List Serves

Listervs are an asynchronous form of communication that use e-mail to facilitate messaging or discussion. To set up an instructional listserv, contact Kevin Bontenbal (e-mail: kbontenb@cuesta.edu ext. 3117).

Message Boards

Message Boards are another type of asynchronous messaging system that uses the Web to facilitate communication. These Message Boards, also called “threaded discussion” boards, allow students to post a response to a topic or question that is then viewable by themselves and other students immediately after it is posted via the Web. Cuesta administers its own message board system. To find out more information, contact the Webmaster, Catherine Werst (e-mail: cwerst@cuesta.edu ext. 3248).

Chat

There are several forms of synchronous technologies that can be used to facilitate discussion in an online setting. Synchronous means that these technologies require the individuals using them to be present in the same virtual space at the same time. Chat is a means of typing comments so that others can see and respond to them online. Sometimes chat software includes the capacity to share a virtual whiteboard and/or to view other media simultaneously. Instant messaging systems (IMS) have the added benefit of being able to notify you when others want to talk with you while you are online. A chat interface can be found within the WebCT system. For more info on the chat functions of WebCT, contact Computer Services (ext. 3248).

Form Post

Online forms allow an instructor to do everything from conduct surveys to collect homework. For more information on Web-based forms contact Kevin Bontenbal (e-mail: kbontenb@cuesta.edu ext. 3117).

Updating Your Web Site/FTP Set Up

To update the pages on your Web site, a process called FTP will be used. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. This will require a separate piece of software called an FTP Client. This software will enable one to put new pages on the Cuesta Web server and also to update old pages from either your home or office. To get web page(s) mounted (FTP’d) on to the Cuesta web server either:

• Take a disk with your new/updated page(s) to Catherine Werst (ext. 3248) in Computer Services or,
• Get access to your area of the web server and upload updated web page(s) yourself.

If you choose option 2, contact Catherine Werst (e-mail: cwerst@cuesta.edu ext. 3248) for more information.

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