LearnLink Practice Tasks .............................................................................. 23
All B.Sc.N. Students (All Sites):
Information about Computer Hardware and Software..................................... 24
On-Line Services for All B.Sc.N. Students....................................................... 26
B.Sc.N. Program I.T. Communication Policy ................................................... 28
Nine Tips for Providing Feedback .................................................................. 30
M.U.G.S.I. & MacID Information. .................................................................. 31
LibAccess Account Setup Instructions............................................................ 32
Mohawk Site Specific:
Mohawk College “MoCoMotion” Login Instructions.......................................... 33
Conestoga Site Specific:
Conestoga College GroupWise Login Instructions ........................................... 34
General Email Security Information:
Removing “Temporary Internet Files” and “Cache Memory” from
Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox and Netscape Navigator .............................. 35
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What is LearnLink?
The Faculties of Science, Social Science, Health Sciences, Humanities, Business and Engineering
are using a program called First Class Client (by OpenText Corp.) to provide an interactive
electronic environment for discussion. At McMaster University, this environment is known as
L e a r n L i n k . The program looks and works like most other Windows or Apple programs. You
don't need to know how to use 'ftp' or 'pine' or 'muds, mushes and moos'.
Why LearnLink?
It is the policy of the McMaster Mohawk Conestoga BScN Program that all electronic sharing of
Clinical & PBL information must be done via LearnLink (rather than conventional email). Extra
security (SSL, 128 bit encryption) has been put in place to protect the confidentiality of such
information.
Where is LearnLink?
The LearnLink home page can be found at www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca.
This web site is an excellent resource for any questions you may have about LearnLink.
Resources such as;
• Information on how to get started
• Client software download
• Comprehensive Help Centre
• Web login
• Much more…
How do I get started?
Follow the instructions outlined in this handout! See page 8 to get started.
Where do I turn for help?
BScN Students, Faculty and Staff should direct any LearnLink questions, technical help
questions or training requests to:
Brian Gould
Educational Technology Specialist
McMaster-Mohawk-Conestoga Nursing Education Consortium
Phone: 905-540-4247 ext. 26019
Email: brian.gould@learnlink.mcmaster.ca
Office: Room 213, Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS)
Office: Room 4B-H8 Conestoga College, Doon Campus
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Terms and Conditions of LearnLink Usage
Provided and Revised by McMaster University L.T.R.C.: August 7th, 2008
Accounts on LearnLink
The terms and conditions of LearnLink usage are designed to best serve its
users, to comply with various regulations and codes imposed by government,
the University and the shared Internet communities, and to ensure that
inappropriate use by one individual does not interfere with others. This
document is intended to supplement the McMaster Code of Conduct for
Computer and Network Users.
The University provides LearnLink accounts and access to LearnLink for the use
of the individual for academic and/or research purposes only. The account
holder alone will be held responsible for all use made of the account. Staff,
faculty, and students from the university and its affiliate institutions may be
required to produce their McMaster ID card or their institutional ID card in order
to ensure they are affiliated with the University. These accounts may not be
used for commercial purposes.
Each faculty member, staff member, undergraduate student and graduate
student at McMaster has the privilege of obtaining an account on LearnLink.
Others, such as retired faculty, retired staff, alumni, affiliated collaborative
research, academic and clinical groups can also obtain accounts. Restrictions
may apply and the account may be revoked at any time without notice (see the
section on abuses).
Removal of Inactive Accounts
Accounts that are inactive for one year from the last time an account holder
logged in are subject to removal from the system or to a reduction of account
access privileges.
Should the need arise, new accounts for the removed individuals can be created,
so long as they still satisfy the LearnLink Account Holder criteria as outlined in
“Accounts on LearnLink”.
Data Retention
System and User Account Backups and Archives
The LearnLink server system files are backed up daily, on a 14 day rotation. On
the 15th day of the cycle, the earliest backup will be deleted from the system.
Should assistance in retrieving deleted data from your account be necessary, it
is recommended that you place a request immediately. If retrieval is possible,
the LTRC can only restore files 14 days prior to your request.
In addition to the daily backups, a full system backup is made at the end of the
Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer semesters.
It is strongly recommended that account holders backup pertinent data on a
regular basis as all LearnLink account data created between the end of semester
backup and the beginning of the first day of the backup cycle, is irretrievable.
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Terms and Conditions of LearnLink Usage Cont’d
Course Conference Backups by Course Controllers
LearnLink offers public and private areas for instructors to conduct/promote
online discussions, collaboration and other course activities. Course Controllers,
the individuals overseeing these activities (usually the instructor(s) of the course
or a course/program co-ordinator) are encouraged to periodically create and
download their own course backups.
End of Semester Course Conference Archive
The entire LearnLink system is archived at the end of each Fall, Winter and
Spring/Summer semesters.
At the end of the Fall/Winter session and Spring/Summer Session, courses
conferences and their contents will no longer be available to you or your
students unless departmental arrangements or individual arrangements are
made to retain access to the course.
The LTRC will retain the end of semester course conference archives for a period
of 3 years. The archives created from the backup process can be used in the
event of an appeal or for sharing course content between courses.
Although the LTRC retains end of semester course conference archives, course
Controllers are encouraged to create and download a semester end back-up that
contains student activity and information.
