The Learning Source - User's Guide

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This User's Guide is provided to give you tips, suggestions, and information that will make your experience with The Learning Source useful and productive. The Guide can be downloaded, and read as one printable document. Or it can be accessed in sections by clicking on the appropriate section titles below.

We recommend you take a few minutes now to read the "Things You Should Know Before You Begin" section.

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Things You Should Know Before You Begin
Step By Step Through The Learning Source

Things You Should Know Before You Begin
- Finding Resources
  The Learning Source enables you to quickly find resources for use in the classroom or lesson preparation. These resources, called learning objects, are available as instructional video programs, video clips, and teacher guides.
  
  Most programs are part of a series of programs within a specific subject area. Programs are correlated to state curriculum standards. Many programs have been divided into clips of varying length based on instructional content. This makes it possible for you to use either a short video clip that highlights a specific point or a full-length program.
  
  For example, the series Head to Toe has 14 programs. One of those programs, "A Healthy Smile," is 14 minutes 59 seconds long. It has seven clips, ranging in length from 1 minute 6 seconds to three minutes 30 seconds. You may choose to show "A Healthy Smile" to your class in its entirety, or you might show the 3.5-minute video about cavities.
  
  In The Learning Source, there are several methods for finding learning objects.
  - You can search in curriculum standard descriptions for their corresponding learning objects.
  - If you do not want to base your search on standards, you can search for a term that describes the learning object itself. This search will result in a list of learning objects related to your search term.
  - You can browse through a list of the series in The Learning Source collection.
  - You can browse through a list of curriculum standards with matching learning objects.
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- Using the Help Center
  You will find a "Help Center" button in the bar at the top right of each screen of The Learning Source. Clicking on the "Help Center" button will take you to a selection of useful documents.
  - User's Guide: This document. Instructions for using The Learning Source, all in one downloadable document.
  - Search Tips: Critical information and suggestions for ensuring the most productive searches.
  - Glossary: Terminology unique to The Learning Source.
  - Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common questions.
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- Navigation
  For your convenience, all screens of The Learning Source include a series of yellow-framed boxes on the right side of the screen.
  
  The top-most box is the "Navigation" box. Here, you can:
  - "Start over" at any time by clicking the "New Search" or "Browse The Library" links.
  - Log out of The Learning Source ("Log Out").
  - Go to the "Help Center," which includes a user's guide, search tips, glossary, and frequently asked questions.
  - Customize your account settings (including changing your password).
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Step By Step Through The Learning Source
- Getting Started
  Your entry into The Learning Source is the "Login" screen. Before you log in as a user, take a few minutes to look at the other information found on that screen.
  - Information about the Agency for Instructional Technology (AIT). Clicking on this link takes you directly to the AIT Web site.
  - An overview of The Learning Source.
  - Important information about the computer system requirements for using The Learning Source and a link for checking to see if your system meets those requirements.
  - Contact information for The Learning Source staff at the Agency for Instructional Technology.
  - A quick search for learning objects that will demonstrate the kinds of resources available.
  - Links to sign up for a free 14-day trial subscription or to purchase a regular subscription to The Learning Source.
  - Information about the size of the learning objects collection.
  - The Learning Source privacy policy and terms of use. Make sure you agree to the terms of use before you sign on as a user.
  Ready to log in? Enter your user name and password. Click on the "Login" button.
  
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- Searching By Curriculum Standard
  The Search Screen
  
  Note: To ensure the best search results, please read the Search Tips.
  1. In the "Search" box, type a term you would expect to find in a curriculum standard description, or type the standard's specific identifier. For example, if you are a second-grade teacher in Indiana, you might enter the code 2.4.2. This will bring up standards with that name -- in this case, second grade, standard 4, and benchmark 2 -- in both science and math. Selecting the particular standard you want will produce a list of programs that have been correlated to that standard. NOTE: Be sure to use periods and hyphens exactly as written in the standard (for example, in Kentucky you would type something like: MA-M-2.1.3).
  2. If it is not already displayed in the "State" box, choose your state from the drop-down menu. (To make The Learning Source automatically default to your state for every search, go to "Account Settings," select your state as the default, and click "Update Preferences" to save your changes.)
  3. Click on the "Search" button.
  The Standards Search Results Screen
  
