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KPLACE Learning Platform
User’s Guide
User’s Guide
2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
1 Software Installation ................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Windows XP/VISTA/7 ............................................................................................. 4
1.2 MAC OSX .............................................................................................................. 7
2 The Education Process ............................................................................................... 10
2.1 Phase 1 - Assessment .......................................................................................... 11
How to Launch the Application .................................................................................... 12
2.1.1 Select a Module ............................................................................................. 12
2.1.2 Features of the Assessment Tests .................................................................... 14
2.1.3 Launching an Assessment Test ........................................................................ 15
2.1.4 Error Messages .............................................................................................. 17
2.1.5 Assessment Test ............................................................................................ 18
2.1.6 Conclusion of Assessment Test ........................................................................ 19
2.2 Phase 2 - Planning ............................................................................................... 21
2.2.1 How to Access the “Planning” Phase ................................................................. 22
2.2.2 The Skills Chart ............................................................................................. 22
2.2.3 The Skills Chart – colour key ........................................................................... 23
2.3 Phase 3 – Learning .............................................................................................. 24
2.3.1 How to Access a Video Lesson ......................................................................... 25
2.3.2 Interface and Features of Training Material ....................................................... 28
2.4 Phase 4 – Training ............................................................................................... 29
2.4.1 Launching Training ......................................................................................... 29
2.4.2 Features of Training ....................................................................................... 30
3 Help Desk ................................................................................................................ 31
4 Credits .................................................................................................................... 31
User’s Guide
3
Introduction
Kplace Learning Platform is a training program that helps users develop and deepen their
competence in using computers and the main application programs.
The learning path is implemented using an innovative method that is organised into various
phases. First of all the user's initial competence and level of preparation is assessed, followed by
a customised study path planning stage, based on any learning gaps found during assessment.
Keywords
Assessment Code: code required to access Assessment Tests
Education Code: code required to access education tools (lessons, exercises)
User’s Guide
4
1 Software Installation
Before installing the software, check that your computer complies with the minimum
requirements set out below:
• Windows:
o Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7;
o Hardware: Pentium IV; 512 MB RAM;
(Suggested : Pentium IV; 1 GB RAM)
o Hard disk space required: 1.5 GB
o Video card with minimum resolution of 1024x768; 16 bit audio card; DVD-ROM reader
• Mac:
o Operating Systems: Mac OS X 10.5, Mac OS X 10.6 ;
o Hardware: 512 MB RAM;
o Hard disk space required: 1.5 GB;
o Video card with minimum resolution of 1024x768; 16 bit audio card; DVD-ROM reader
o Java Runtime Enviroment 1.6.x;
1.1 Windows XP/VISTA/7
Insert the installation DVD into the reader and wait for the installation program to be launched.
If you have disabled the “autorun” option, you can launch the installation by accessing the
“WIN” directory and launching the file KplaceLPSetup.exe
User’s Guide
5
Press the Next button to select
the destination folder.
Select the folder where you want
the program to be installed.
Then press the Next button and
select the Start menu folder
where you want the program
links to be created.
User’s Guide
6
Select “Install” and wait for the
installation procedure to be
completed. Installation process may take
several minutes When installation is complete,
select “End”.
Accept the prompt to install the
application and EULA by Adobe
AIR.
The kplace quick user’s guide will
be launched.
The installation is now
complete.
User’s Guide
7
1.2 MAC OSX
Insert the installation DVD into reader and access the DVD contents.
Select the “mac” folder
Double click on the “KplaceLP
installer” file
Start installation
User’s Guide
8
Start installation Adobe
AIR.Select “I Agree”.
Note: If a previous version of
Adobe AIR is already installed on
your system, you need to
upgrade to 1.5.2 version in order
to install Kplace LP.
To upgrade select “Update “when
requested .
Wait for the installation
procedure to be complete
Installation process may take
several minutes
User’s Guide
9
Accept the prompt to install the
application and EULA by Adobe
AIR.
The kplace quick user’s guide will
be launched.
The installation is now complete.
User’s Guide
10
2 The Education Process
Kplace LP adopts a complete method that is aimed at efficient learning. It puts various tools at
users’ disposal, that will help them learn easily and quickly:
• Video lessons: they consist of video material, divided into topics and including pictures and
animation.
• Test Environments: a set of questions to test the user’s knowledge and competence on
various topics in the exam.