Who Owns What
The University owns the LearnLink server system and provides computer
accounts for the use of authorized individuals. The University owns the accounts
and the individual's use of accounts must be in accordance with agreed upon
conditions. The individual owns electronic mail and other data and personal files
kept under that account and its personal folders. You should not normally allow
anyone else to know your password and access your account.
The instructor owns any intellectual property that the instructor places on the
server system for the purposes of course instruction. This includes but is not
limited to all course materials or course related documents presented for
educational purposes in any electronic format. It is expected that the instructor
will have read and be in compliance with the "McMaster University policy on
copyrighted materials".
In certain cases, McMaster Security Services will be given access to any files or
mail on University managed equipment, upon receipt of a written request cosigned by the appropriate Vice President.
Off campus police will be given access to any files or mail on LearnLink managed
systems, if the University is served with a search warrant.
If the police are seeking the correspondents of a person, we will not give the
police any names but will suggest to the police that, if possible, we will send a
copy of a police bulletin to the correspondents.
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Terms and Conditions of LearnLink Usage Cont’d
Disk Space
Each LearnLink account has been allocated a quota for personal use disk space.
Any content collected in the mailbox or stored in conferences or folders therein
are counted against each account's quota. Personal conference or folders on the
account desktops also counts against individual disk quotas. Course materials
and content placed in course conferences (in the 'Courses' area) do not count
against personal disk quotas. Account privileges degrade dramatically once the
quota has been exceeded and are restored automatically once the user is again
under their allotted disk space usage.
Maintenance & Monitoring
The University routinely monitors the various LearnLink computer systems but
does not routinely monitor the activities of individuals on LearnLink. In cases of
suspicion of abuse or if there are system problems or network problems, the
appropriate staff is authorized to look for any information or files necessary to
solve the problem and/or to protect the systems and information that they
contain. The staff is instructed to treat any information that turns out to be
unrelated to the problem, as confidential.
As part of normal system management, the University does collect various types
of information on LearnLink. This information can be analyzed for purposes
relating to the management of the computer systems. This includes but is not
limited to types of commands entered and amount of resources used.
Information on logins and general usage is also collected to be analyzed for
various purposes relating to the management of the server systems and its
software.
“Student-Only” Areas
As an environment that fosters communication and collaboration, LearnLink
houses many “student-only” areas where access by faculty and staff members of
McMaster is prohibited. While these areas provide a space for students to
express themselves freely, students are still bound by the McMaster University
Code of Conduct for Computer and Network Users
(http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/policy/netcond.htm) and the Academic Integrity
Policy, (http://www.mcmaster.ca/univsec/policy/AcademicIntegrity.pdf).
Reports of any prohibited actions or abuse may be followed up with an
investigation by the LearnLink administrator and / or other employees of the
LTRC.
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Terms and Conditions of LearnLink Usage Cont’d
Abuses
In case of suspicion of abuse, your LearnLink ID will be suspended while the
matter is investigated. If the investigation finds that abuse did not occur, your
ID will be reinstated. The appropriate faculty co-ordinator or the LearnLink
administrator can reinstate your ID.
Abuses, including but not limited to spamming (unsolicited or inappropriate
mailing of one message to multiple addresses or conferences) or commercial
promotion, may result in suspension of your account privileges. More serious
abuses could result in permanent suspension and/or be reported to university
Security Services and the Hamilton Police Computer Crimes Unit.
Help, I am being abused!
The internet connects computers throughout the world. You may find that some
of the information available via the internet is objectionable. You may find that
some of the messages sent by people on the internet are objectionable. We
have no control over other sites on the internet.
If you receive objectionable messages from people off campus you may take
one or more of the following actions:
•
ignore it
•
write to the person telling them to stop
•
forward a copy of the objectionable message to the administrator of the
off campus machine and state why you object to it (the LearnLink
administrator can assist you if you are not sure how to do this.)
•
report the abuse to the LearnLink administrator via the online form
accessible via the LearnLink 'Help Centre'.
•
if appropriate, contact McMaster Security Services or the police
•
If you receive objectionable messages from people on LearnLink, you may
take any of the actions cited above, and in addition you may:
•
if appropriate, refer to the Anti-Discrimination Policy or the Sexual
Harassment Policy
•
if appropriate, contact the Human Rights Consultant. Do NOT mail bomb
(send large amounts of mail) to the sender of the objectionable
messages. This is against the McMaster Code of Conduct for Computer
and Network Users.
If you have any questions, please contact the LearnLink administrator at
extension 26305 or learnlink.administrator@learnlink.mcmaster.ca.
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LEARNLINK START-UP OBJECTIVES
Objective #1
A. Go to – www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca
B. browse the site:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
News & Events
The Help Centre
Download LearnLink Software Client Software
Browser Access
Administrative Info
C. Download and install the LearnLink client software (see pages 9 to 12)
D. Login Successfully (see page 12 for UserID and Default Password)
E.
Change your password (see page 13, “How to create a strong password”)
Objective #2
A. Find the Anatomy & Physiology Conference (see page 16)
B. Find, print and read the following items:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Lecture Notes (when available)
Nursing Course Outline
Nursing Lab Manual
Tutorial Group Listings (found in the A&P Nursing conference)
Objective #3
A. Find and open the “Nursing” Conference
B. Browse “Nursing_Level_1” course conferences
C. Find your Level 1 PBL group conference (see page 15)
D. Send a public “Hello” or “Welcome” message to your group (see page 19)
Objective #4
A. Attend a LearnLink Technical Help Drop-In Session (Optional)
McMaster & Mohawk Sites
Conestoga Site
Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health
Sciences (IAHS)
Room: 103 (computer lab)
Thursday September 18, 2008, 8:00 to 9:00 am
Conestoga College, Doon Campus
Room: 2A304
Monday September 22, 2007, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
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LEARNLINK 9.1 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1 . Go to
http://www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca/.