  Note: The terms "Standard" and "Benchmark" are used occasionally as general titles for first- and second-level standards. We realize your state may use different terminology in identifying these levels. However, the numbering and identifiers are based on your state's specific naming system.
  1. Review the standards listed. Use your scroll bar to view the entire screen. Use the "Next Page" link to see the next screen in the list. You will see standards only for which The Learning Source has matching learning objects.
  2. Click the highlighted, underlined standard title or the "Info" button below the standard in which you are interested.
  This takes you to the standard detail screen that describes the curriculum standard and lists programs in the collection that match the standard.
  - Select a program from the results list by clicking on the program title (highlighted and underlined) or on the "Info" link.
    
    The next screen gives you detailed information about the program.
    - Program title
    - Program "runtime," or length
    - Grade levels for which the program was developed
    - Year the program was produced and the name of the producer
    - Name of the series to which the program belongs, if it is part of a multi-program series
    - Number of teacher guides and supplementary materials that are available for that program
    - Number of standards nationwide that align with that program
    - Number of clips in that program
    You can play the video, add it to your playlist, or copy the video link from this screen. Read the "Using Learning Objects" section of this guide for more information.
  OR
  - To learn more about the series to which this program belongs, click on the series titles (highlighted and underlined) after the "Belongs to the Series" heading.
  - To view and print the teacher guide or other supplementary material, click on the highlighted and underlined item link.
  - To view all standards from your state that align with this program, click on the highlighted and underlined link following the "Standards" heading. This will take you to a screen that lists only those standards for your state -- if you have set your state as the default state in "Account Settings."
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- Using Learning Objects
  As a result of your search or browsing, you will see a list of learning objects. Following the title of each learning object you will find the following items.
  - The playing time
  - A short description
  - Buttons for using the object
  You have several options for using the information on this screen.
  1. You can view a learning object at this point by clicking the "Play" button below the object.
  2. You can copy the link for that learning object and insert it into a multimedia presentation or a document. Refer to "Copying a Link" for more information about this function.
  3. You can save the object to your playlist for easy retrieval when you want to use it.
  4. You can click on "Info" or the object title to get more information about that resource.
- Copying a Link
  The "Copy Link" button in the learning object information opens a window with further instructions. Those instructions enable you to copy a link and save it to a multimedia presentation or document. With this copied link you will be able to play a video directly from your presentation.
  
  When you've found a learning object for use in a PowerPoint® presentation or a document, you may take the following action.
  1. Click on the "Copy Link" link.
  2. When the "Copy Link" window opens, right click on the indicated link.
  3. Select "Copy Shortcut."
  4. Open the presentation or document to which you wish to copy the link.
  5. If you are saving the link to a Microsoft® Word document, paste the link into the document and save the document. The link is activated immediately. You can check this by clicking on the link. Your media player should open and the video should begin playing within a few moments.
  If you are saving the link in a PowerPoint® presentation, paste the link into the slide and save. The link will become activated only when you view the slide show. Hit F5 to view the slide show, or use the "Slide Show" pull-down menu at the top of the screen.
  
  The link is only a temporary shortcut to the learning object. At the bottom of the "Copy Link" window you will find the date on which your copied link will expire. To continue using this link in a presentation or document, you must re-copy it.
  
