Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Alabama Professional Development Modules Series?

• The Alabama Professional Development Modules Series consists of a number of instructional segments existing on the PEPE website and CDs.
  They are intended to provide knowledge and skills directly related to the competencies and indicators which are the foundation for the Alabama teacher evaluation system.
• The online (Web) and CD-ROM versions of the modules are exactly the same, including the interactive sections.
• Every module includes a downloadable PDF file for printing a hard copy of the module, if you choose to do so.
• Each module contains text, interactive sections with self-quizzes, references and resources, and a survey to be completed and returned to the Alabama Department of Education.
• When the series is complete, there will be approximately 25 modules (topics). Currently, seven modules are available for your use. The remaining modules will be added over the next several months.

How long does it take to complete a module?

Each module is designed to take 2 hours or less. Actual time spent with each module will vary from person to person.

What software and equipment will I need?

Listed below are minimum requirements.

• Any PC or Macintosh capable of connecting to the Internet (for the online modules).
• Netscape 4.7 or higher or Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher browsers. These programs are needed for both the online and the CD module formats. You can download Netscape Navigator for FREE from their Web site at http://www.netscape.com or Internet Explorer (also FREE) at http://www.microsoft.com. Be sure to apply the latest update patches.
• An Internet service provider for connecting to the Internet (for the online modules) with a connection speed of at least 28.8k.
• 8X CD-ROM (16X recommended) if you will be using the CD-ROM version
• An SVGA monitor (800x600 resolution recommended).
• JavaScript enabled in the browser. You can check the settings in Netscape's "Edit," "Preferences," "Advanced" section to ensure that JavaScript is enabled. If you are using Internet Explorer, go to "Internet Options" and look for the Java JIT compiler to be enabled.

Test your browser here to see if it is already JavaScript enabled.

How do I navigate the modules?

The modules are divided into sections (A., B., C., etc.). To quickly get to any individual section, use the navigational area which appears at the top of each page within the module. Simply click on the section in which you wish to work in order to go directly to that particular section.

If you wish to work through the module's sections sequentially, you may use the arrows located on the bottom of each page, where applicable. The right arrow takes you sequentially to the module's next section from where you are at within the module. The left arrow is the "Previous Section" link, which takes you back to the immediately previous section of the module.

What if I don't have a computer?

Printed copies are available. Please check with the PEPE coordinator or have someone with a computer print a hard copy of the modules.

What Internet Service Provider (ISP) should I use to connect to the Internet?

If you plan to access the Alabama Professional Development Modules Series through an online connection and do not have an ISP, you can check this Web site for one available in your area.

Does the CD work on both PC and Macintosh computers?

Yes.
PC
To start the modules on the CD-ROM, place the CD into the drive with the design face-up. If you are using a PC, it should automatically start after you insert it, if you have autorun enabled. If it does not start, choose Start, Run, and Browse for the autorun.exe file on the CD-ROM.

MAC
Double-click the CD-ROM icon to open the CD contents.
Open the file, "begin_here.htm."

Can I run the CD from a network?

No, your CD-ROM version is designed to run on a stand-alone machine.

What do I do if nothing happens when I click on an external link included in some of the References and Resources sections?

If you find the website link to be down, it is possible that hardware or Internet problems are hampering access. Try again in a couple of hours or even the next day to see if the problem has been resolved. If you are trying to link from the CD-ROM version, please be sure you are connected to the Internet. If problems still exist, please contact us through the "contact us" menu selection on the PEPE website at http://www.alabamapepe.com and briefly describe the problem. You may also e-mail us at mail@alabamapepe.com.

How do I bookmark a page in the module?

To bookmark a particular location you wish to come back to later in the module, simply choose "Bookmarks," "Add Bookmark" on Netscape or choose "Favorites," "Add To Favorites" in Internet Explorer.

How do I close the auto-run program while using the CD?

The auto-run menu window on the CD will automatically minimize when you access the modules from the CD. To close and exit the auto-run menu, simply click on the "Exit" button located on the auto-run menu screen.

How do I obtain additional modules in the Alabama Professional Development Series on CDs?

All modules are loaded on a single CD. CDs are available from the PEPE coordinator in your school system. As modules are added to those now complete, new updated copies of the CD will be sent to the school system, and we will post a notice on the main Table of Contents on the website.

What will I find in an Alabama Professional Development Series Module?

Each module is subdivided into parts, typically Sections A-F. Section A is the overview, Section B is the main content, Section C is an interactive "Test Your Knowledge" (self-test) followed by Section D, Classroom Application, another interactive activity. Section E will include a Classroom Application followed by the References and Resources in Section F and the feedback survey link.

Who may use Alabama Professional Development Series Modules?

The modules are available to all Alabama teachers and administrators. They are copyrighted (see Copyright page) and may not be duplicated for use by others without obtaining necessary consents.

How do I show my principal, evaluator or others proof that I have completed a module?

If proof is required, procedures should mutually be determined by you and the other party. Completion and presentation of the results of classroom application activities offers one possibility.

What if I have problems using the online modules?

If you are having problems accessing the online version because of your connection or some other problem, you may want to switch to the CD-ROM version. The module content is exactly the same in either version.

If you are having software and/or hardware problems with your computer system, we are sorry, but we do not have the capacity for a help-desk to answer technical questions. If you cannot connect through your online connection, check with your Internet Service Provider for assistance. You may also check this website for a collection of information on typical hardware and software problems relating to PC systems and operating systems. Your school system's technology coordinator also may be able to help.