2 . Click on the “Download LearnLink
Client Software” link on the left
side navigation bar.
3 . Scroll down the page and click on
the “DOWNLOAD LearnLink 9.106 ….”
that is appropriate for your
computer's operating system.
Example:
for Windows users click on
“DOWNLOAD LearnLink 9.106 for Windows”
for Mac OS X users, click on
“DOWNLOAD LearnLink 9.106 for Mac OS X”
NOTE: It is critical that you uninstall older versions of the LearnLink (or First Class software)
before installing version 9.1 (See page 1, Part A for instructions). Remember to restart your
computer if prompted to do so at the end of the uninstall process.
4. When the File Download box
appears
click “Run” or “Open” to
download the client software. (Open
option not shown).
5. Once the client software has
downloaded click “Run” again to
install the software client.
6. The InstallShield Wizard will launch by itself.
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7. A “Welcome to LearnLink Setup
Wizard” screen will appear.
Click Next to start the installation.
8. License Agreement Read the important License
Agreement information. You must
accept the terms of the agreement.
Select “I accept agreement” and
click Next.
9. Click Next at the Select Destination
Location dialogue box.
10. Click Next at the Additional Tasks
dialogue box to create a
LearnLink short-cut to your
desktop.
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11. Ready to Install the Program –
Click Install.
12. Additional Information screen Click Next
13. When LearnLink Setup Wizard is
completed, click Finish.
The LearnLink software client should
launch by itself. If not, a shortcut to
LearnLink 9.1 will appear on your
desktop. Double click the shortcut to
launch LearnLink.
14. Once LearnLink has been
launched, click on the “Setup..”
button and follow setup instructions
on the next page.
If you are unable to see the “Setup.."
button you may need to first click on
the “Advanced” option.
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SERVICE SETUP SCREEN
a. Make sure the ‘Connect Via’ settings are configured according to your connection
type.
Select LearnLink.FCP’
b. The ‘Server’ field should read:
learnlink.mcmaster.ca
c. The ‘Security Settings’ “Encryption”
should be set to: CAST-128
d. Click ‘Save’
Enter your User ID and password and click “Login”.
Students:
UserID = McMaster Student Number
Password = Date of Birth
(YYYYMMDD)
Faculty & Staff:
UserID and Password will be
email to you during the
account request and setup
process
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STRONG PASSWORDS: HOW TO CREATE AND USE THEM
You will be required to change your LearnLink Password shortly after initial login. New
LearnLink passwords must be a minimum of 8 characters long and contain a
combination of letters, numbers and/or symbols.
Create a strong, memorable password in 6 steps
Use these steps to develop a strong password:
1. Think of a sentence that you can remember. This will be the basis of your strong
password or pass phrase. Use a memorable sentence, such as "My son Aiden is three years
old."
2. Check if the computer or online system supports the pass phrase directly. If you
can use a pass phrase (with spaces between characters) on your computer or online
system, do so.
3. If the computer or online system does not support pass phrases, convert it to a
password. Take the first letter of each word of the sentence that you've created to create
a new, nonsensical word. Using the example above, you'd get: "msaityo".
4. Add complexity by mixing uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers. It is valuable to
use some letter swapping or misspellings as well. For instance, in the pass phrase above,
consider misspelling Aiden's name, or substituting the word "three" for the number 3. There
are many possible substitutions, and the longer the sentence, the more complex your
password can be. Your pass phrase might become "My SoN Ayd3N is 3 yeeRs old." If the
computer or online system will not support a pass phrase, use the same technique on the
shorter password. This might yield a password like "MsAy3yo".
5. Finally, substitute some special characters. You can use symbols that look like letters,
combine words (remove spaces) and other ways to make the password more complex.
Using these tricks, we create a pass phrase of "MySoN 8N i$ 3 yeeR$ old" or a password
(using the first letter of each word) "M$8ni3y0".
6. Test your new password with Password Checker. Password Checker is a nonrecording feature on the Microsoft site that helps determine your password's strength as
you type (See reference below to access the Password Checker).
Adapted from: Microsoft.com. (2006). Strong passwords: How to create and use them. Retrieved July 26, 2007 from
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/create.mspx
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•
•
NOTES:
TIf you are unsure whether your difficulty is a connection issue or a login issue, you
should test your login information by clicking ‘Web Login’ at the following address:
https://www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca/login/
TLearnLink users who experience difficulty connecting to the system from a different
campus or campus residence may be behind a firewall that prevents them from
accessing LearnLink using the client software. If this is the case, you will need to
contact your local network administrator. You might also consider advising the
LearnLink support staff of this issue by sending an email to: support@mcmaster.ca.
If you have adjusted your settings but are still having difficulty, please send a detailed
email to:
•
Brian Gould – Educational Technology Specialist
McMaster Mohawk Conestoga Nursing Education Consortium
brian.gould@learnlink.mcmaster.ca
or
•
The LearnLink Support Team
Learning Technologies Resource Centre (LTRC), McMaster University
support@learnlink.mcmaster.ca
Help, I forgot my password!