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- Finding and Using Teacher's Guides
  When you have located a learning object -- a video series, program, or clip -- you will see a heading titled "Teacher's Guides and Supplementary Material" in the "Program Details" box. The resources available for that learning object will be indicated to the right of that heading.
  - Click on the item link to bring up a new screen that lists the resource material available.
  - Click on the resource (teacher guide, blackline master) you wish to use.
  - A printable version of the resource will appear in a new window. You can read and print the document from this window.
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- Playing A Video
  Clicking on the "Play" button for any learning object will open the "Now Playing" screen in a new window. The "Now Playing" screen displays details about the learning object and enables you to view the video.
  - You can pause the video by clicking on the video or by clicking the "Pause" button. The "Play" button will resume the video.
  - If you'd like the video to fill your entire screen, click the "Full Screen" button (Command-4, for Macintosh users).
  - To exit "Full Screen" mode, return to the "Now Playing" window, press the Escape key on your keyboard.
  If you decide you would like to save this video for future use or review, you can add the video to your playlist. Refer to the "Using Playlists" section of this guide for instructions.
  
  If you would like play the video from a multimedia presentation you can copy the video link and insert it into your presentation. Refer to "Copying a Link" section of this guide for instructions.
  
  If you have any problems getting a video to play, refer to the "Troubleshooting" section of the "Frequently Asked Questions" section in the "Help Center." You can access the "Help Center" from the navigation box on the right side of the screen.
  
  If you would like to order a VHS or DVD copy of the video you have previewed, contact AIT at 800-457-4509 or order online at ww.ait.net.
  
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- Searching by Keyword
  The Search Screen
  
  Note: To ensure the best search results, please read the Search Tips.
  1. In the "Search" box, type a term to describe a learning object.
  2. If you want to limit your search, select one or more grade levels.
  3. Click on the "Search" button.
  The Results Screen
  
  On this screen you will see a list of learning objects that match your keyword search.
  - Select a program or clip from the results list by clicking on the title (highlighted and underlined) or the "Info" link.
    
    The next screen gives you detailed information about the program or clip.
    - Program title
    - Program "runtime," or length
    - Grade levels for which the program was developed
    - Year the program was produced and the name of the producer
    - Name of the series to which the program belongs, if it is part of a multi-program series
    - Number of teacher guides and supplementary materials that are available for that program
    - Number of standards nationwide that align with that program
    - Number of clips in that program
  If the learning object is a full-length program, you will find below the program description a list of all the clips in that program.
  
  You can play the video, add it to your playlist, or copy the video link from this screen. Read the "Using Learning Objects" section of this guide for more information.
  
  OR
  - To learn more about the series to which this program belongs, click on the series titles (highlighted and underlined) after the "Belongs to the Series" heading.
  - To view and download the teacher guide or other supplementary material, click on the highlighted and underlined item link.
  - To view all standards from your state that align with this program, click on the highlighted and underlined link following the "Standards" heading. This will take you to a screen that lists only those standards for your state -- if you have set your state as the default state in "Account Settings."
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- Using Playlists
  The Playlist feature of The Learning Source allows you to create a playlist to organize and save learning objects for later use. You will find a yellow-framed "My Playlists" box on all screens. Playlists let you preview resources in The Learning Source and come back to your choices at a later time. This feature lets you consider your future applications of this Web site in the same visit and quickly access the learning objects you liked in a later visit.
  Create a New Playlist
  1. In the "My Playlists" box, click on the "Create New Playlist" link.
  2. Enter an identifying title in the "Playlist Name" box. E.g., "Mathematics" or "5th Period"
  3. Write a short description in the "Playlist Description" box.
  4. Click on the "Save" button.
  5. The system will add your new playlist to your list of all playlists.
  Save a Learning Object to a Playlist
  1. To add a learning object to a playlist, click the "Add to Playlist" link below the learning object.
  2. A new window opens with two choices. You can save the object in an existing playlist or create a new playlist for this object.
  3. To save the object in an existing playlist:
    - Click on a playlist title in the "Select Playlist" drop-down menu.
    - Click the "Save" button next to the playlist title.
  4. To save the object in a new playlist:
    - Enter an identifying title in the "Playlist Name" box.
    - Write a short description in the "Playlist Description" box.
    - Click on the "Save" button at the bottom of the screen.
  5. Click the "Close Window" link.
  Access Playlists
  1. To view details about a playlist, click on the "View All Playlists" link in the "My Playlists" box.
  2. Click the "Info" button below the playlist statistics.
  The "Playlist Details" screen enables you to remove learning objects from the playlist, delete the playlist, or watch the playlist in its entirety. You can change playlist details including the sequence in which the learning objects are displayed.
  
