university/college student: beginner’s guide · purchasing/activating your subscription open a...

University/College Student:Beginner’s Guide

Purchasing/Activating your SubscriptionThis section includes directions for purchasing, activating orrenewing your subscription.

TaskStream BasicsThis section includes directions for logging in to TaskStream,navigating TaskStream, and managing your accountinformation.

TaskStream ProgramsAs a student in a University/College that is using TaskStream, itis likely that you will be participating in a TaskStream program.This section provides background information about the types ofprograms that are available.

Additional Online Support (Help Index)In addition to this guide, TaskStream provides an extensivecollection of support materials. This section describes theresources that are available to you in the Help Index.

Copyright ©2004 TaskStream. All rights reserved.

Beginner’s Guide

Purchasing/Activating your Subscription

Open a web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, AOL)

1. In the Address field or Locationbar - type in the following URL:http://www.taskstream.com

2. You should now seeTaskStream’s homepage.

3. Underneath the login area, clickthe Subscribe Today button togo to the TaskStream Accountsubscription page.

Purchase or Activate Subscription

1. First select the subscription option that applies toyou. First-time subscribers should choose the‘Create new TaskStream subscription’ option.

2. If you are purchasing by credit card and do nothave a key code, use Option 1. If you have beenissued a key code, use Option 2.

3. Select ‘I am participating in aCOLLEGE/UNIVERSITY program that requiresTaskStream (student, faculty, etc.).’

4. Click the appropriate Continue button to proceed.Follow the directions on the resulting forms tocomplete the subscription purchase or activationprocess.

Upon successful completion of the subscribing process, your subscription will be readyto be accessed immediately using the username and password that you chose.Please ensure that a valid email address has been entered so that TaskStream cansend a confirmation of your TaskStream username and password to you. All emailaddresses are confidential and will not be made available to third parties.

Note: We suggest that you add “[email protected]” to your email application’saddress book to help ensure that email messages sent by TaskStream are not blockedby any Spam software/settings that you may have enabled on your computer.

Purchasing /Activating your Subscription

1Copyright ©2004 TaskStream. All rights reserved.

TaskStream Basics

TaskStream Technical Requirements

Since TaskStream is web-based, it requires that subscribers have a computer with anInternet connection and access to a supported web browser. TaskStream is designedfor use with both 56K dial-up and broadband connections; however, becausebroadband operates at least 15x-50x faster than dial-up, broadband is the preferredconnection type. Our current list of supported web browsers is shown below.

Supported Browsers Optimal BrowsersPC PC

Internet Explorer 5.0 and above Internet Explorer 5.17 and aboveNetscape 6.2 and above Netscape 7.0 and aboveAOL 6.0 and above AOL 9.0FireFox 1.0 FireFox 1.0

Mac MacInternet Explorer 5.0 and above Internet Explorer 5.17 and aboveNetscape 6.2 and above Netscape 7.0 and aboveAOL 6.0 and above AOL 6 and above (AOL 10.3 for OS X)FireFox 1.0 FireFox 1.0Safari 1.0 and above Safari 1.2

TaskStream requires certain web technologies that are generally enabled/supported bymost browsers in the default setting. However, since these features are neccessary frorunning TaskStream, it is important to be aware of them.

1) Your browser must have JavaScript enabled (also some security software mustbe configured to allow javascript as well).

2) Many of TaskStream’s tools utilize pop-up windows. If you have a pop-upblocker installed, it must be properly configured to allow pop-ups in TaskStreamor disabled while working in TaskStream.

Please refer to our Technical FAQ available from the Help Index for more information.

Logging In

To log in to TaskStream, enter www.taskstream.cominto the Location or Address field of your web browserand press enter. The TaskStream login screen willappear. Enter your Username and Password in theSubscriber Login area and click the Go button.

TaskStream Basics


Forgotten Password

If you forget your Username or Password, click the Forgotyour login info? link, located under the Member Login area.Enter your first and last name, and either your e-mail addressor username (or both). Then click the Go button.

If the information you have entered matches that in ourdatabase, you will get a message that your username and password have been sent toyou via e-mail.

If the information you enter does not match our records, you will be asked to try againor contact Mentoring Services at 800-311-5656 or at [email protected].

Navigating TaskStream

After you log in to TaskStream you will be taken to your Home Page.