In the event that you changed your LearnLink password and cannot remember what
you changed it to:
send an email to passwordfix@learnlink.mcmaster.ca
•
request that your password is reset back to its default
•
you must send this request from your McMaster, Mohawk or Conestoga email
address
* LTRC will not respond to hotmail, yahoo, sympatico, etc. addresses *
•
include your McMaster Student Number and Date of Birth in the message
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WHERE’S MY NURSING COURSE
Here are some tips on how to understand the naming convention for the LearnLink
Nursing conferences and how to browse the system and find your course(s).
Nursing Conference Naming Conventions
Naming for Nursing Course conferences in LearnLink is fairly simple to understand once
you know how they’re built. Names start with a course code and semester indicator.
Then we simply add a site indicator (Mohawk, Conestoga or McMaster) and/or group
number.
** Level 1 N1F04 and N1G04 conferences are unique because of the fact that PBL and Clinical
are separate components of the same course. That is why you will see a PBL or Clinical
indicator within the conference name. In Levels 2 through 4, PBL and Clinical courses are
separate and therefore not included in the name. **
e.g.
N1F04 = Course Code
N1F04_F08 = Semester Indicator added to the course code
Mo_ N1F04_F08 = Site Indicator added to the beginning of conference name
Mo_ N1F04_F08_01 = Group Number added to the end of conference name
Nursing Navigation on LearnLink
•
Program (Nursing)
o Level (Nursing_Level_1)
Course (N1F04_PBL_F08)
• Site (Mo_N1F04_PBL_F08)
o Group Conferences (Mo_N1F04_PBL_F08_01)
e.g.
Nursing
Nursing_Level_1
N1F04_PBL_F08
Mo_N1F04_PBL_F08 Co_N1F04_PBL_F08_01
Legend
Site Indicators
Mc = McMaster Site
Mo = Mohawk Site
Co = Conestoga Site
Semester Indicators
F08 = Fall 2008
W09 = Winter 2009
S09 = Spring 2009
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WHERE’S MY ANATOMY COURSE?
Here are some tips on how to understand the naming convention for the LearnLink
Science conferences and how to browse the system and find your course(s).
Nursing Anatomy Conference Naming Conventions
Naming for Anatomy & Physiology Course conferences in LearnLink is simple to
understand once you know how they’re built. Names start with a course code /section
and semester indicator. Then we simply add a site indicator (Mohawk, Conestoga or
McMaster) and/or group number. (See Legend on the bottom of the next page)
e.g.
1H_Nursing = Course Code & Section
1H_Nursing_F08 = Semester Indicator added to the course code & section
Co_HS1H03_F08 = Site Indicator (Mo = Mohawk) added to the beginning of conference
name
Co_HS1H03_F08_A1 = Group Number added to the end of conference name
Nursing Anatomy Navigation on LearnLink
e.g.
•
P R O G R A M (Nursing)
o L E V E L (Nursing_Level_1)
C O U R S E (Anatomy_&_Physiology_F08)
• S E C T I O N (1H_Nursing_F08)
o S I T E (Co_HS1H03_F08)
• G R O U P C O N F E R E N C E (Co_HS1H03_F08_A1)
e.g
.
Nursing
Nursing_Level_1
Anatomy_&_Physiology_F08
1H_Nursing_F08
Co_Hs1H06_F08
Below is an example of what content you will find in the
“Anatomy_&_Physiology_F08" conference:
Anatomy_&_Physiology_F08
1H_Nursing_F08
Lectures/Common
Notes_F08
Course_Calendar_F08
Course_Help_F08
Course_Feedback_F08
1H_Nursing_F08
Co_Hs1H06_F08
Site Specific Conferences
Small Group Conferences
Course Outline, Lab &
Lecture Notes
Tutorial_Problems_F08
Nursing_Lab_Manual_F08
Nursing_PreLab_Quiz_F08
HS1H06_Q&A
Tutor Group Tutor
(e.g. “Co_HS1H03_F08”)
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(e.g. “Co_HS1H03_F08_A1”)
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WHERE’S MY BIOCHEMISTRY COURSE?
Here are some tips on how to find your Biochemistry (HS 1AA3 and HS 1BB3)
conference(s) in LearnLink.
Biochemistry Conference Naming Conventions
Naming for Biochemistry Course conferences in LearnLink is the same simple process as
naming Nursing courses. Read the previous page (Where’s my Nursing Course?) for an
explanation.
e.g.
HS1AA3 = Course Code
HS1AA3_F08 = Semester Indicator added to the course code
Co_HS1AA3_F08 = Site Indicator added to the beginning of conference name
Co_HS1AA3_F08_01 = Group Number added to the end of conference name
Biochemistry Navigation on LearnLink
Program (Nursing)
o Level (Nursing_Level_1)
Course (HS1AA3_F08)
• Site (Co_HS1AA3_F08)
Group Conferences (Co_HS1AA3_F08_01)
•
e.g.
Nursing
Nursing_Level_1
Hs1AA3_F08
Co_Hs1AA3_F08
Co_ Hs1AA3_F08_A
Legend
Site Indicators
Mc = McMaster Site
Mo = Mohawk Site
Co = Conestoga Site
Semester Indicators
F08 = Fall 2008
W09 = Winter 2009
S09 = Spring 2009
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LEARNLINK EMAIL ADDRESS
LearnLink is not only a great internal communications platform, it can also function as a
standard email/messaging client.