• Practical training exercises: a set of exercises aimed at preparing the user in the lesson
topics at theoretical and practical levels.
The Kplace method is based on 4 phases:
1. Assessment: users can assess their own initial level of competence;
2. Planning: on the basis of the initial assessment results, the system shows which areas have to be focused on and will suggests a customised learning path based on each user's
personal needs;
3. Learning: users are allowed to deepen their knowledge of certain topics using video lessons;
4. Training: users are given the opportunity to do exercises on topics they have studied and prepare for the next Assessment stage.
Kplace’s teaching process scheme can be illustrated in the following way:
User’s Guide
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2.1 Phase 1 - Assessment
During the Assessment phase the system helps users to determine their own skill level and
identify the areas they will have to concentrate on and improve during the learning path.
In other words, Assessment consists of a test involving theoretical and practical questions that
simulate the actual behaviour of the main application programs. Each test measures users’
current level of knowledge and competence in order to tailor the training program to their
needs.
Every assessment Test consists of either 24 or 28 questions, ranging from application
simulations to multiple choice questions.
When users have finished the Assessment test, the results are sent to the central system where
they are processed to work out a customised study program.
User identification is required, as several users may be able to use the same computer for the
Assessment test: each user is therefore given a personal code (Assessment Code).
User’s Guide
12
How to Launch the Application
Select KplaceLP from the Programs menu
and select “1.Assessment”
(MAC OSx select Applications>KplaceLP>
1.Assessment)
Wait for the application to be launched.
2.1.1 Select a Module
Users can select the Module on which they wish to carry out the Assessment test.
Start the application.
User’s Guide
13
Select the Module.
The number of Assessment tests available
for each Module is displayed.
After selecting the Module, press Next to
get to the list of available tests.
Select the required test.
All available Assessment tests for the
Module are displayed.
The following information is shown for each
Assessment test:
Code: identifies the particular test.
Version: indicates the particular
application used in the test (e.g. Windows
XP, Windows VISTA, Internet Explorer,
Outlook Express, Linux).
After selecting the test, a summary page
with general information will open.
You can then go back by pressing the Back
button or start the test by pressing Start.
User’s Guide
14
2.1.2 Features of the Assessment Tests
Assessment tests are used to measure the knowledge level of users and highlight the gaps that
need to be bridged.
Users have only 3 possibilities to change their answer before confirming it. Additionally, the
system supplies feedback on the answers at the end of the test. Users must finish the test
within a fixed time limit: the total time allowed is proportional to the number of questions in the
test.
Assessment Test
Answer attempts 3
Corrections At end of test
Time Proportional to number of questions
User’s Guide
15
2.1.3 Launching an Assessment Test
Users must have a special activation code (Assessment Code) and an Internet connection,
necessary to validate the code, before launching a test.
The code is provided by the supplier of the Kplace Learning Licence.
Press the Start button on the test selection
screen.
The user’s activation code must be entered
before launching the test. To avoid having
to enter the code every time, click the box
provided so that the computer will
remember it.
The code can be used only once for each
Assessment test in each Module.
A user must be connected to Internet in
order to authenticate his activation code.
This is the only moment a connection is
required: during the test a network
connection is not required.
User’s Guide
16
If the connection is working, the code will
be validated and the user will receive a
message showing the number of attempts
available for the particular code. (For
assessment tests the number of remaining
attempts will be always 0, because user
has only 1 attempt for each test)
After code validation the user can use the
application after clicking Ok.
User’s Guide
17
2.1.4 Error Messages If necessary the system displays an error message that will tell the user what to do next.
To start a test, the user must enter the
Assessment Code, consisting of 16
characters: either numbers or upper-case
letters. The code must be entered to
access each Assessment test.
If the user does not enter the code and
press OK, the following error message will
appear. To go back to the code entry
window, the user simply presses OK in
the error message window.
If the code is incorrect, the following error
message will appear. To go back to the
code entry window, the user simply
presses OK in the error message window.
The user must enter the right code for the right type of test (an Assessment Code for an
Assessment, an Education Code for Learning and Training).
User’s Guide
18
2.1.5 Assessment Test
During an Assessment test, the user has to answer 24 or 28 questions about the selected
module. Users must get at least 75% of the answers correct in order to “pass” the test and
therefore consider their level of preparation to be sufficient.
