Hi All,
I am Ann Navin, the new Interface Designer at Project Links (I have taken over Virginia Eubanks' position so she can write her thesis). One of my tasks is to complete the alpha and beta testing of the modules. The alpha testing entails making sure the module fits into the Links design format, the applets, animations and/or videos work, that the content is logical in our functionality navigation, as well as review the aesthetics of the module and overall usability. The beta testing entails checking grammar, punctuation and spelling, look for broken links, broken applets, and basically copy-edit the module.
I am telling you this because I have completed the beta test for your Vibrating Strings module! This email might be a bit lengthy, but I wanted to make it thorough--most of my comments are detail-oriented. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me via email (navina@rpi.edu) or at ext. 6136 in the Links Lab.
Vibrating Strings Beta Test
links.math.rpi.edu/devmodules/mechanicalosc/vibstring Content Developers: Kovacic, Rinaldi, BraunProgrammers: Bellandi both HTML and Java
General Comments:
Great Module! Its engaging and entertaining while imparting information. Fantastic use of the medium and functional navigation features.
v
We're trying to implement the prior and next buttons on the side navigation bar. These are JavaScript scripts that allow you to indicate the order of the module. Please see the template for an example. (http://links.math.rpi.edu/devmodules/template/)v
Can you also add Links Home (to http://links.math.rpi.edu) and Vibrating Strings Home (to the intro page of your module) links to the side navigation bar?v
The functional navigation bar isn't what's in the links template--please use the JavaScript script, especially since we've made a few changes to how it looks.v Perhaps include a blurb in the intro as to the technical requirements for the module (e.g. need QuickTime, audio capabilities), and that it tends to work better in IE than in Netscape. Perhaps include a link to the Project Links technical requirement page (at http://links.math.rpi.edu/webhtml/techreq.html.
v I had trouble playing the sound files on both Macs and PCs. The files look like they're doing something, but no sound is actually coming out. I'm not sure why that is.
v
The applets sometimes got "stuck" in Navigator (but not in IE) and I had to quit out of the browser. Didn't happen all the time, but was frustrating when it did. Perhaps give an explanation as to what the applets are and what you should be seeing if they're working properly. (Again, perhaps indicate that IE will give the user a smoother module experience).v
Is it possible to fix the scrollbars on some of the equations? I know its a TechExplorer thing in Netscape, but please make sure the equations have the right width and height specifications in the math script.More specific comments:
v
/html/exper_bkgd.html--should the last experiment page reference link back to the the experiment page?v
Include a glossary links to "eigenvalue", "superposition", "least squares fit" "Fourier Analysis"--they are mentioned a few times in the module and seem like a good candidates for a definition link or links to other pages/modules that explain the concepts. e.g. html/waveEq1_solve.html--eigenvalue and Fourier Series are mentioned on this page.v
html/waveEq1_deriv.html & html/waveEq2_discuss.html--can you fix the size of the Copyright information on the bottom of page?v
html/waveEq2_exer.html--perhaps add a brief explanation about the applet?v
html/waveEq2_theory.html--The Damped Wave section: the Discover Link is broken.v
html/summary.html--fantastic summary section! Is it possible to check the width and height parameters on the equations to minimize the scrollbar problem (at least make them a little bigger so you can read the equations even when the scrollbars show up)?Maybe link Superposition in pt.2 to appropriate glossary or module page?
Also, perhaps link the Least Squares Fit and Fourier Analysis in pt. 4 to appropriate pages?
Great resources page!
I really enjoyed working through your module--tons of examples and interesting links to elaborate on the math! Please let me know if you have any questions or comments!
Best regards,
Ann