A Beginner’s Guide to Online Learning
in the Digital Media ZONE
at the University of Missouri
E-mail: zone@missouri.edu
Web: http://zone.missouri.edu
Phone: 573-882-1653, 877-848-9663 (Toll Free)
© 2008 Digital Media Zone
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Last revised by Digital Media Zone: January 10, 2011
Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t
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Welcome to the Digital Media Zone
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1.1
What is the Zone?
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1.2
Where Is It Located?
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1.3
What Kinds Of Courses Are Offered by the Zone?
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Are You Ready?
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2.1
Your MU PawPrint and Password (for MU e-mail and online course access)
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2.2
System Requirements
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Checking Your MU E-mail
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3.1
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If You Already Know Your PawPrint and Password:
Accessing Your Online Course
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4.1
Logging In To Sakai
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4.2
A First Look at SAKAI
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Where Can I Get Help With Problems?
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Becoming a Successful Online Student
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6.1
Preparing for Success
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6.2
Seeking Help When You Need It
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6.3
Working Collaboratively with Your Fellow Students
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Digital Media ZONE Hardware and Software
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7.1
Zone Equipment List
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7.1.1
Equipment for use in the Zone
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7.1.2
Zone equipment you can check out
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7.2
Checkout Policy
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7.2.1
Hardware Checkout Policy
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7.2.2
Software Use Policy
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1
1.1
Welcome to the Digital Media Zone
What is the Zone?
The ZONE is a physical and virtual space/place where you can receive help and support from
those who have special knowledge and skills, but where you are ultimately responsible for your
own learning. Your instructor and the ZONE Mentors do not teach you in a traditional classroom
approach. They help you learn by providing guidance and support while you learn by doing.
The ZONE is staffed by Mentors (Faculty and PhD students from the MU School of Information
Science & Learning Technologies) who are focused on helping you learn by doing.
1.2
Where Is It Located?
The ZONE is part of the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies in the College of
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Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. It is physically located in 201D of the Reflector
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in Townsend Hall on the main campus of University of Missouri. The Reflector is a technology-rich
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support environment for students enrolled in the MU College of Education.
To learn more about the ZONE and the full range of support for online students enrolled in Digital
Media Zone courses offered by the ZONE, please visit http://zone.missouri.edu.
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Here are directions and a map to the Zone http://map.missouri.edu/
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The ZONE is located in
201D of the Reflector in
Townsend Hall.
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1.3
What Kinds Of Courses Are Offered by the ZONE?
The diagram below is our suggested sequence of courses for ZONE students. If you have prior
experience with Digital Media or Web Development, you may start at any point within this
diagram and work down. When you reach the bottom of one track, you can jump over to another
or work on more than one simultaneously. The exact order you take through our courses really
depends on you. If you have any questions, please contact the ZONE at zone@missouri.edu.
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We recommend that you start with Introduction to Digital Media, Introduction to Web
Development, or both. These courses will introduce you to the world of Digital Media. From
there, you can begin our Web Development courses. If you want more details,
visit http://zone.missouri.edu/courses.html.
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© 2008 Digital Media Zone
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2
A r e Yo u R e a d y ?
The first step to accessing online courses in which you have enrolled is to ensure that you have
your MU PawPrint ID and Password (which you need to access the course delivery system and
check your MU e-mail account). You should also have the appropriate system requirements
(PC and Internet access) to access online courses, or be able to access a PC & the Internet
from your school, work place, or local library.
2.1
Your MU PawPrint and Password
(for MU e-mail and online course access)
If you are a new student at the University, you must first obtain and activate your MU
PawPrint.
You should have received PawPrint information either in the mail or e-mail with this
information when you registered for courses or a degree program. You can activate your PawPrint
from: http://doit.missouri.edu/accounts/pawprints.html.
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MU Direct Students:
If you have not received information about setting up your PawPrint and Mizzou e-mail account,
contact MU Direct at MUdirect@missouri.edu. If you received the information and are having
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problems activating your account, please call 573-882-5000 for assistance, or contact Mizzou IT
Help Desk at http://doit.missouri.edu/help/.
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On Campus Students:
You should know your PawPrint ID and password from past semesters, or have this information
already available to you. If you received the information and are having problems activating your
account, please contact Mizzou IT Help Desk at http://doit.missouri.edu/help/ or call 573-882HU
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5000 for assistance.
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2.2
System Requirements
Most of the online courses offered by the Digital Media Zone are offered via a course delivery
system called Sakai. You can learn more about Sakai at http://sakaiproject.org. Online courses
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require you to have ready access to a PC (Windows, Mac or Linux) and the Internet. Take a look
at the table below. If you find any potential problems with your computer or Internet setup,
please take action early so that it won’t prevent you from being successful in your online courses.
Component
Requirement
Internet
56K modem with dial-up Internet access.
DSL or Cable Internet access is even better but not necessary for most online
course content
Ethernet or other form of broadband Internet access.