Generally speaking, LearnLink uses the firstname.lastname@learnlink.mcmaster.ca
format when determining email addresses. However, there are exceptions.
Follow the steps below to figure out your LearnLink email address:
1.
Open the LearnLink directory. (select, ‘Collaborate’,then ‘Directory…’ from the menu bar)
2. Type your name into the ‘Pattern’ box.
3. The directory narrows its search and re-displays the names which match the search
criteria (ie. your name).
4. Find your name in the list.
5. The way your name appears in the LearnLink directory is exactly how your email
address will be, (including middle initials).
Simply replace any spaces with periods (.).
For example:
Colin G. Czerneda = colin.g.czerneda@learnlink.mcmaster.ca
Colin Czerneda = colin.czerneda@learnlink.mcmaster.ca
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PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC MESSAGES
LearnLink (FirstClass) offers the ability to send both Private messages (i.e. email)
and public messages (i.e. on-line discussion groups or news groups).
Private Messages
Sending a “Private” message in LearnLink is identical to sending an email with
the exception that you need not know the email address of your recipient. You
only need to know their name.
From your LearnLink desktop click on the
‘New Message’ button.
Place your curser in the ‘To:’ field and
type the name of your target recipient.
Press Enter.
If an exact match is found in the
LearnLink directory the name will be
validated and a small icon will appear to
the left of the name.
If the directory does not find an exact
match, a directory window will open
displaying the closest matches. Browse
the list and select the person of your
choosing.
Complete your message by filling in the Subject, and typing your note in the
message body.
Click Send.
A copy of all messages will appear in your LearnLink Mailbox.
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Public Messages
From your LearnLink desktop click on
“Nursing” and browse to your course
conference.
Once you’ve found your group
conference Double-Click on the
Example
conference icon to open.
Within the course conference click the
‘New Message’ button.
A new message will open and
automatically be addressrd to the
conference.
Complete your message by filling in the Subject, and typing your note in the
message body.
Click Send.
A copy of all messages will appear in your LearnLink Mailbox.
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LEARNLINK QUICK TIPS
Create a Note/Message
Click on the “New” button on the toolbar.
Select “New Message’ from the drop down
to create a new message.
Once you have written your
note, press the “send” button.
Reply to a note
Open the note that you want to reply to and click
on the reply button. A new note is created with
no text in the body of the note. You will notice
that the address is already filled in for you.
* Consider using the “Reply with a Quote” for
your messages since that reminds the recipient
what you are replying about. *
Reply with a quote
Highlight a portion of the note to which you wish
to respond.
Then click on the “Reply with a quote” icon and a
new note will be created with the address filled in
and the portion of the note you highlight quoted
with the name of the original author of the quote.
Note: If you do not highlight part of the message,
the entire previous message will be included in your
response.
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LEARNLINK QUICK TIPS,
CONT’D
Change your Password
Click on ‘Collaborate’ and ‘Change
Password’ from the menu bar. You will
need to type your old password once and
the new password twice. Then OK.
Attach a file
Open a new message and then
click on the paper clip icon. This
is similar to most email programs.
You will then be prompted to go
to the file that you want to attach.
Click on the file you want and click on ‘Open’.
Then send your message.
History of Notes/Messages
Please note that for every message
in LearnLink, there is a history.
That allows everyone to see when
a message was created, who has
viewed it and when. This is a very
helpful tool in communication. To see the
history, click on a message once to highlight it.
Then click on the History button icon
(displayed just above).
Build a thread of Discussion
Once someone posts a note, do not
change the subject heading on the
note to keep the “thread” of the
discussion together.
See example on the right.
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LearnLink Practice Tasks
1. Go to www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca
a. Visit download page
b. Go to Help Centre
2. Create a Note/Message
a. Send a message to a person
b. Send a message to a conference
c. Add an attachment
3. Reply
a.
b.
c.
d.
to a Note
Simple reply
Reply with a specific quote (highlight)
Reply quoting entire message
Reply vs. Reply sender
4. View Note History
5. Preferences
a. Calendaring
b. Content
c. Messaging
d. Signature
6. Change Password
7. Tour Personal Mailbox
a. Quota
b. File maintenance
8. Private Chat
a. Transcript set-up
b. Refuse invitations
9.
Show Presence
10.
System ResumW
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Information about Computer Hardware and Software
to Support Learning
in the McMaster Mohawk Conestoga BScN Program
As a Nursing student, you will be expected to use a computer and the Internet as tools to
support your learning. A number of computer labs are available to you at various locations at
the three sites. However, you may find it more convenient to have your own computer. Below
you will find suggested minimum computer requirements depending on your circumstances,
which take into consideration your financial resources and where you will live.
Nursing Program Requirements: A number of nursing courses require the use of online
searching and conferencing software (LearnLink/FirstClass) as well as CD-ROM based
materials and on-line streaming media. Two alternatives are suggested depending on whether
you plan to buy a new system or you already own a computer. These requirements would
meet the McMaster online requirements above.
What if you are buying a new computer system?
The following minimum requirements are suggested for purchase of a new microcomputer.
We anticipate, but cannot guarantee that such a system will serve you for the 4 years of the
program.