Are there any tips on how to use the Internet more effectively?

Yes. If you are new to the Internet, remember that you cannot hurt anything by exploring and trying different things! It might take a few minutes to figure out what various buttons do and to familiarize yourself with your browser software. Allot yourself extra time to complete a module if you are familiarizing yourself with your computer and the Web.

If you are using an online connection, the best time to avoid heavy Internet traffic is in the early morning. The heaviest traffic is usually between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays. Also, you can download the PDF file of the module, from the link in Section A of every individual module to read at a later, more convenient time.

You can navigate very easily from the links within the module pages or use the Back, Forward, and Reload buttons located on your Browser (see below). You can "Reload" the interactive pages in order to get a fresh page and to clear out any entries that you have made in order to practice them again.

What is the PDF file that's available for download in Section A of the module?

Every module within the Alabama Professional Development Series includes a PDF file for downloading, if you wish to do so. A PDF file is a special file format from Adobe. This will produce a crisp-looking and very attractive personal hard-copy printout of the module for you to work through.

Additionally, PDF files are cross-platform compatible, meaning it can easily be read on a MAC as well as a PC. You will need the Adobe Reader software to view and to print the file. You can download the Adobe Reader from Adobe's Web site (http://www.adobe.com) to install on your system. After you download the module's PDF file from the link located in the module's Section A, feel free to print it out. You will have a very nice hard-copy to read and work through. To download a PDF from the module, right-click the link and "save as" to your hard drive.

Two notes on the module PDF files:
1. The PDF files of the modules are NOT interactive. Only the online and the CD-ROM versions of the modules are interactive.
2. Expect the PDF file to take several minutes to completely download from the Internet if you are on a dial-up modem. Then, save it to a folder and you can open it from there to print out at a later time. If you are using the CD-ROM version, the PDF file is on the CD and does not have to be downloaded from the Internet.

Why do some words look like links, but nothing happens when I click on them?

You will find underlined words throughout the modules in order to emphasize or to stress a point. Words in italics and words in bold can be more distracting on some monitors, therefore, words are often underlined for emphasis.
Hint: you can see your mouse cursor change from a pointer to a pressing finger when you move over a real link.
On a computer screen, underlined words look like this while links will appear like this

The little window in an interactive section disappeared after I answered a question! Where is it?

The little window in the interactive sections is a JavaScript window. After you select your answer, the small window will appear giving you feedback on your answer. If you don't close that little window, it will "go behind" another window you have open on the screen. If you are using a PC, look down at your taskbar on the bottom of the screen. You will see that the little window can be accessed again. Choose it from your taskbar with your mouse and close it.

How do I send feedback about the module(s)?

Please fill out the module feedback form (survey)! This is the best way to give us your feedback. In the module Table of Contents and also at the end of each module are links to a module feedback form (survey). If you are using the CD-ROM version, there is an additional link from the Autorun menu for a printable version.

If you are completing the form online, the form will be sent directly to us when you click on the "submit" button. If you are completing the form using the printable version (is also included with the PDF Print formats of the modules).
You will need to give your completed form to your school system's PEPE coordinator. We appreciate your time in providing us feedback on the modules. This information will be used to improve the modules and your feedback will remain anonymous.

In addition, if you find an error in the actual content of the modules or are having problems with navigation of pages within the module, please contact us. You may contact us through the "contact us" menu selection on the PEPE website at http://www.alabamapepe.com. You may also e-mail us at mail@alabamapepe.com. Please include module title and section that has the content or navigation problem, and specifically what the problem is (e.g., a link won't take you to the next section, wrong section, there is a misspelled word, etc.). We usually check e-mail every day and sincerely appreciate any content or navigational problem you may discover. We will reply to your alert as quickly as possible. As mentioned in question 16 above, we do not have the capacity for other kinds of technical help concerning hardware and/or software or for problems with Internet connection.

Why is my modem trying to connect to the Internet if I'm using the CD-ROM?

If your modem is attempting to connect or "go online" when the browser brings up a Web page from the CD-ROM, You must inform your browser you will not be connecting, and want to "Work Off-line."

Simply open your browser, or if it starts automatically when you access a module, then select File, Go Off-line (Netscape), or File, Work Off-line (Internet Explorer). This will prevent your modem from attempting to connect to the Internet. Just reset the "Go Off-line" back to "Work Online" again from the File menu on your browser when you want to make a connection.

Some pages have a link to print the page. What if it isn't printing?

Sometimes the "Click here to print this page" JavaScript link may not work on your system. Simply use your browser to print out the page in this case. Use your browser's Print button or the File, Print option.

My computer is slow or I am having problems using the auto-run feature of the CD-ROM version of the modules.

If you are having problems, you may wish to bypass the auto-run menu. You will still have full and complete access to the modules. To bypass the auto-run menu:

PC
1. While placing the CD-ROM into your drive, hold the Shift key down to override the auto-run feature.
2. After the CD drive light stops flickering, use windows explorer (or use Start, Run) to locate and open either "nomenu" or "nomenu.htm" on the root folder of the CD-ROM. (The "htm" may or may not show, depending on your system settings.)

MAC
MAC systems do not utilize the auto-run feature. If you are using a MAC computer, open the CD your screen and select the file, "begin_here.htm" located on the root folder of the CD-ROM.

Either method will open a page with a quick-link to the modules main Table of Contents page.