Just the basics, please!

If you have browsed the Web before, then you already have all the basic tools you need to use Caucus. What follows is a brief "how to" guide to the basic use of Caucus. In addition, you will find these instructions repeated within each Caucus discussion you visit. So if you forget how this all works, you don't need to come back here!

Logging on

When you click on one of the links on the shared assignments page, are taken to a Caucus discussion. As you enter Caucus, a pop-up window will appear and request your user name and password. Type in the user name and password you use to login to the network. Then you will be taken to the discussion you have chosen. The first time you go to any given discussion you will be asked if you want to join that discussion. There are two ways to say yes--one way to say no. Click the first yes box and you are on your way!

Reading an existing discussion

When you arrive at the Home page for the discussion you have chosen you will see a list of the discussions already underway. Each discussion will have a title. Find one you are interested in and click on that title link. A new page will load with all of the discussion on that topic. You will see first the original contribution that started the discussion. This may include a link to a document--for instance a link to an assignment. If you want to read the linked document, simply click on the link.

The original entry will also likely include a bit of "context" provided by the discussion originator. This entry will then be followed by entries by other readers. The entry will include information about the author and the time of the posting. As you scroll down the page, you can read the entire "thread" of the discussion from its origin to the most recent addition.

Adding to an existing discussion

If, after reading the existing submissions in a "thread", you would like to make a submission, click the cursor in the box at the bottom of the screen. When you are done, simply click either the "Post and Go" or "Post and View" box below your submission. Your message has now been added to the discussion thread.

Making a new discussion topic (or thread)

Click on the "create_a_new_item" link. You will be taken to a new page with two places to enter text. Come up with a descriptive title for the topic of the conversation you would like to start and enter it in the first window. If the topic can be introduced with a simple text message, enter this message in the second window and click either "Create and Go" or "Create and View."

In most cases, however, you will want to include an outside file--for instance a Microsoft Word document that includes a writing assignment or a tips sheet. In these cases, use the second window to give context for your submission. (Who is the intended audience? When do you introduce this material in your course? What are your objectives? In short, anything that would be useful to ensure that the resulting conversation is productive for you and other discussants.) Then continue on to...

Uploading a document with an assignment or tips sheet

1. Have your draft/chapter logically named (e.g. Graweassignment.doc)and know where it is.
   
   • Macintosh users:
     - If you're using Word 98 or 2001, please be sure to add ".doc" to your file name.
     - If you're using any other word processor (including versions before Word 98) please contact your IT coordinator for assistance.
   • Windows Users:
     - If you're using Word 97 or 2000, this is the default word processor (do nothing special).
     - If you're using any other word processor (including versions before Word 97) please contact your IT coordinator for assistance.
2. The goal is to add your document .. so it looks like a link.

• Notice the open window. Here is where you want to put a brief message giving context to what you are about to post.
• Next, notice the little button just above the window called "Upload" - click on it.

• This will open another window.
  • Notice: "1. I want to upload the file named:"
  • click on the big "Browse" button to locate your file.
  • Be sure that the "files of type" is set to "All Files"!
• Choose: "2.Show my file as:" and choose the default - the little dot by "A URL"
• Press "3. Upload!" and wait a few moments.. longer if you're not on campus.

• After uploading your file (making a copy on the Caucus server so others can see it) your screen will return to the original window where you started writing. Leave the odd looking text there! That odd stuff is the raw code that tells Caucus where to get that file you just put into place.
• You're almost done! Just choose either "Post & View it" or "Post & Go"

Now you're done!

If you are happy to participate in discussions but the idea of learning to upload a document is too much for you, do not dispair! Email your document to Nathan D. Grawe and I will be happy to get your new discussion thread started!