Mac or PC: Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo Processor, equivalent Celeron or AMD CPU with
minimum 2.1 GHz clock speed with Windows XP, Vista or Mac OSX Leopard operating
system.
1 GB of Random Access Memory (RAM)
Colour monitor
USB Memory Stick (2 GB is recommended)
CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive
80 GB Hard Disk Drive
10/100 Base-T Ethernet network adapter required for access to the Internet
directly at the University (in residence) or using either a High Speed phone
modem (ADSL) or cable modem, or a 56K baud modem for slower speed
telephone Internet access.
!
Students purchasing a laptop/notebook computer are advised to get wireless
network capability (IEEE 802.11g) since wireless connections are available on
McMaster and Mohawk Health Science and Conestoga Doon campuses.
Internet connection (cable or high speed internet is highly recommended, but
not essential since internet access is available on campus)
Sound capability (card, speakers)
Students should own or have access to a printer
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What if you already own a computer?
Systems with the following specifications should be initially satisfactory but may require
upgrading during the course of your undergraduate studies. The older system may result in
slower operation, which you will have to balance against the cost of a new system.
Celeron, Pentium III or AMD CPU running at, at least 1 GHz, with MS Windows 2000 /
XP, Mac OSX (Cheetah). Windows 95 and ME are not compatible with our current
messaging/conferencing systems and other software
512 MB of RAM
Colour monitor
8O GB Hard Disk Drive,
CD-ROM Optical Drive (a CD/DVD +/- RW Drive is recommended)
USB Memory Stick (1 GB is recommended)
Internet connection (cable or high speed internet is highly recommended but not
essential since Internet access is available on campus) - IEEE 802.11g network card
required on campus
Sound capability (card, speakers)
Students should own or have access to a printer
What about software?
A specification has been developed for word processing and other software applications used
by the program. The required software is:
Microsoft Office (2003 or higher), which includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Access
Open Office software is a free alternative to Microsoft Office and available free online
at http://www.openoffice.org/
Current Web Browser: The latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer (Version 7.xx)
or Mozilla FireFox (Version 2.xx), Safari (Version 3.xx) [all free online]
An anti-virus software program (with update contract to keep current – included with
most commercial). Sophos Antivirus software is free for all McMaster students, staff,
faculty and retirees. Download free at https://antivirus.mcmaster.ca/ (MacID
required).
LearnLink client. Instructions on how to download the client software which supports
the online conferencing system (LearnLink) is in this handbook. The software is free.
Adobe Acrobat Reader - Download free at http://www.adobe.com
Adobe Flash Player - Download free at http://www.adobe.com
Windows Media Player - Download free at http://www.microsoft.com
Apple QuickTime player - Download free at http://www.apple.com/ca/quicktime/
Java Software - Download free at http://www.java.com/
What about email and on-line services?
All LearnLink users will be provided an email address as part of the service that may be
accessed anywhere via LearnLink client software or via the web at
www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca.
Plus, each site (McMaster, Mohawk and Conestoga) will have its own separate email and
network systems in place. See the site specific information on the next few pages for further
details.
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On-Line Services for Collaborative Students
www.mcmaster.ca
ALL B.SC.N. STUDENTS:
Regardless of which site you are based at (McMaster, Mohawk, Conestoga) you will refer to
the following information related to setting up MacID, McMaster student email, accessing the
Health Science Library’s licensed electronic resources, accessing McMaster networks and
M.U.G.S.I. (McMaster University General Student Information).
University Technology Services (U.T.S.) Portal of I.T. links and resources:
o
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/studentcomputing.htm
MacID information:
o
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid/
M.U.G.S.I. (McMaster University General Student Information):
o
For setting up MacID and accessing General Student Information
o
https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca/
Undergraduate Email (MUSS) Login page:
o
https://muss.cis.mcmaster.ca/
Sophos Antivirus Software (free for McMaster students and staff):
o
https://antivirus.mcmaster.ca/
LibAccess (Health Science Library's licensed electronic resources):
o
http://library.mcmaster.ca/libaccess.htm
MacConnect – Campus Wireless Network information:
o
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/network/wireless/
LearnLink Homepage:
o
http://www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca
McMaster WebCT Homepage:
o
http://www.ltrc.mcmaster.ca/webct/index.shtml
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www.mohawkcollege.ca
MOHAWK SITE STUDENTS:
If you are based at the Mohawk College site you should refer to your Fee Statement for
information about access to the College’s Web Portal “MoCoMotion” (email, college
announcements, etc.). Also, check McMaster online information for access to your McMaster
email and M.U.G.S.I. (McMaster University General Student Information). See McMaster Links
on previous page.
Web Portal “MoCoMotion”: https://mocomo.mohawkcollege.ca/
Student Services: http://www.mohawkstudents.ca
www.conestogac.on.ca
CONESTOGA SITE STUDENTS:
If you are based at the Conestoga College site you should refer to the information in your
orientation package (to come in the mail) for information about access to the student Portal,
College email and external access to the College network. Also, check McMaster online
information for access to your McMaster email and M.U.G.S.I. (McMaster University General
Student Information). See McMaster Links on previous page.
Student Portal: https://portal.conestogac.on.ca/
WebMail: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/about/emails.jsp
Student Services: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/current/index.jsp
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McMaster-Mohawk-Conestoga Collaborative Nursing Program
I.T. Communication Policy
Purpose:
The I.T. Communication Policy refers to all on-line communication related to B.Sc.N.
