Jun 26
Do you ever get support requests from your students asking how to use READI? Have any of your students complained of time out issues or logging in problems? Did you know the error rate while using READI is .0001%? WOW! That's great...but if you are in that .0001% then you may need assistance!
Although we have a full support staff to assist students with any issues they may have concerning READI, we recognize that often times students go directly to their administrators for answers to their questions. We want to help! Below is a list of commonly asked questions and steps to alleviate the problem. Hopefully these will assist you in relieving any frustration and finding a solution for your students.
Student says - “My computer timed out or I received a page request error.”
Step 1: Contact READI support via email at support@readi.info.
Step 2: Check high security settings in your browser.
In Internet Explorer click Tools > Options > Security then set the security level to medium or low.
Step 3: Did you receive an email containing your READI PIN?
Step 4: Try to log back in as a returning user with your email address and READI PIN.
Step 5: If a student is using Hughes Satellite Internet Service, they may experience problems that we cannot fix. This issue resides with Hughes and not READI. If this is the case, we often suggest students try completing READI on an alternate computer such as at a library or a friend’s house.
Step 6: Wait for READI support to contact you within 24 hours to determine if there were any technical issues on our side.
Student says - “My username and password do not work.”
Step 1: Check with the school’s administrator or school’s instructions to verify you have the correct username and password.
Step 2: Verify the correct URL for the READI site to make sure you are going to the correct school’s READI sub domain such as http://sample.readi.info
Step 3: Don’t forget that usernames and passwords are case sensitive.
Step 4: Contact READI support via email at support@readi.info
Student says - “My READI PIN does not work.”
Step 1: Are you logging in under the “Returning Users” box on the right-hand side?
Step 2: Are you using the same valid email address that you used in the original assessment?
Step 3: Don’t forget the READI PIN is case sensitive. Try to copy and paste it in the designated box.
Step 4: Contact READI support via email at support@readi.info
Student says - “I accidentally deleted the email containing my READI PIN or I did not receive an email with a READI PIN.”
Step 1: Go back to your school’s READI site.
Step 2: Click on “Retrieve a lost or forgotten READI PIN”
Step 3: Type in your email address.
Step 4: Follow instructions and you will receive the READI PIN again via email
Step 5: If you still do not receive your PIN, check your junk/spam email box. Sometimes emails get stuck there.
Student says - “How do I get back in to see my READI results more than once?”
Step 1: Go back to your school’s READI site.
Step 2: Log back in under “Returning User” on the right-hand side with email address and READI PIN provided to student in email from READI.
Most importantly we want you to know that the READI Support Team is available and ready to help you and your students. Anyone can contact our support team just by emailing support@readi.info. No matter what the concern, problem, or issue is, we will work to keep things running smoothly.
Jun 17
It's almost June 21st and that can only mean one thing...time for the Distance Learning Administrator's Conference in St. Simons Island, GA. Sponsored by The University of West Georgia and The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, the DLA conference boasts a relaxing environment with informative speakers, engaging events, and beautiful scenery. Every year Dr. Mac Adkins looks forward to joining a significant networking group of colleagues to catch up on the past year activities. Discussing new trends in distance learning and discovering new ways to reach students through technology is always a highlight of this trip.
This year is especially exciting since eLearningToolBox will be presenting the first annual 2009 Online Student Readiness Report! The purpose of the 2009 Online Student Readiness Report is to provide summary data from thousands of online students regarding their reported levels of readiness for studying online. This data can inform distance education leaders as they design and provide instruction online and support students who are studying at a distance. The information in this report is aggregate data taken from the student’s scores on READI – Readiness for Education At a Distance Indicator. Dr. Adkins will also be co-presenting with some of our valued clients, Ray Mercer from Columbus Technical College and Dr. Mike Simmons from Texas Woman's University. They will provide information on how their school has implemented READI and how their students have benefited.
Will you be there? We want to meet you in person. For our full conference schedule click here. See you on the Island!
Jun 3
According to a recent article "Online Professors Pose as Students to Encourage Real Learning", published by The Chronicle of Higher Education, strong ethical questions are being raised about practices some professors have included in their online classes. Creating fake students described as the professor's alter ego is what Jane Malan and Bill Reed are accused of. Barbara Criste, says her motivation for creating the fictitious "Bill Reed" was because she felt disconnected to her students.
In general reaction to this type of deception has been negative and critical. Including claims that this kind of behavior gives ammunition to those who are already opposed to alternative learning environments. A valid issue of breaking trust is acknowledged as the teacher student relationship should be based on trust. While historically students have been the first to break a trust through cheating, the teacher is the leader and should always do the right thing by creating a high standard of behavior and achievement.
It is no secret that distance learning has a unique set of challenges including high dropout rates and disconnected students. Proponents argue this option solves both. Nevertheless, just because stealing a loaf of bread can prevent hunger, it doesn't make it legal. So now what?
Face to face teachers have long been awarded for thinking outside the box to solve unique challenges in learning. Mr. Frederick B. King, of the University of Hartford, may have found the best of both worlds by creating his alter ego "Joe Bag O'Donuts" who is a fictitious teaching assistant who interacts with the students. Mr. King openly introduces Joe at the beginning of the semester so there is no deception here. Since Joe's birth, Mr. King has reported consistently a 100% completion rates in his distance education classes. Who can argue with that? Students said it was easier to communicate with Joe than their "professor" even if he did have the last name Donuts.
This discussion has all the ingredients for a good controversy. Opposing views, potential ethical threats, and results oriented ideas. I encourage you to read the whole article. What do you think?
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