Frequently Asked Questions about iStudy

Q: The link to the video on the Notetaking Information page in the Notetaking module doesn't work. How can I fix it?
A: Starting Fall semester, 2006, Penn State has installed a QuickTime Streaming Video Server. This server replaces the VideoCharger server that was being used to stream video. The video file for the Notetaking module was moved to the new server, so the URL has changed.

To fix the link,

• click the "Edit" button in front of the "Notetaking Information" file on the "Lessons" page ("Content" page in ANGLE groups).
• Below the box called "Page Text" where the HTML code is displayed, click the "HTML Editor" link.
• Scroll down to near the bottom of the page and find the link to the video. Change the URL to https://streaming.psu.edu/media/?movieId=959.
• Save the file and check to link to be sure it works.

Q: Some of the formatting for the modules seems to be controlled by a cascading style sheet housed outside of ANGEL. How do I make changes to this style sheet?
A: There is no way to give individuals access to the general style sheet used for all of the modules. Instead, you will need to download the style sheet, make the changes you want, place the revised style sheet on a Web server to which you have access, and then change the link in the module pages to access your revised style sheet.

Q: Is there a way to have students submit their responses to the reflective questions?
A:The "My Notes" tool which is used for reflective questions is only available to each individual user -- the responses aren't viewable by the course or group owners or editors. If you would like to be able to see the student responses to the questions, you could set up a message board where students could be required to post responses. Another option would be for students to copy and paste from the "My Notes" tool to a word processing document which could then be submitted.

Q: I imported a module, but the only text I can see are the headings.
A: The color schemes for the modules are based on the "default" theme in ANGEL. If you have customized your color scheme, or are using a different theme than the default, colors may not display correctly. Select a different color scheme or use the default theme to correct the problem.

Q:Is there a way to preview the modules?
A: Each module title on the Module Descriptions page links to the content of the module. However, the activities will only work from within ANGEL, so you will need to access the modules from within ANGEL to preview the activities.

Q: What do I need to do to use the modules?
A: Anyone with a Penn State Access account can use the modules. Follow the directions on the Getting Access page.

Q: Can students outside the Penn State community use the iStudy modules?
A: Yes. The iStudy modules are designed to work from within the Penn State Course Management System, ANGEL. If you are a member of the Penn State community and have a Penn State Access account, you can create a Group in ANGEL and import the modules.

If the students you work with aren't members of the Penn State community, they can get Friends of Penn State (FPS) accounts. Then, using their FPS IDs, you can register non-PSU community members into the Group that you created.

Q: Will the iStudy modules always be available?
A: The iStudy modules are designed to work from within ANGEL.The modules should be available for as long as Penn State provides access to ANGEL. Also, the modules are designed to be owned by faculty, staff, and students. Once you create a Group and import the modules into your Group, or import the modules into your Course, you will be the one controlling content, availability, and access.

Q: What if I like the content, but would like to change a few things?
A: Because you import the iStudy modules into a Group or Course that you own, you can customize the content to meet your needs. The iStudy modules use standard ANGEL tools, so you will need to know how to use ANGEL in order to customize the modules.

Although Penn State retains copyright ownership, permission is granted to users to make changes to the content of the modules and share the modules with others as long as credit is given to the original developers. The correct wording for the credit statement is found at the bottom of the first file in each module.

Please read the entire license agreement before modifying the content of the modules.

Q: Where can I get help with ANGEL?
A: The iStudy modules are designed to reside within ANGEL and be owned by each user, therefore, they can easily be customized. To customize the modules, you will need to know how to use ANGEL. We recommend that you attend the ANGEL training seminars offered regularly through ITS Training Services to learn how to work with ANGEL. In addition to the ANGEL training seminars, extensive "Help" documents are available at the ANGLE Web site (http://cms.psu.edu) by clicking the "Help" link on the left side of the screen. A third option for Penn State faculty is to request an ANGEL tutor.

Q: Is it OK to share my customized iStudy modules with my colleagues?
A: Yes. You could even create and share your own libraries of modules to meet specific needs of your college or department. When sharing iStudy modules, please remember to give credit to the original developers using the wording found at the bottom of the first file in each module.

Please read the entire license agreement before modifying the content of the modules.