Computer-Based Training Update: New Login Screens and the Addition of KnowledgeNet

By Dr. Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner, Student Computing Services Manager

Last month I introduced you to the new computer-based training systems on campus and gave an extensive tutorial on the navigation of the SkillSoft training. This month I am going to go over a few changes we've made to login and also introduce you to KnowledgeNet training.

All eligible user accounts have been pre-loaded into both the SkillPort and KnowledgeNet systems so there is no need for you to apply for an account. We are in the process of making the login to both CBT systems as seamless as possible for you. We have been quite successful with SkillPort but are still working out some of the bugs in KnowledgeNet (more on that later).

All computer-based training courseware can be accessed by going to https://cbt.acs.unt.edu, the new UNT online training server.

There is a slightly new CBT login page (see below) than what was shown last month:

After you are authenticated as an eligible user, you will see this screen:

Please note that on this screen there are extensive instructions as to what operating systems and plugins work with the different training providers. SkillSoft only works on Windows machines with the Internet Explorer browser. It requires the Flash plugin. KnowledgeNet appears to be compatible with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux workstations :-) However, we have noticed in our testing that KnowledgeNet courseware is a real memory hog and it is recommended that you shut down all other applications when using this software. The problem seems to be with a Flash script and I've reported it to KnowledgeNet Tech Support. By the time you read this article, the problem may be fixed.

Please also note that if you have any problems accessing either application, that you should contact me - the CBT administrator at ehinkle@unt.edu. We have preloaded all eligible accounts into our systems but with the many changes that are currently happening to our databases at UNT, your account may have slipped through the cracks. If it HAS, I will manually configure one for you right away.

Another thing to note: THE KNOWLEDGENET LOGIN SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETELY CONSTRUCTED YET! If you wish to try out KnowledgeNet after reading this article, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU A TEMPORARY PASSWORD TO USE TO ACCESS THE SYSTEM UNTIL WE HAVE THE FINAL STRUCTURE IN PLACE. Thanks - I'll stop shouting at you now....

KnowledgeNet - How to access this new Microsoft training

Microsoft training has been available since January to all faculty and staff at UNT. This online training is provided by Microsoft itself and all eligible folks are encouraged to use it. A tutorial on how to get this Microsoft training is featured here. KnowledgeNet also provides even more extensive Microsoft end-user training and is available to all UNT community members including students.

Once you push the KnowledgeNet button on the CBT choice screen you will come to the KnowledgeNet login page. For now, you login using your EUID and the temporary password I will provide for you.

You will then come to a homepage and list of courses. Click on the course you want - you will then see a series of course chapters. Clicking on one of these course chapters launches the courseware:

The course will launch using the Macromedia Flash player - this can take awhile:

Finally you will get the courseware. Be sure to have your sound turned on because there are some speech elements to parts of the courses. The controls of the courses are easy to navigate: they are like the transport controls on a tape player.

A note on ADA issues

As reported last month, SkillSoft courseware has been tested by the ODA and found to be ADA compatible (screen reader compatible). Just be sure to check the box on the CBT choice page that indicates you need web accessibility. We have not had a chance to test KnowledgeNet for ADA compliance but will be doing so in the next few days. Some elements of KnowledgeNet (the sound) would, of course, not be available for persons with hearing issues. This Benchmarks Online tutorial is readable by JAWS. If you have any other questions about CBT at UNT and ADA compliance, please direct them to me at ehinkle@unt.edu and I will be happy to help you.