Distance Learning Site Instructions

Instructions for Online Distance Learning

Congratulations on your acceptance to Online Distance Learning with the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Distance Learning Web Site. The design for this site is developed to provide a simple, intuitive and easy to learn, yet functional approach to learning. Instructions are included that will help you in achieving an effective, worthwhile learning experience using the latest advances in technology. Also included is information to assist you in your transition to online learning.

Computer configuration

Your computer configuration is extremely important in determining how you are able to view the information presented via Internet.

The computer system you use should be of the highest capability that you can obtain. The minimum configuration standards for this distance learning site are a 486-33 MHz IBM-compatible computer with 8 MB RAM and a 14.4 modem (or Macintosh equivalent). If your system is capable of being set for 800x600 resolution, all of your Internet viewing will be greatly improved. The slower the computer processor and modem, the greater the time required to download the content and graphics used in the lessons. Also, the bandwidth capability of your Internet Service Provider, whether a national provider or a local provider, will also have an impact on your viewing the distance learning site.

The web site is constructed to World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) html 3.0 standards using Microsoft FrontPage97. For this reason, the site can best be viewed and navigated by using Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer version 3.0 or higher. However, you may use a Web browser of your choice that supports the use of frames and tables, and still receive an effective and worthwhile learning experience.

Important Note! If the content in the main frame does not respond when you execute a command, you may have to change your computer configuration. If you have this problem, the Java and Java script options will have to be enabled to insure that the links to work. (You can find your Java options under the 'Edit' pull down menu. Look for the command for 'Preference...', then look for click on the 'Advanced' options. Put a check mark in the boxes beside Enable Java and Enable JavaScript.)

Distance Learning Site Configuration

The Distance Learning Site is designed to be as user friendly as possible. Realizing that many of you may not have had prior computer training or experience, we want the navigation ability in the site and the courses of instruction to be as simple and consistent as possible.

The site and courses are presented in two screens known as "frames" that are divided by a vertical line. In the left-hand frame are the commands for entering different portions of the site or the indexes for describing and navigating the lessons. The right-hand frame contains the content that corresponds to the command or index title that is ‘clicked’. Remember, in the opening window to this site (Home Page), to the left were the commands to the Welcome statement, the instructions, the registration, etc. To the right was a drawing used to symbolize the USAJFKSWCS Distance Learning Web Site and each time you ‘clicked’ a command, the corresponding information appeared to the right. As you progress through the site by ‘clicking’ a command or an index title, the color of that command or title will change. The color will depend on the configuration of your individual computer. (If the color of a command does not change after use, contact the Academic Facilitator for instructions.) When re-entering the site during another session, you will be able to see your last area of work by the change in color.

Once you have register for the course you will receive your user ID and password. You will then be allowed to enter the training section of the site. Details of course registration and the method to reenter the distance learning site will be explained in the registration section.

How to get Help

In the command and index screen to the left is an email icon which will always be at the bottom of the screen. If you can’t see them now, use the scroll bar to move to the bottom of the screen. The email icon is addressed to the Academic Facilitator. The Academic Facilitator will answer any questions concerning the content of the lessons, the navigation of the site and technical issues. Please be clear and concise when describing the problem and/or questions to the Academic Facilitator. The Academic Facilitator will need to know as much detail as possible concerning your problem to be able to provide an adequate solution.

Navigating in a Lesson:

At this time, only specific lessons for SFANCOC are available on the distance learning site. After registering and receiving a user ID and password, you will be able to enter the section with the lessons. The first frame you will see will have the credits for USAJFKSWCS and the NCO Academy to the right and a list of the available lessons to the left. Click on the title of the lesson to go to that lesson. The lessons are listed in the order in which they should be completed. Click on that lesson title to jump to that lesson. Again, the index for that lesson will be to the left and the content of each learning and teaching objective will be to the right. Each lesson will provide specific instruction concerning the additional tests, practical exercises, examinations, and any other requirements for that lesson.

Response Time:

Because all training in this distance learning site is conducted via the Internet for soldiers worldwide, please allow 48 hours for a response. It is our intent to answer you as quickly as possible.

Materials to have available:

There are currently three lessons in the available course. Below is a list of reference materials and other items that will be useful during the course.

Introduction to Intelligence: FM 34-1, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations, read chapters 1, 2, 5 and 6. Scan chapters 3 and 4.
Collection of Information: FM 34-2, Collection Management and Synchronization Planning, read chapters 1, 2 and 3, have Appendix C available.
Processing of Information: FM 34-1, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations, read chapter 3, pages 3-38 through 3-66; FM 34-3, Intelligence Analysis, read chapters 2, 3, 5 and 9; FM 100-2-3, The Soviet Army, Troops, Organizations and Equipment.

Thank you and good luck with the course!