Note: The first time you log in, you will be presented with the TaskStream End UserAgreement. Once you accept the agreeement, you will be asked to update some ofyour account information.

Navigation Bar

As you navigate the site, the navigation bar will always be present onthe left side of your screen. This allows you to access any part ofTaskStream at any time. The links on the navigation bar are divided intosix sections:

Site Management (appears only for TS Coordinators)Programs & ResourcesWeb PublicationInstructional Design (Teaching Productivity Tools)CommunicationsGeneral

You can always find the Home and Help Index links at the very top ofthe navigation menu. As you explore the site, keep in mind that you canalways return to your Home Page by clicking the Home link.

TaskStream Basics


The Home Page

Each of the five sections on your Home Page corresponds to a set of tools.

Programs Web PublicationMy Programs Web Folio Builder

Web Page Builder

Resources Instructional DesignStandards Manager Unit BuilderCybrary Lesson BuilderMybrary Rubric Wizard

CommunicationsMessage CenterTS Instant MessengerDiscussion BoardCalendarAnnouncements

Note: The Instructional Design tools will only appear if the Teaching Productivity Packis enabled.

My Account Information

To access the My Account Information area ofTaskStream, click either the My Account Info linkfrom the Left Navigational bar or the My AccountInformation link from the home page.

The My Account Information page is organized into three separate tabbed sections.

The Subscription Information section containsinformation about the organization(s) withwhich the account is affiliated, the expirationdate of the subscription, and the number oflogins. The Teaching Productivity Tool Packcan be enabled or disabled from this area, aswell.

TaskStream Basics


The Personal Information section containsyour personal information. You can changeany of your personal information on this pageby editing the information and then clicking theUpdate Account Information button.

The Username & Password section promptsyou to enter your current password to accessa form that enables you to change yourpassword, password hint, username, and/oryour email address.

TaskStream Basics



TaskStream Programs

TaskStream ProgramsA TaskStream program provides the means for a group of subscribers within anorganization to submit work to other members of the organization for review and/orevaluation. There are two types of programs that you may participate in:Collaborative Programs and Folio Assessment Programs (part of the FolioAssessment System).

Programs are created by individuals in your organization (instructors, professors,leaders, etc.) that have been designated as TS Coordinators. When a TSCoordinator creates a program, he/she enrolls subscribers and gives them differentroles that define how they will participate in that program. The TS Coordinator thensets grouping preferences that determine with whom and how different subscribersparticipate in the program. Below you will find a description of each program typeand the roles available for that program type. You will also find a FAQ section withquestions and answers to help you find out about the programs you are involved in.For more detailed information about participating in a program, we encourage youto visit the Help Index to access numerous online and downloadable help resourcesorganized by program type and role.

Folio Assessment System

TaskStream’s Folio Assessment System provides the solution for creating, submitting,managing, and evaluating electronic portfolios. The two primary components of thissystem are the Directed Response Folio (DRF) and the Folio Assessment Program.The DRF is the folio that outlines the requirements and work submissions and is alsothe vehicle for submitting and tracking work for evaluation. The Folio AssessmentProgram defines and provides the structure for how participating individuals work witha selected Directed Response Folio (DRF).

Folio Assessment Program Participant Roles

AuthorAuthors in a Folio Assessment Program are assigned a DRF. The DRF originates froma template that is created by a program manager and contains a set of tasks that mustbe completed and submitted by the author. As the author completes and submits eachtask, an assigned or selected evaluator assesses and scores each submission.

ReviewerThe reviewer role is optional in a Folio Assessment Program. If a reviewer is assignedto a Folio Assessment Program, he/she will be able to give feedback and respond tothe DRFs (and potentially other TaskStream work) that have been shared. However,

Version 4.0

he/she is not able to evaluate or score the work submissions. If the program wascreated without reviewers, then the Request Feedback feature will not be enabled forauthors.

EvaluatorThe evaluator in a Folio Assessment Program is assigned by the program manager toassess and score the DRF submissions made by the authors.

Collaborative Program

A Collaborative Program is created by a TaskStream Coordinator (often a professor,instructor, and/or institutional leader) to faciliate the use of the RequestFeedback/Review features by specific subscribers. To participate in a CollaborativeProgram, a subscriber must be enrolled by a TaskStream Coordinator into an activeprogram.