  Change the Order of Learning Objects in an Existing Playlist
  1. In the "My Playlists" box, click on the title of the playlist you wish to edit.
  2. Scroll down to the "Learning Objects" area. Below this title bar you will see a list of the learning objects in your playlist, in the order in which they have been saved.
  3. Beside the "Info" link you will find one or more links titled either "Down" or "Up." Each time you click one of these links, that particular learning object will move up or down one place in the list. The screen will refresh and show you the new order.
  4. An orange "Warning" message appears at the top of the screen, reminding you that the playlist has been modified and will have to be resaved.
  5. When you are satisfied with your learning object order, click "Save Changes" under "Playlist Options."
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- Browsing The Library
  Browsing the library is the ability to scan through your state's standards for which there are matching learning objects or all of the video series available in The Learning Source. The "Browse the Library" feature can be found in the yellow "Navigation" box on the right-hand side of every screen in The Learning Source.
  - Browse by Curriculum Standard
  - Browse by Series
  Why browse?
  
  There are a couple of reasons browsing may be right for you.
  1. If you're looking for general information on the types of materials that are available in The Learning Source, you may want to try browsing through the library first. You will find an alphabetical list of all series. Selecting any of those series will take you to a screen with a full description of the series and a list of program titles in the series. From that point, you have access to all the features of The Learning Source.
  2. If you wish to search for learning objects that match a specific state's standard, but you aren't sure of the wording or naming code of the standard, you can browse through the standards library. Simply select "Standards" from the library, choose a state, then a grade level and then a subject area (you may be further directed to select a "topic" in some states). You will be provided with all standards from that state, grade, subject, and topic that match one or more learning objects in The Learning Source. Selecting a particular standard will produce a list of those learning objects for your perusal.
  When not to browse.
  
  Use the "Search by Standard" or "Search by Keyword" features when you are looking for a specific learning object to match a specific educational topic or standard. The search engines have been carefully designed to help teachers find just the right learning object they need without having to wade through dozens of videos themselves. Let The Learning Source do this work for you!
  
  Browse by Curriculum Standard
  1. In the yellow-framed "Navigation" box, click the "Browse The Library" link.
  2. Click the "Standards" link.
  3. Click on your state.
  4. Click on a grade level.
  5. Click on a subject.
  6. Click on a topic (if provided). You will see a list of curriculum standards.
  7. Click on a standard/benchmark. This lists all the programs currently in our library that match the selected standard/benchmark.
  8. To find out more about the learning objects listed, see USING LEARNING OBJECTS.
  Browse by Series
  1. In the yellow-framed "Navigation" box, click the "Browse The Library" link.
  2. To view all series in the library in alphabetical order, click the "Series" link.
  OR
  
  To view series beginning with a specified letter, click on a letter under the title "View series beginning with..."
  1. Click on a series title.
  2. This will take you to a screen that describes the series and all of the individual programs within that series.
  3. To find out more about the learning objects listed, see USING LEARNING OBJECTS.
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- Changing Account Settings
  This section of The Learning Source helps you set or modify your account access and preferences. The Learning Source will remember your settings as a way to make your searches more productive and give you easy access to the site.
  
  Click on the "Account Settings" button on the top right bar of any screen.
  
  This screen allows you to do the following things.
  - Change your password. Click "Update Password" after entering a new password.
  - Change your email address. Click "Change Email" after changing your email address.
  - Change your preferences. Click "Update Preferences" when done.
  Then...
  
  When you have completed any changes on the "Account Settings" page, click on the "Update Preferences" button at the bottom of the page.
  
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- Getting More Help
  Contact Us
  
  For general customer service: tls@ait.net
  
  For technical support: tls-support@ait.net
  
  Phone: 800-457-4509 or 812-339-2203
  
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