(1) Getting around
Every folder and discussion shows the current path, just below the page banner. This lets
you see where you are in the conference, and lets you immediately go back to any of
these folders.
At the very left edge of the current path is an open folder icon, followed by the site
name. If you click here, you will go back to the very top level.
(2) Posting a message
To post a message, just scroll down to the message form at the end of each discussion.
Fill in the form, and then click on the "Post Message" button following the form.
(3) Starting a new discussion
Note: All new discussions require the instructor's permission prior to posting.
To start a new discussion you click on the "Add Discussion" button in the toolbar at
the end of a folder. Then you fill out a form with the title and any heading for the
discussion.
Being able to start a new discussion means that the conference can grow to suit your
needs. You are not forced to use a fixed, rigid structure.
You should start a new discussion when you want to discuss or ask something that isn't
really addressed by existing ones. For example, you might start a discussion to ask a
new question.
The heading for a discussion can be left empty if the title is descriptive enough, or it can
be used to define and expand on the title.
(4) Becoming a registered user
In order to take full advantage of this conference, you need to be a registered user.
Registered users can quickly check for new messages, can keep their picture and other
settings at the server, and can login more quickly.
In order to take the tour, you need to register. Just click on "Register" and fill out the form (there are only three items), and
click "OK". Then click "OK" in the confirmation page, and you will be a registered user.
(5) Checking for new messages
The conference automatically keeps track of messages as you view them. When you see
a discussion in a folder, the listing includes how many messages are in the discussion,
and how many are new messages. This means that you can browse through a conference
and check for new messages as you go.
As you view new items, you can post messages, create new discussions, and browse
other items. When you're ready to find the next new item, you just click on "Check
Subscriptions" again.
(6) User preferences
User preferences let you change your name and/or password, determine whether you
want see user pictures or not, and allow you to enter your own picture (instead of getting
the default picture provided by the conference manager), and so on. Click on the
"Preferences" button in any toolbar to update this information.
(7) That's it
Thanks for taking the time to read through this section and learn how to use the
conference. You've covered all the basics needed to get full value from the time you
spend in World Crossing.