Program-related activities.
This policy is additional to:
• McMaster University’s Code of Conduct for Computer and Network Users (2003) –
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/policy/netcond.htm
• Mohawk College’s Information Technology Security Policy (2003) http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/policies/CorpSect1/C120.PDF
• Conestoga College’s Student Code of Conduct Policy (2007) http://www.conestogac.on.ca/registrar/policyprocedures/codeofconduct.pdf
General Information:
All students must use LearnLink for B.Sc.N. Program-related communication.
The B.Sc.N. program will post “all-use” broadcast messages on LearnLink.
Students are responsible for accessing LearnLink regularly (daily, Monday to Friday is
recommended) to receive “all-use” broadcast messages.
Any on-line group member may be removed from an on-line group for breach of
the B.Sc.N. Program IT Communication Policy.
General Guidelines:
Students and faculty will always use professional, respectful language in any on-line
communication. Swearing, vulgar and offensive language, use of all upper case text (flaming)
and jokes are unacceptable.
Individuals are responsible for messages they send. Please check the accuracy and tone of
information before it is sent to others.
Be aware of personal privacy and confidentiality issues. Do no send out information about
others without their permission. Think carefully about when it is appropriate to “reply all”
rather than to the sender alone. Also, think about forwarding messages without the
permission of the originator of the message.
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McMaster-Mohawk-Conestoga Collaborative Nursing Program
I.T. Communication Policy Cont’d
Course-Related Communication:
On Line Participation and Evaluation:
Participation within small group conferences in LearnLink is not an extension of classroom
time. The expectation is that the hours allotted to course classroom time are sufficient to
meet course learning objectives. Small group conferences are simply a tool for student
preparation for class, but it is not a required tool. Student postings and interaction within
LearnLink small group conferences should be considered the equivalent of a student study
group and communication forum.
Since small group postings in LearnLink are not part of course requirement, they will not be
used to evaluate student performance. The results of student study activities will be apparent
in PBL tutorial performance, and can be evaluated by faculty in classroom discussions.
PBL and other non-clinical courses:
Remember that everyone is a learner. Be forgiving of others’ mistakes and provide feedback
in a constructive manner.
Review the document “Nine Tips for Providing Feedback”. This applies to on-line as well as
face-to-face communication. Focus on behavior, not the character of the other person when
providing feedback. Ensure that your postings are concise, valuable and of high quality.
Be aware of personal and group privacy issues. Group issues are to stay within the group.
Clinical Courses:
Ensure client confidentiality. Do not provide information in your IT communication that could
identify the client (person, family, community, etc.) in any way (e.g., room number, initials,
unique diagnoses or client circumstances). Do not post information that identifies placement
agencies, patients, or peers in on-line blogs (eg. facebook) and do not share share this
information with the media.
Use I.T. equipment and communication in educational, research and clinical practice settings
for professional purposes only. Failure to adhere to the IT communication policy places
students at risk for academic or legal consequences. Students are responsible for being aware
of the implications of the communication technology they are using.
Revised June 2007 NICT
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NINE TIPS FOR GIVING FEEDBACK
Feedback can provide valuable learning opportunities, making us more aware of what we do, and how we do it.
By increasing our ability to change and modify our behaviours, we can become more effective in our interactions
with others. The following is a brief outline of some important considerations when giving feedback.
Focus your feedback on…
Behaviour rather than the person
Focusing on behaviour implies that it is related to a specific situation and that the behaviour can be changed.
It is less threatening to hear comments about one’s behaviours than one’s personal traits.
Observations rather than inferences
Observations refer to the facts – the “what, when, where and how” of a person’s behaviour. In contrast, the
“why” of the behaviour can only be inferred. Inferences come from interpretations that we form and
conclusions that we draw. Often, inferences contaminate our observations, thus clouding feedback.
Description rather than judgment
A description represents neutral (as far as possible) reporting, whereas a judgment arises from a personal
frame of reference or values.
Descriptions of behaviour which are “more or less” rather than “either-or”
The “more or less” terminology implies a continuum on which participation as being on a continuum. In that
way, participation can be described in a range varying from “low” to “high” participation. Thus, the
terminology is as objective and meaningful as possible.
Behaviour related to a specific situation in the “here and now”
We increase our understanding of behaviour by relating the behaviour to time and place. Feedback is generally
meaningful if given as soon as appropriate after the observation or reaction occurs. By doing this, the
feedback is likely to be concrete and relatively free of time-lapse distortions.
Appropriate timing and location
Because feedback can involve strong emotional reactions, be sensitive to the time and place. Excellent
feedback presented in an inappropriate time or place can do more harm than good. Feedback that is
perceived as humiliating is never effective.
Sharing ideas, information and alternatives
Rather than giving advice, share ideas and information and explore a variety of alternatives. The recipient of
the feedback is free to make personal decisions about thoughts, ideas, events and future actions.
The value of the feedback that it can have for the recipient. Remember, feedback is a gift.
Help and feedback need to be given as an offer, not as an imposition. Focus on the value it has for the person
receiving the feedback, not the person giving the feedback.
The amount of feedback that the receiver can use
When we give more feedback than the person receiving it can effectively manage, it reduces the possibility
that the feedback will be used. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Giving feedback requires understanding, skill,
courage and respect for others.
Adapted from: Lehner, G.F. (1975). Aids for giving and receiving feedback.