 SPECIAL NOTE:
Some students with satellite Internet service may find their
online courses do not load quickly or consistently due to satellite Internet design
issues.
Browser
THE PREFERRED WEB BROWSER FOR USE WITH SAKAI IS MOZILLA FIREFOX.
We encourage you to download a FREE copy of FireFox Browser
(http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/) and install it on the computer(s) you
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will use for online courses offered via Sakai.
Operating
Windows XP / Mac OS X or higher
System
Software
Each course will require students to have access to specific software on a regular
basis. You will receive detailed information on this from the course syllabus and
your Instructor.
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3
C h e c k i n g Yo u r M U E - m a i l
All MU students receive their own MU e-mail and web storage account. Zone Course
Instructors communicate with students using your MU e-mail address. Therefore, you
need to check your MU e-mail account at least once a day while enrolled in online courses offered
by the Digital Media Zone. You can check MU e-mail via the Web or using your normal e-mail
program.
3.1
If You Already Know Your PawPrint and Password:
Open a browser and type http://webmail.mizzou.edu/ into the address bar.
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When the screen below is displayed, click on the “Click Here to Log In” button in the center.
Enter your Windows Live ID (pawprint@mail.missouri.edu) and your password, and then click on
the Sign In button.
NOTE: For help with the student e-mail system, please contact Mizzou IT Help Desk
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at http://doit.missouri.edu/help/ or call 573-882-5000 for assistance.
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NOTE: If you have not received an e-mail with information on how to get started with your

course from your instructor by the first day of the semester, please contact the ZONE
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at zone@missouri.edu or call 877-848-9663 or 573-882-1653.
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A c c e s s i n g Yo u r O n l i n e C o u r s e
All Digital Media Zone courses are offered via Sakai, an
online course delivery system. If you have not
You need your MU PawPrint ID
previously used this course delivery system, it might be
and Password to log into Sakai.
a good idea take a look around in Sakai prior to the
start of the semester.
4.1
Login into Sakai
 NOTE: The preferred Web browser for use with Sakai is Mozilla Firefox. We recommend you
to download a FREE copy of the latest version of the Firefox browser
(http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/) and install it on the computer(s) you will use for
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courses offered via Sakai.
1. To access the University of Missouri Sakai Course(s) use the following
URL: https://sakai.missouri.edu/portal
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2. To gain access to your course(s) from the Web page above, login by entering your regular MU
Pawprint as a user id, and password in the designated fields and clicking on the Login button.
Put your MU Pawprint for user id
and your MU Password for
password
© 2008 Digital Media Zone
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 IMPORTANT: To access the SAKAI courses in which you are enrolled, use your regular MU
Pawprint ID and Password.
4.2
First Look at SAKAI
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When you first log into Sakai, you are presented with the “My Workspace” page. Your “My
Workspace” is a private work area which only YOU can access.
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On the Menu Bar next to My Workspace, each ZONE online course you are enrolled in will be
listed separately as a TAB across the top of the page. Click on a course tab to access the course.
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Left
Navigation
Bar
Horizontal Tab Menu
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5
Where Can I Get Help With Problems?
What is my PawPrint ID?
How can I activate my PawPrint?
Where is the nearest computer lab?
What software is available in the MU computer labs?
Mizzou IT
Where can I download SFTP programs?
Why can’t I connect to my Bengal Space?
How much space is left in my Bengal Space?
Help Desk:
Phone: 573-882-5000
Website: http://doit.missouri.edu/help/
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Homepage:
http://doit.missouri.edu/
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How can I check my MU web mail?
How much printing quota is left in my account?
My computer crashed, and I need computer repair.
MU Direct
For OFF CAMPUS Students only!!
How do I register for an online course?
How do I know that I am enrolled?
Phone: 573-882-3598
Toll-Free: 1-800-545-2604
Where to access my online course?
What other online courses are available from MU?
What if I want to drop a class?
Email: MUdirect@missouri.edu
Office: 102 Whitten Hall
How does billing work? / What do courses cost?
Homepage: http://mudirect.missouri.edu/
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What and where is the Digital Media ZONE?
What are ZONE hours?
What other courses does the ZONE offer?
What kinds of support does the ZONE provide?
What is Sakai?
Where can I access Sakai?
I am having problems using Sakai.
What is the required software for my ZONE course?
What are the prerequisites for my ZONE course?
I need assistance with my ZONE coursework.
I need to borrow equipment for my ZONE coursework.
© 2008 Digital Media Zone
Digital Media ZONE
Phone: 573-882-1653
Toll-Free: 1-877-848-9663
Email: zone@missouri.edu
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Office: 201D Townsend Hall
Homepage: http://zone.missouri.edu/
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6
Becoming a Successful Online Student
Learning online from Web-based instruction may be a new experience for you. Although there
are many similarities to face-to-face instruction, there are important differences as well. We
hope that the following suggestions will help you adapt to the distance learning environment,
maximize its strengths for your learning, and help you find ways to become a successful online
student.
