Updated: 04/09/2012

Notes for Instructors

Module Revisions;

Updated Interactive Tests

Revisions* have recently been completed on all of the modules. These 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 new tests are in the restricted instructor's section of the site in the .RTF format which can be used in Microsoft Word or any standard word processor. There is also html version that can be immediately viewed in a browser.

The interactive tests are not "a piece of cake"; they require a comprehensive understanding of the modules. Based on personal experience, they are an indicator of motivation and what we might call "professional perception." Both are indicators of probable success in a competitive field such as broadcasting.

More up-to-date changes and revisions are noted in the Revisions file.

Corrections. Although information on this site is carefully checked for accuracy, occasionally a reader will take exception to something that's said. If an error is brought to our attention and documented, we will quickly change things. Just let us know.

These modules are now available at two independently located U.S. sites: (Let your students know that if there is a problem with one link, one of the others will be available.)

Extensive support materials are available by with evidence that you are an instructor.

NOTE: To get through spam filtering a "From CyberCollege" subject line is essential. Also note that our e-mail address has changed. It's now disguised by Java, which we hope will not only put a dent in the many spam messages we've been getting each day, but make it much more difficult for your e-mail to go astray.

E-Mailing The Interactive Test Results.

For several years we had a system of being able to automatically grade and send test results directly to instructors.

However, after some sad instances of Internet and other types of failure, including a case where an entire class lost the results of their tests, we felt it necessary to revert to more secure systems.

There are approaches of sending graded test results to instructors.

Mac users you can use Safari and go to File, and Mail Contents of this Page, and then fill in the instructor's e-mail address. Students can add their own e-mail address so they will have a record of the results.

Windows users have a similar option with various browsers. Another option is simply to copy the contents of the results page and paste it into an e-mail to the instructor.

Because e-mail programs differ, this procedure should be checked at your facility before alerting students to the option. However, keep in mind that by using some of these techniques, it may be possible to edit the results before they are sent.

Probably the most secure method, which doesn't actually involve e-mail, is to have students in a computer classroom print out the test results page using the print function on the page. By including a security code given to the class or to individual students and checking the time on the printout, the instructor can be reasonable sure that the results are valid. (The security code can be any unique set of letters or numbers.) This method also gives the instructor a written record of all of the test scores.

certificate of completion

People have requested a Certificate of Completion that could be signed by the instructor and given out to students who successfully complete the course. ("Successful" as defined by the instructor before the class starts.)

The full 8 1/2 X 11 certificate (without the "sample" designation) is in the GIF format and can be downloaded from the instructor's section.

In Case of Emergency...

We like to try to get ahead of possible problems.

As you know, many Internet sites have been hacked in recent years including the sites of major newspapers and even "secure" government sites.

This has never happened with CyberCollege or the InternetCampus, but we've put in place an emergency plan, just in case.

First, if you find that one of the sites has "gone strange," have your students switch to the other site -- and then immediately let us know through e-mail with the subject heading "EMERGENCY."

If all else fails (and we are quickly made aware of the problem) we can switch either of our primary sites over to a stand-by site.

The forum is meant to be controversial! In my college classroom these letters sparked heated debate -- and a chance for me to insist that comments include facts from credible sources and not just unsupported opinions. This is an essential talent for developing a respected role in the mass media where credibility is king!

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts.

Sen. Patrick Maynihan

We are all in this together. This means that you are encouraged to recommend needed changes. We'll all benefit from your input. (And we definitely appreciate the many suggestions we've gotten.)

The sample syllabus for a TV production course should also be of value. This information may be helpful in setting up video evaluation procedures. Various assignments are associated with these materials, including this scriptwriting assignment and this thought-provoking writing assignment.

Animation Issue

Some firewalls, such as ZoneAlarm, shut off animated images. This will affect some images on this site. (The dove on the left should be flying-although not necessarily getting anywhere.) In ZoneAlarm animation can be restored by going to Privacy, Ad blocking, Custom, and uncheck the box animation. Other firewalls and browsers have similar options.

In order to see some of the interactive features of the course Java or Java must be turned on in your browser. Sometimes this is turned off by default.

Word Squares Return

Many instructors and students liked the word square key term puzzles that we used to have. They could be printed out and handed to students to complete. They were dropped from the sites when they became out of date.