The test screen will look like this:
1. Question text 2. NEXT button, to go to the next question 3. BACK button, to go back to the previous question 4. CONFIRM ANSWER button, to confirm an answer given in a multiple choice question 5. CONCLUDE TEST button, to end the test 6. HELP button 7. Time available 8. List of questions 9. Number of current question
4
1
2
5 7
8
6
3
9
User’s Guide
19
2.1.6 Conclusion of Assessment Test
At the end of the Assessment test the program produces a final report containing the results for
each answer and the total number of correct answers.
As can easily be seen from the image below, correct answers are shown in green and wrong
answers are in red.
Just press Next to go to the next phase.
The Kplace Learning program now allows users to send their test results to the central server:
the system will be able to create a customised learning path, based on the results obtained.
You must therefore be connected to the Internet to complete this phase.
To send the results to the central system, press the YES button: the results will then be sent
using the available connection.
User’s Guide
20
Immediately after sending the results to the central system, the program will automatically
open a page in the browser to connect to the customised Planning chart at https://bocconi-
learning.kplace.it.
User’s Guide
21
2.2 Phase 2 - Planning
The Kplace Learning Platform uses the “Planning” phase to devise a learning path suited to the
individual user.
The definition of a customised path enables users to reach the required level of preparation
more quickly than with traditional approaches based on the coverage of all topics.
Using the pie chart created by the central system, based on the Assessment test results, users
know which topics they should focus on to bridge the gaps revealed in the assessment. In
particular, the colours on the chart immediately show users what their level of knowledge is in
the topics where there are gaps to be bridged.
For each module, Kplace Learning Platform suggests the educational material to study and the
exercises to complete in order to bridge these gaps.
In addition, the system collects all the results from previous Assessment tests and shows
the progress that has been made between tests.
User’s Guide
22
2.2.1 How to Access the “Planning” Phase
After sending the Assessment test results to the central system, the program connects to the
https://bocconi-learning.kplace.it web site and displays the Skills Chart.
Users can access the “Planning” section at any time by connecting to the https://bocconi-
learning.kplace.it web site and entering their credentials (Username and Password).
2.2.2 The Skills Chart
The chart of Skills (pie chart) is a diagram showing the user’s knowledge and any gaps in it. It
is automatically generated using the results of the Assessment tests. The diagram provides two
levels of analysis.
The first level gives a general view of the user’s Skills in the various modules of the learning
path.
User’s Guide
23
By selecting a particular module (clicking on the area of the diagram containing the first level of
detail), the user accesses another diagram detailing the results obtained in the last Assessment
test for each particular topic in the Syllabus for that module.
For each topic in a particular Module, by simply clicking on the part of the diagram referring to
the topic, the user accesses the video lesson that concentrates on the particular knowledge gap
revealed in the assessments.
2.2.3 The Skills Chart – colour key
The level of knowledge of the various topics is shown using the following colours:
GREY: modules for which the user has not yet taken the Assessment test.
RED: modules / topics in the Syllabus that require considerable improvement.
YELLOW: modules in the Syllabus that only require certain specific areas to be studied in
depth.
GREEN: modules / topics in the Syllabus that are already above the threshold level (to
pass a test the user must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly).
User’s Guide
24
2.3 Phase 3 – Learning
The Kplace video lessons are designed to guide users along a logical and structured path along
the contents available and to help them develop specific skills depending on the results achieved
during the assessment stage.
Users can access a series of video lessons divided up into topics, in two ways:
- Via the https://bocconi-learning.kplace.it website in the “Learning” section
- Directly on their computer, by selecting Start>programs>3.Learning (MAC OSX
Applications>Kplace LP>3.Learning) and entering the Education Code when prompted.
All the lessons are accompanied by images, animations and by a voice over which guides the
users along in the lesson. The lessons available cover every single topic on the Syllabus.
User’s Guide
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2.3.1 How to Access a Video Lesson Online As illustrated above, users can access a video lesson directly from the https://bocconi-
learning.kplace.it website as well as from their skills chart, clicking on the section corresponding
to the topic which needs to be covered in detail, or by accessing the “Learning” section of the
website, and selecting the desired lesson from the list.
From your computer
Alternatively, users can view the list of all the video lessons by accessing the section entitled
“3.Learning” of the Kplace Learning Platform, and entering their Education Code when
prompted.
