29 May 2006

Double Bonus

Jim and I were troubleshooting yesterday- and since I could see how he might not be the only one experiencing this problem I thought I'd share our 'discovery': Seems he could not post to my blog and others that use the "word/letter verification" feature.

Jim would access the class blogs by logging onto Blackboard, clicking the "BlogList" link, and then clicking on respective URLs from there. Aaah- and therein lies the oddity: Blackboard likes to open links up in frames! The word verification letters that are supposed to show, do not- presumably due to some security layer or other web-shenenigans.

From (the non-existent) "Blackboard Troubleshooting 101": Instead of clicking the link from within Blackboard, we (1) copied the link, (2) opened a new browser window, (3) pasted the URL into the address bar, and (4) clicked "Go" (or for non- Internet Explorer users, hit the Enter key on the keyboard). And as they say in france, viola!*

Thanks to Jim for helping me on my quest to learn something new every day (plus it'll help me with my job! A Double Bonus!).

*Yes, I know i wrote viola instead of voila- it's a joke people! ;)

25 May 2006

90 Minute Workout - Review

I still say it takes longer than 90 minutes, however...

It's not the completing of the IRB application that took forever, it's those pesky related documents!

- I created a sample survey which I hope is anywhere close to the actual one when it comes to that stage (ssshhh...)
- I decided I do need an Informed Consent form since one of my expected participants, while about to be a college sophomore, is under 18...

I was surprised at how helpful Dr N's "Watch Me Fill Out The IRB Proposal" video was. I mean, I knew it would be helpful, but watching it twice before filling out the form certainly eased the confusion level and aided in word choice (then there are those types who play the video on one computer while filling out the app on a second computer...)

Overall, one less bell to answer. :)

[ss]

11 May 2006

90 Minute Workout (preview)


Something tells me this IRB/Project Proposal appears to be deceptively simple. (i.e. not so)...

"The IRB should take about 30 minutes.. the Project Proposal should take about 60..."
-- BN

Truthfully, I expect to spend at least 2x the suggested 90 minutes to complete this assignment... more to follow... [ss]

02 May 2006

Next stop, Toledo!


I just happened to click on the post for etec644syoung.blogspot.com before posting this entry… not necessarily a good idea, since I’m now compelled to copy her entry and paste it as my own. That would be rude. However,

a) I did just turn it in
b) I also feel I’m not “quite there” with it
c) I'm certainly not a perfectionist, but will continue working on revising the lit review (I think we all are, so, that’s not much of statement., is it?)

Next stop, Toledo! I mean, “Institutional Review Board (IRB)”