ELEMENT K Web-based Training

WCTS offers web-based technology training for all Whitman College students, faculty, and staff.

Element K is an on-line training subscription, available to Whitman Faculty, Students and Staff. This web based training subscription allows you to take a course at your own pace from any networked computer that uses a web browser. The list of available courses changes as new software becomes available. Some course topics include desktop applications, database, graphic design, and web authoring applications.In addition to using Element K to take courses, you can also use Element K to lookup specific step by step instructions for accomplishing a specific task. For example, you can use a Dream Weaver web publishing course to look up how to create a table or insert a rollover image. You don't have to complete a whole course. You can just use the available course material as a reference.

Access

Element K reqires a login and password to give you access to the web site. A login is obtained by sending a request to training@whitman.edu. This login is given to you for a period of one month and can be extended as needed. You can also e-mail training@whitman.edu if you have an account but need your password reset. As you take courses, the Element K web site will track your progress and list your completed courses. Some courses have an on-line assessment that recommends which courses or course sections you need.

Setup

Only a web browser and the Quicktime and Shockwave plugins and Adobe Acrobat Reader (all common components) are required to use the training courses. All public lab computers at Whitman are set up with the required plug-ins. The Element K web site notifies you if your machine needs any plug-ins and assists you with their download and installation.

Taking a Course

Once you have a login and password (see Access), go to http://www.elementk.com and sign in with your login and password. On the "My Courses page", click on the "Course Catalog" link. You can then choose a course to take. Only self-study courses are available at this time. You can take an assessment to help identify where your skill gaps are. To do this, go to the "My Courses" page and click on the "Course Catalog" link. Courses that include assessments are labeled. After you have completed the assessment a training path will be recommended. Element K keeps track of your completed courses and you will be able to view your progress.

Help Within Element K

Element K provides extensive help. Each page has a "help" link you can click on for assistance. For Whitman-specific Element K questions, send e-mail to training@whitman.edu or go to http://wcts.whitman.edu/training and click on the Element K link. Be sure to check the schedule of traditional classroom based workshops also available.

Exiting Element K

When you are finished with a training session, be sure to click the Logout button on the bottom left of the Element K window.

Rich Hinz