Q: What server software do I need?
A: For the web pages, you need a general web server. There is no CGI or
server-side scripting involved with Online Academy Modules. For the RealAudio streaming, you need the RealServer (G2 or later) from RealNetworks. These may well be on the same server hardware.
Q: Where can I obtain the RealServer?
A: The RealServer is available from http://realnetworks.com. You must download the server in order to get a license key emailed to you. You will have to fill in two forms before you can actually download the server. Make certain that all the information is valid, especially the email field, because Real will email you a license file that you will need to have in the installation process.
Q: How much does the RealServer cost?
A: For evaluation, and for some applications final use, there is a free product
named RealServer Basic. It can stream 25 simultaneous streams. If you find you need more than 25 simultaneous streams you will need to purchase a professional version of the RealServer.
Q: How do I install RealServer - NT?
A: Before you install a RealServer, make sure that you don't already have access to a registered RealServer solution through departmental or institutional servers. If you have to install RealServer yourself, here are a few tips:
First, read all of the readme.html file that Real provides. This file is linked near the bottom of the final download page. Many common (and uncommon!) questions and install issues are answered by that document. It should be the first place to look if you run into problems.
NT/2000
Unless you have a special system setup, stick with the default ports that they suggest. Make sure you write down the random port number they assign to the administration site. With this, you can administer your RealServer from a webpage.
When asked to install the server as a service, select yes. This will make sure the RealServer starts up on system powerup.
Note that the install process puts two icons on the desktop, one is a link to the server itself, which allows you to start it with a double click. This shouldn't be necessary if you install it as an NT Service, the Real Server will start automatically on bootup. The other is a link to a web based administration page.
Q: How do I install RealServer - Linux 2.2.x?
A: Many questions that are in and beyond the scope of this document are answered online in Real's Online help. The readme.txt file in the base install
directory will refer you to this page. Also, make sure you have permission to
write to whatever directory you are installing (be root).
Q: The install binary doesn't have executable permissions, How do I fix that?
A: Either use chmod or type 'sh [name of install binary]`
Q: Where should I install the server? (Linux/UNIX)
A: We suggest /usr/local/RealServer
Q: Why do I get an error when I enter the path to the license file? (Linux/UNIX)
A:You must have the license file on your computer and you must enter the full path, AND the name of the file.
For example: /home/bob/[lots of numbers and dashes].lic
Q: Where can I find administration and/or server port information?
A: On a UNIX install, there will be a file, named rmserver.cfg. This file will list all ports. On an NT machine, look first on the desktop for an Internet link called "RealServer 7.0 Administrator" It is a link to http://[server address]:[admin port]/admin/index.html Open it, and then you'll have access to all of the settings for the server, including the ports. You can also find this link under Start Menu => Programs => RealServer
Q: Where should I unzip the modules I downloaded?
A:It is probably best to unzip the module exactly where you want it. If your web server is shared with other user, you really should put all the web
pages in their own subdirectory. In this case, create a subdirectory, say
"academymodules" in a location that is accessible from the web. Then
unzip modules there. Eventually, there might be directories a101, a201,
a202, a402, etc., under "academymodules".
Q: Do I move the 'rmedia' directory or copy it?
A: The rmedia directory does not need to be in the web pages. Move it to save space. The rmedia_server.js file does need to be in the web
page area. Don't move it.
Q: What do I need to edit to localize the streamed content?
A: In each module there is a 'rmedia_server.js' file. You MUST edit this file for each module you download. The quoted URL is the HTTP server of
your RealServer. (Yes... that sentence makes no sense the first time, but
it's important).
Q: What about firewalls?
A: Firewalls present unique challenges for system administrators. Real has provided detailed information about using RealServer in conjunction with firewalls on their support site. Please refer to: http://service.real.com/firewall/index.html for this information.
Q: What is the structure of an Academy module?
A: All Academy modules have four conceptual levels represented
in the directory structure that is found at the root level of a module: "orientation", "lesson", "practice", and "support".
In addition every directory includes directories labeled, "ox", "sys", "xmedia", and "xpages". The "sys" directory always contains graphics and other files that are needed by the module for the navigation and other design features. The "rmedia" directory contains graphics and other files that are associated with the streaming media and/or text presentations of the lesson content. The "xpages" directory contains html files that are needed by the module but that are not part of the linear navigation structure.
Q: Why doesn't the Online Academy let institutions stream the
media from Online Academy servers?
A: Because Academy modules are intended to be used by thousands
of students for a period of many years, we can't be sure that we could
provide the necessary bandwidth to meet the demand.
Q: What do the Online Academy file names mean?
A: Academy file names follow a consistent structure. Here is
an example of an Online Academy file name:
a201c2_50300.html.
Q: Why do instructors or users report problems emailing assessment items?
A: Online Academy modules include an option to let users email assessment item results directly to instructors. This feature depends on the user's browser being configured as a mail client. It is understood that in many computer labs this feature of browsers has been deliberately disabled. Users who can't send email through their browsers should be instructed to print hard copies and/or cut and past their assessments into their configured email client.