Collaborative Program Participant Roles

AuthorAn Author can request feedback from any Reviewer(s) in his/her group on web folios,web pages, and/or other TaskStream work that he/she has created. For each request,the Author may select which Reviewer(s) from whom he/she would like to requestfeedback. The Author can also use the comment area to engage in a dialog with his orher Reviewer(s).

ReviewerThe Reviewer receives requests for feedback from the Authors in his/her group. TheReviewer can then comment on any of the submitted work.

Getting Started with Programs FAQs

Knowing the type of TaskStream program you are enrolled in and your role(s) in theprogram is useful information if you need additional support. Many of our helpresources are organized by role to help tailor our resources to the specific type oftasks each role may be involved in. The following FAQs will help you determine thetype of program(s) you are enrolled in and the role(s) you have in that program.


TaskStream Programs

Am I enrolled in a Program?

You can tell if you are enrolled in a program byclicking the My Programs link in the left-handnavigation menu or the TaskStream home page. Ifyou are enrolled in a program, you will see a pagesimilar to the image to the right, listing the programsyou are enrolled in. If you are not enrolled in anyprograms, you will see an informational page thatincludes some general program information and FAQs.

What type of Program am I enrolled in?

There are two ways to determine the type of programyou are enrolled in. If shortcuts are enabled, theprogram type is listed below the program name on theMy Programs home page as illustrated in the image tothe right. You can also click the Overview link toaccess information about the program including whattype of TaskStream program it is.

What is my role in the program?

Click the Overview link from the My Programs home page for the program you areinterested in or click the Overview tab if you are already in the My Programs area toaccess the overview page. The Overview page includes a table of program-relatedinformation for you including your roles and more detailed role information.


TaskStream Programs

Additional Online Support (Help Index)

The Help Index contains a collection of resources designed to support your use ofTaskStream. Through the Help Index, you are able to access online help pages,downloadable site guides, FAQs, and other valuable resources. These helpresources are organized by tool and/or area of the TaskStream site.

Accessing Resources in the Help Index

The Help Index contains several differenttypes of help resources. The Tool HelpPages section contains pull-down menusfrom which help pages for specific areas ofthe site can be accessed.

The Programs and Resources pull-downmenu provides access to the following helppages:

• My Programs• Standards Manager• Cybrary *• Mybrary

The Tools pull-down menu provides access to the following help pages:• Web Folio Builder• Web Page Builder• Unit Builder *• Lesson Builder *• Rubric Wizard *• Message Center• TS Instant Messenger• Discussion Board• Calendar• Annoucements

The TS Coordinator Tools pull-down menu provides access to the following helppages:

• Curriculum and Resource Management **• Account Management **• Communication Management **• Program Management: Folio Assessment System **• Program Management: Collaborative **

* These options appear when the Teaching Productivity Pack is enabled.** These options appear when a subscriber has the TS Coordinator privilege.



Many of our help pages include FAQs, links tomore specific help pages, and links to PDF helpguides that can be saved to your computerand/or printed out for reference.

Accessing Help for Program Participants

To access help relating to TaskStream programs,select the My Programs option in the Programsand Resources pull-down from the Help Homepage.

General program information is presented at thetop of the page with specific help forCollaborative Programs and Folio AssessmentPrograms appearing if you scroll down the page.

Click any of the role-specific links to accessFAQs, additional help pages, and downloadableresources for the particular role.

Depending upon what types of work you willproduce and use in a program environment, youmay want to refer to specific tool help resources.For example, if you need to create a Web Page,you may want to refer to the Web Page Builderhelp area for more information.

Note: If you are unsure of the type ofTaskStream program you are participating in andwhat your role is click the My Programs link inthe left-hand navigation menu and review theOverview page of the relevant program.



There are two sources of support that are generally available to you. You have thesupport provided by TaskStream and that which is provided by the organization you areparticipating in. To receive the fastest and most effective support, you will want todirect your inquiries to the most appropriate source. TaskStream’s materials andresources are designed to address any technical and feature inquiries you might haveto support your use of our tools. How an organization employs these flexible tools isup to the local administrators and/or faculty. If you have any questions about, content,assignments, goals, or activities as they relate to your work in a particular organization,we encourage you to contact a local program coordinator (instructor, professor,colleague, and/or administrator) for help.



university/college student: beginner’s guide · purchasing/activating your subscription open a...

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