They have been totally revised and are again available here and through the links at the bottom of the appropriate modules.

Interactive Tests and Crosswords

The test index page has links to the word squares, the interactive tests, and the interactive crossword puzzles.

If you get a "Java not present" message for the interactive tests or a page that is mostly blank, you will need to turn on Java in your browser or use a browser with operational Java, such as Netscape, Firefox, or Opera.

Also, the first time you use the Interactive Crossword the code may take a while to load.

Yellow , Blue, Red, and Green Readings

To try to accommodate a greater range of needs, we've devised a color code for links.

A green square ( ) in front of a link indicates information that's important to what is being discussed. This information is covered in the interactive tests and puzzles.

A little yellow square ( ) in front of links indicates background reading. This material is not included on the interactive tests.

A blue square ( ) indicates technical information. This type of information is designed for advanced classes and professionals, and, again, this may or may be required by your instructor.

A red square ( ) indicates external links that have related information. This information is not included on the interactive tests, but your instructor has the option of asking that you read this information. 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 are considered self-explanatory. As an instructor it will be up to you to assign whichever linked readings you deem appropriate beyond those associated with the green squares (which are covered on the interactive tests).

The following are some of the linked sections that have recently been added. Links to these and other articles can be found in the General Readings and Information index.

TV and Film Makeup	Determining IE/ISO/ASA sensitivity of video cameras	Setting up color monitors
Using shadows in composition	Studio sets	Audio and video signal compression
RAM audio recording	DVD/RAM video cameras	Filters to compensate for digital video artifacts and to simulate film look
Setting up digital cameras	The zone exposure system	Special studio lights
The video signal "overshoot" problem	Broadcast Server Editing Approaches	An Interactive Color Exercise
HDTV-to-SDTV and SDTV-to-HDTV Conversion	Digital audio considerations	Interviewing Techniques
Top Editing Software	Making Use of Time Code	Color Theory in Depth
The Incestuous Amplification Effect	Resources (for establishing and maintaining social and professional contacts through the Internet)	3-D Video Production

Mass Media Cybertext

The film, radio, TV, Internet, book, and newspaper sections in the mass media course can provide added depth to these materials. As with the TV production materials, the mass media materials are free for nonprofit use. Important copyright information is discussed here and here.

Always Something New

These cybertexts are, and probably always will be, a work in progress. Nothing related to a dynamic, rapidly changing field like mass communications can afford to stand still. Having published texts in the area, I know that the moment they are published, they are in some ways already out of date.

The form of this cybertext has a number of advantages.

It's free*
It includes about 800 full-color illustrations.
It is condensed. Drawing from many years of professional TV experience, it focuses only on essential concepts.
It is updated regularly. (A revision date is listed at the top of each module.)
It's not hampered by the content and form limitations of commercial publishing.
It's now available on several sites and includes a mobile version

* Although this text is free, there's one string attached.

If these materials are used in developing a career in television production, students need to "pay" for the material by at least once producing something to aid people or conditions in the world.

Need some ideas? Consider this.

If a student uses the cybertext and doesn't go into the field professionally, here is the "price."

A textbook of this type would cost at least $50 (probably much more, if it had 800 or so color illustrations). Assuming that personal time is worth $25 an hour, the student should devote at least two hours to doing something positive and totally selfless for some person or agency.

That's it. The text is paid for, and there should be no guilty conscience for using it.

At this point I've received many messages telling me how students have "paid" for the cybertext. I appreciate these letters...and I assume that many have benefited as a result of these student actions.

Ron Whittaker, Ph.D.
Professor of Broadcasting.

Copyright Notice: Although you are free to use the materials directly from the Internet, the English, Spanish and Portuguese modules and illustrations are protected by U.S. and international copyright law and may not be reproduced in any other form.

The rationale for the copyright limitations is explained here and here.

To print them out for distribution, or to reproduce them in any other form (except for a single personal copy) is a violation of copyright and will violate our legal agreements allowing for the continued use of the materials.

There have been attempts to modify these materials and use them in other contexts. To protect the continued availability of the materials I would appreciate your bringing any such violations of copyright to my attention.

To Home Page

E-Mail to this site.