To access video lessons from their computer, users must have a special activation code
(Education Code) and have access to the Internet, as it is necessary to validate the code.
Each lesson
can be viewed
a certain
number of
times
Select this
button to view the lesson
User’s Guide
26
WARNING: The code will only be verified when the “Learning” application opens, and
it will remain valid until the application is closed.
Launch the “Learning” application from the menu Start>Kplace LP>3.Learning
(MAC OSX Applications >Kplace LP>3.Learning).
In the test selection screen, press
the Start button.
Enter the Education Code when
prompted: during the code
authentication process, the user
must be connected to the
Internet.
If the code is valid, the user will receive an activation confirmation message and may
access the list of video lessons: the user may access all the lessons which are still
available for viewing without needing to access the Internet again, until the
application is closed.
User’s Guide
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WARNING: Every time a code is authenticated, a use session is opened associated with the
same code. To end the session, simply close the application by selecting “end session” while still
connected to the Internet.
To avoid the unauthorised distribution of this software, no more than three
simultaneous sessions can be opened for one code. If this is the case, the code will be
blocked and you will have to contact the help desk to re-use it.
Select “Play”
to view the lesson
Each lesson
can be viewed
a certain
number of times
Close session button
User’s Guide
28
2.3.2 Interface and Features of Training Material
The video lesson interface is very easy to understand and use.
Each video lesson provides a series of useful navigation tools that help the user get the most
out of the material.
1. Outline section: index of topics in each lesson; the total duration is also shown for each
topic.
2. Thumb section: preview of individual topics dealt with in each lesson
3. Notes section: text of all topics dealt with in the lesson.
4. Search section: users are able to search the topics dealt with in each lesson
5. Title of topic dealt with
6. Animations for the topic dealt with
7. Navigation bar, to move between topics
8. Attachments, containing the text of the topics dealt with, showing the items on the
Syllabus in question
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
User’s Guide
29
2.4 Phase 4 – Training
In addition to following the video lesson, users can practice by accessing a series of exercises
that are very similar to the Assessment tests illustrated in Phase 1 of the training path.
Each Training exercise is made up of different questions, including:
• multiple choice questions, which provide training in theory;
• simulations, which faithfully simulate the most widely used application programs.
During training, users can try as many answers as they like to each question. In this phase,
there is no time limit and users are told immediately if they have answered a particular question
correctly or not.
However, if the answer is correct, the same question will not be repeated.
2.4.1 Launching Training
Launch the “Training” application from the menu Start>Kplace LP>4.Training
(MAC OSX Applications >Kplace LP>4.Training).
To launch the set of training exercises, users simply have to enter the activation code
(Education Code) and follow the same procedures specified for launching the Assessment test.
User’s Guide
30
Please bear in mind however: the code requested for assessments is different from the one
requested for learning and training . To launch the set of training exercises, users need to enter
the Education code, without confusing it with the Assessment code.
2.4.2 Features of Training
Training exercises are used for studying in depth and practicing the use of the main applications
currently in use.
There are no time limits in which to finish a set of exercises. After confirming an answer, the
user gets immediate feedback from the system.
Training
Answer attempts Unlimited
Corrections Immediate
Time Unlimited
User’s Guide
31
3 Help Desk
For each request for assistance is available the technical support mail : [email protected]
4 Credits
© 2009 WebScience S.r.l. All right reserved. Unauthorized Reproduction Prohibited.
Version: 1.0
Kplace Learning Platform includes third parts components protected by the following copyrights:
Adobe® AIR™. Copyright © 2007 – 2008. Adobe Systems Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
Adobe and Adobe AIR are either trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States
and/or other countries.
Copyright © 2000 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2000-2004 Jason Hunter & Brett McLaughlin. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2000-2004 Erich Gamma and Kent Beck. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2000-2004 Java XPath Engine. All rights reserved.
The screens of the Microsoft Office suite and Microsoft Windows operating systems are owned by Microsoft Corporation and reproduced by kind permission. The software Kplace Learning
Platform contains screenshots from applications owned by Microsoft Corporation to examine the
knowledge level of the application by users and, therefore, at the same interest of Microsoft
Corporation.
This product includes software developed by the Apache Software Foundation
(http://www.apache.org/).
This product includes software developed by the JDOM Project
(http://www.jdom.org/)
