We recently finished updates on all of the supplementary readings.

The U.S. conversion to ATSC digital broadcast TV meant that a number of things in the Modules that applied only to NTSC analog broadcast television had to be updated. Modules 9 and 9-2 in particular were reorganized and revised -- dropping some information and adding DTV information.

With the virtual demise of videotape now, the modules on consumer and professional video recording also went through major updates. 

Because of recent changes in digital editing technology, Module 58, Online, Offline Editing, required major revisions (in addition to dropping the hyphens in the terms).

Otherwise, this general revision involves mostly wording and format changes, plus a bit of condensation, and it will not affect the test material.

The Readers' Forum has been reorganized and most of the older entries have been dropped.

Updated Interactive Tests

Earlier revisions on the modules required some changes in the interactive tests. 

Under a new scoring system right answers on the interactive tests are now worth two points, but wrong answers or skipped questions each subtract a point form final test scores.

In addition to being at the end of the modules, the revised tests along with correct answers are in the .RTF and .HTM formats in the restricted instructor's section of the site.

AnswerTips™ has proven helpful, especially for foreign students. By double-clicking on any word on a page where this logo appears a definition will pop up. This feature requires a live Internet connection and last we checked won't appear in Opera or Chrome browsers.

AnswerTips™ can be further refined and expanded in a number of ways, including definitions in 16 other languages. The options include default, dictionaries, encyclopedias, synonyms and antonyms, and translations. Audio provides the English pronunciation. (Most people select "dictionary" as a default setting.)

As in most of the interactive features on this site, your browser must be able to "do" Java, which most browsers do unless you turn it off. (Go ahead, try it -- double-click on any word on this page.) 

Note: if you lose your Internet connection, pages will take added time to load while the browser attempts (and finally fails) to contact the AnswerTips site. The Safari browser seems to be especially affected.

Pop-Up Information (▲ )

Because of rendering inconsistencies in the Internet Explorer 8 browser we have had to change the way of indicating ▲ pop-up information. Phrases in blue or red proceeded by the black triangle seen above can be moused over for elaboration. Key terms are still in red.  (You should get a pop-up by mousing over the phrase in blue above.)  Some pop-ups will also have an image, such as ▲ this one.

If you find that some of the interactive features on this site don't work, you are probably using an old browser or you have Java disabled.

The Word Squares have been reformatted to make them compatible with changes in Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7.0 browser.

Just a reminder, if an access problem is encountered at CyberCollege.com your can go to InternetCamlus.com for the same files.

• http://www.CyberCollege.com/tvp_ind.htm
• http://www.InternetCampus.com/tvp_ind.htm

Although one site may occasionally have a problem, the two sites have never been down at the same time.

For basic background information click on Frequently-Asked Questions.

A summary of the basic information on the course is available here.

In addition to the Forum, which covers numerous media topics, there is also the author's blog with personal media reflections and suggestions.

The instructor information has been greatly expanded. Included is something new, "Teaching Tips and Talking Points," covering each of the modules. The URL for these and the supplementary tests is available to qualified instructors by writing the author.

Animation Issue

Some firewalls, such as ZoneAlarm, have an option to shut off animated images. This will affect some illustrations on this site. (The dove on the left should be flying—although not necessarily getting anywhere.)

The Quick Quizzes

The interactive Quick Quizzes require a relatively recent browser with Java scripts enabled.  When you click on Quick Quiz at the bottom of the modules you should see two rows of blocks.

With the help of the left key of a mouse you can drag the blocks on the right to the matching phrases on the left.
.

Additional Supplementary Readings

There are links within the modules to additional reading. Among the specialized sections that have recently been added. Links to these articles can be found in the General Readings and Materials and Associated Readings sub-indexes.

For those of you who asked about recommended video assignments, they are available here.

Color-Coding Scheme

Although a great many people go through these modules on an individual basis—government employees, TV crew members, military personnel, etc.— a great many users are in classrooms. To try to accommodate a greater range of needs, we've devised a color code for links.

The required reading links are marked with a green square ( ) These are covered in the interactive tests and puzzles.

A little yellow square ( ) in front of link  indicates background reading. This material is not included on the interactive tests, although it may help in understanding the concepts covered.

A blue square in front of a link ( ) indicates technical information. This type of information is designed for advanced classes and professionals; and, again, this may or may not be required by an instructor. These areas will also be expanded in the future to meet the needs of advanced students.

A red square is reserved for ( ) external links that have related information. This information is not included on the interactive tests. CyberCollege and the InternetCampus have no control over the content or availability of these external links.

Links that are not marked with a colored square should be self-explanatory.

In summary:

= A basic understanding of TV production concepts.

= A more advanced understanding and background.

= Advanced students; professionals.

= Includes external resources for additional information.

And, finally, phrases marked with this symbol ( ▲ ) can be moused over for more information.

Basic information on the use of these cybercourses can be found here and here.

This whole project is considered a collaborative effort, and it has come a long way since the first rough draft was posted almost ten years ago.

The text materials and illustrations continue to be updated on a regular basis as new information is published in trades, newspapers, and on the Internet. The date at the top-right of each module indicates when the material was last updated.

Along with many websites, we've had problems with hackers spoofing our e-mail addresses so that people will open e-mail thinking it's from us. This is discussed here.

Just so you know, these materials are free and we aren't in the business of selling anything.

TO INDEX  ~ Important Legal Notice  ~  © 2012, All Rights Reserved