San Diego: CA. University Associates.
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M.U.G.S.I. & MACID INFORMATION
(McMaster University Gateway to Student Information)
The M.U.G.S.I. Home page can be used to access Student Information, Mac ID
account activation and Password reset, access to Undergraduate E-Mail, Meal plan
information and much, much more.
Go to
https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca
or
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid/
for further information.
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LibAccess
LibAccess lets you access McMaster University Library licensed electronic
resources.
To set up a LibAccess account, follow the steps below:
1. Go to http://library.mcmaster.ca
2. Click on the door icon.
3. When the sign-on page appears, click on “First time user”
4. Agree to the conditions of use
5. Use the 14 digit barcode on your McMaster student card to create your
LibAccess user name and password.
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MOHAWK COLLEGE WEB PORTAL
“MOCOMOTION”
http://mocomo.mohawkcollege.ca
MoCoMotion UserID and passwords are found on your Mohawk College Fee
Statement. (example below)
UserID is generally your first and last name in the following format:
firstname.lastname@mohawkcollege.ca
* some exceptions apply
Default password is your Date of Birth in the following format: MMDDYY
- upon first login you will be prompted to change your password
(Month,Date,Year)
Technical assistance can be found on the MoCoMotion home page or
contact the Mohawk College Helpdesk if you still need help:
•
e-mail: helpdesk@mohawkcollege.ca
•
phone: 905-575-2199
•
room: C122E, Fennell campus
Example
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CONESTOGA COLLEGE
NOVEL NETWORK LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS
(Instructions provided by the Registrar’s Office at Conestoga College)
Please follow these instructions carefully:
S C R E E N 1 : Novel login.
• Click on the Username field
• Enter your Network login – Username-cc.STU
• Press the tab key
• Enter your default password – Conestoga Student #
• Click on OK
S C R E E N 2 : Confirm.
• Click on YES to change your password (this is mandatory)
S C R E E N 3 : Change Password (if prompted).
• Enter your new password (min. 6 characters)
• Press the Tab key and Retype your new password
• Click on OK
S C R E E N 4 : Login Results. (This screen may or may not appear)
• You will see the message “Your password has been changed”
• Click on CLOSE
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S : Windows Desktop should now appear.
Technical assistance is available at the Conestoga Student Services & Resources web
page or by contacting the Conestoga College Helpdesk:
•
http://www.conestogac.on.ca/studentsvc/computersvc/index.jsp
•
e-mail: helpdesk@conestogac.on.ca
•
phone: 519-748-5220 ext. 3444
•
room: 1E19, Doon campus
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REMOVING “TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES” AND
“CACHE MEMORY” FROM INTERNET EXPLORER,
MOZILLA FIREFOX AND NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR
If you are using the Web Login to access LearnLink from a shared or public computer
it is very important to know you may be leaving behind traces of your
correspondences.
This is especially important when considering the private and sensitive
nature of Clinical information!
The pages below give instructions on how to remove these traces. This
procedure should be performed each and every time you exchange sensitive
information via LearnLink Web Login on a public or shared computer.
(i.e. Computer lab, internet café, friends computer, etc.).
“Temporary Internet Files” and “Cache Memory” are essential the same thing which
are referred to by different names in the various software. The procedure to clear
temporary internet files and cache memory is slightly different depending on which
browser and version of browser you are using.
To determine which version you are using follow the steps below;
1. From the Menu Bar of your internet web browser select ‘Help’.
2. From the Help drop down menu select “About Netscape”, “About Internet
Explorer” or “About FireFox”.
3. A window will open indicating which version you are using.
WHICH
BROWSER ARE YOU USING?
•
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 – refer to page 35
•
Mozilla FireFox 2.0 – refer to page 37
•
Netscape Navigator 9.0 – refer to page 38
•
For instructions on older browsers go to http://www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca/~brian.gould/cache/
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REMOVING “TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES”
FROM
MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER 7.0
1. Click on ‘Tools’ from the menu bar
2. From the Tools drop down menu select ‘Internet Options’
3. Under the “General” Tab there is a sub heading named “Browsing history”.
Click on the ‘Delete…’ button.
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4. In the ‘Delete Browsing History’ dialogue box click on the ‘Delete all…’ button.
5. Make sure the
“Also delete files and setting
stored by add-ons.” box is
checked.
6. Click yes
7. The delete process may take a few
moments
8. Click OK to close Internet Options
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CLEAR “CACHE”
MEMORY FROM
MOZILLA FIREFOX 2.0
1. Click on ‘Tools’ from the menu bar
2. From the Tools drop down menu select ‘Options’
3. In the Options window click on the ‘Privacy’ tab on the top of the window. This
expands the “Privacy” menu below.
4. Click on “Clear Now…” button under the ‘Privacy Data’ sub-heading lick on the
‘Cache’ tab
5. The delete process may take a few moments
6. Click OK
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CLEAR “CACHE”
MEMORY FROM
NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR 9.0
1. Click on ‘Tools’ from the menu bar
2. From the Tools drop down menu select ‘Options’
3. In the Options window click on the ‘Privacy’ tab on the top of the window. This
expands the “Privacy” menu below.
4. Click on “Clear Now…” button under the ‘Privacy Data’ sub-heading lick on the
‘Cache’ tab
5. The delete process may take a few moments
6. Click OK
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