6.1
Preparing for Success
Define Time and Space: It helps to establish a definite time and place for studying.
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Developing a habit pattern and a familiar study location will help you make regular progress
and increase your effectiveness. This not only makes your study more pleasant, it helps your
mind become more focused.
Course Calendar: Some students find it helpful to create a personal course calendar to keep
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track of the completion of their assignments, exams, group projects, etc. It allows them to
think ahead and visualize progress.
Be Aware of Computing Habits: At home, you may use the computer for games or while you
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are doing something else -- eating, talking on the telephone, etc. You may pay attention
only to the portions of the computer program in which you have great interest. Participating
in an online course is not like that. You need to stay focused on the content, ask questions,
share ideas, and participate fully in the learning activities presented.
6.2
Seeking Help When You Need It
Be Assertive. If you have a question or comment, you must be willing to send a note to the
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instructor or your fellow classmates. One of the best things about this type of group
communication is that other students are willing to help answer questions. Initially some
students feel that they are taking a big risk by showing that they do not understand.
Remember that the instructor or other students cannot see you to realize that you are
confused, interested in sharing an idea, or having difficulty with the technology.

Contact a ZONE Mentor when you need help. The ZONE Mentors are here to help you and
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you should contact them anytime you need help with anything related to this course.
See http://zone.missouri.edu/support/support.html.
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Use Online Help Features. If you need help with using Sakai, check the Help feature on the
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menu bar. Sometimes a Net search will help you discover solutions to technology problems.
If you are exploring the Internet, many sites have a link to "Frequently Asked Questions"
(FAQs).
Share Your Thoughts and Opinions. Let your instructor know how you feel about the
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effectiveness of participating in a distance education environment like the Internet. Your
input will help the instructor plan for future distance course delivery.
6.3
Working Collaboratively with Your Fellow Students
Many online courses incorporate some type of group work (i.e., discussions, peer reviews, small
group projects, etc.). Being an effective group member requires an attitude of collaboration.
Collaboration is defined as the process of reaching goals as a group that cannot be achieved
efficiently or effectively by acting singly (Bruner, 1991).
Benefits of Collaboration. Most students find time invested in interaction and collaborative
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efforts produces benefits both for themselves and fellow group members. These benefits
include a better or stronger product/discussion/project; a broader exchange of new
information; greater coordination of talents or services; and combined resources for shared
goals.
Group Communication. Groups seem to be most effective when there is frequent
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communication for the sharing of ideas, plans, disagreements, and consensus. In a WWW
course, communication is often accomplished through discussion board postings, email, and
instant messaging.
Group Skills. Groups seem to accomplish more when everyone shares in the
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* vision for a successful project
* investment of risk and/or resources
* ownership and credit
* decision-making
* investment of time (i.e., to build trust, respect, and accomplish goals).
These guidelines occur more easily if members of the group focus on relationship skills like
respect for self and others, honoring one's own and others' needs, setting limits, listening
and responding, tolerating ambiguity and conflict, and commitment.
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Group Roles. Effective group projects do not usually "just happen." They take a willingness
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and effort from all the members. That willingness and effort are frequently demonstrated as
group members assume a variety of group-process-roles. In fact, some group members may
often have more than one role at a time. The following chart provides an overview of roles
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that can either encourage or discourage group accomplishment. (Source: ET-MO Internet basics
for beginners.)
7
Digital Media ZONE Hardware and Software
7.1
Zone Equipment List
7.1.1
Equipment for use in the Zone
6 Macintosh Computers (4 iMacs, 1 G5 digital video editing station, 1 G4 image editing station)
4 PC/WinXP computers (1 Dell P5 digital video editing station, 1 Sony Viao, 2 PC/iMacs)
Sony miniDV professional video editing deck w/ scroll pad
Wacom Drawing Tablet / HP Scanner
Yamaha Midi Keyboard (for composing music using Apple GarageBand)
2 high quality USB Microphones
Analog to Digital converter (for converting VHS and SVHS tapes to digital video)
7.1.2
Zone equipment you can check out
2 CANON miniDV camcorders (XL1, XL1S)
The Reflector (http://education.missouri.edu/reflector/first_time.php) also has equipment you
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can check out for use in Zone courses.
7.2
Checkout Policy
7.2.1
Hardware Checkout Policy
ZONE students can check out equipment (cameras, camcorders, microphones, laptops) from the
Digital Media ZONE or the Reflector for use in class projects. Equipment can be checked out for 3
days at a time, with one renewal period possible. Please call or email the ZONE to check the
availability of any equipment you need.
7.2.2
Software Use Policy
The ZONE has the necessary software required for completing ZONE course projects available on
both PC and Mac computers located in the ZONE or the Reflector. Because of the limited storage
space on ZONE computers, please bring a personal storage disc or device (a DVD, CD, portable
hard drive, USB jump drive, etc) to save your projects. Any student files or projects saved on
ZONE computers will be deleted at the end of each week. Reflector Lab computers
delete files at midnight EVERY DAY.
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