Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
1. How does the Zaytuna Distance Learning system work?
2. Why choose Zaytuna's Distance Learning system?
3. How much does it cost?
4. Why is it so cheap?
5. Why is video more expensive?
6. What are the technical requirements for students?
SYSTEM FORMAT
1. What courses are currently available?
2. How do I register?
3. Can I join the course after it has started?
4. How do I catch up if I register after the course has started?
5. What is the “course portal?”
6. Are the class sessions live broadcasts?
7. How and when do I ask questions from the course?
8. Does Zaytuna’s Distance Learning program provide degrees or certification?
DOWNLOADING/ PLAYING/REVIEWING FILES
1. What format are the files?
2. How big are the lecture files?
3. What will the quality of the lecture files be like?
4. How long do the lecture files take to download?
5. What can I do during the download?
6. Can I download my files from different computers/locations?
7. I am having problems with slow downloads, what could be the problem?
8. How do I play the files on my computer?
9. How are the files “optimized” for iTunes?
10. Do I have to be online to play the files?
11. What devices will they play on?
12. How do I watch the video files on my TV?
13. How do I play the audio on my CD player?
14. The files do not play on my computer/device, what should I do?
15. How do I get the files onto my:
TERMS
1. Can I make copies?
2. Why can’t I share the files with others?
3. Can I watch/listen with others?
4. What about group viewing? For MSAs, Islamic centers, study groups, etc.?
5. Can you copy the content you purchase onto the multiple players or computers that you own?
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. I am having problems registering. What should I do?
2. I am having problems with slow downloads, what could be the problem?
3. I can’t find my downloaded files. What should I do?
4. The downloaded file won’t play in my player. What should I do?
5. I am still having difficulties with the Zaytuna Distance Learning system.
GENERAL
How does the Zaytuna Distance Learning system work?
The Zaytuna Distance Learning system is centered around “download-based” content-delivery format that allows students to download course content (weekly lectures & handouts) to review at their own pace and on the device or player of their choice (computer, iPod, iPhone CD player, car stereo, Palm device, multimedia-equipped cell phone, etc.). Once a student registers for a course they gain access, via their “course portal,” to weekly class session downloads and other course content. The downloaded session files, available in audio and video, can be played without an internet connection, transferred to mobile devices, or burned to a disc for student review. Students also have access to an online forum for the course which allows them the opportunity to ask questions of the teacher, discuss the course content with other students, and view an archive of students’ discussions and comments.
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Why choose Zaytuna's Distance Learning system?
The primary benefits of this unique system come down to quality, accessibility, and convenience. The content of the courses are high-quality, both due to the highly respected and thoroughly-trained teachers and the uniquely clean and clear audio and video file format. We have endeavored to make the courses as accessible as possible by keeping the prices incredibly low and simplifying the user interface. The download-based system focuses on the ultimate in convenience by giving students the option to review the content on their own time and on the device of their choice.
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How much does it cost?
Registration for each course costs between $30 and $60, depending on the course duration and type (audio or video).
Why is it so cheap?
The prices are low because we want to make the program as accessible as possible to as many people as possible. The infrastructure of the system is designed to keep our costs down, and consequently user cost down as well.
Why is video more expensive?
Video is more expensive because it requires more technical preparation work and higher bandwidth costs with our server provider.
What are the technical requirements for students?
- Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X
- High-speed internet connection (DSL/Cable/LAN) for downloads
- Sufficient hard drive space for the course files
We also recommend:
- iTunes for file playback and organization
- QuickTime for playing video files
- Firefox for browsing and accessing the site
- Mobile multimedia devices like iPods and smartphones for taking the files “on the go.”
SYSTEM FORMAT
What courses are currently available?
The courses are available on a quarterly basis and you can view the list of currently available courses here. You will see tabs for “Current” and “Upcoming,” each for a specific quarter of course listings. Note the start times for the quarters and courses to decide if you want to register for a “current” course or an “upcoming” course. The quarterly course calendar is as follows:
* Fall 2007: Sep. 24 - Nov. 25 (Registration opens Sep. 7th)
* Winter 2008: Jan. 7 - Mar. 16 (Registration opens Nov. 27th)
* Spring 2008: Apr. 7 - Jun. 15 (Registration opens Mar. 3rd)
* Summer 2008: Jun. 30 - Sep. 7 (Registration opens May. 26th)
* Fall 2008: Sep. 29 - Dec. 7 (Registration opens Aug. 25th)
How do I register?
After choosing and clicking on a course from the available course list, you may simply click the register button for the format available (audio or video). You will then be required to sign-in or create an account if you have not already done so. After that you may pay for the course and will then be directed to you’re my course page to view your registered courses.
Can I join the course after it has started?
Registration before the course begins is recommended but not required. Registration for each course is open until two weeks before the course ends. Late registrants will simply need to review the previous weeks materials to “catch up.”
How do I catch up if I register after the course has started?
All of the course downloads from the previous weeks of the course will be available in your course portal as soon as you register. You may download all of them and review them at whatever pace facilitates you catching up with the current course week. You should also review the course forum discussions, particularly those for each of the sessions that have already taken place.
What is the “course portal?”
The course portal is your personal webpage where you access the exclusive content, downloads, and online forum for your course. It can only be accessed by registered, signed-in students from their “my courses” page.
Are the class sessions live broadcasts?
The class sessions are prerecorded and have been prepared to maximize quality and student enrichment. Students can access the course lectures at anytime to suit their benefit and convenience.
How and when do I ask questions from the course?
The course’s online forum is a private discussion board, accessible only to the teacher and registered students. You may post questions and items for discussion in the user forum at any time. Teachers, as well as other students, will regularly be logging in to the forum to answer questions and participate in discussions. You may search for and view discuission topics and answers to previous student questions in the forum as well. Private questions to the teacher may be submitted via email to
distancelearning@zaytuna.org.
Does Zaytuna’s Distance Learning program provide degrees or certification?
Zaytuna’s Distance Learning program is currently focused on providing general supplemental Islamic education not a complete, accredited curriculum. We are not currently incorporating a formalized testing process and subsequent certification of completion, but we expect that enthusiastic students will benefit greatly from the program and find it source of enrichment and accomplishment.
DOWNLOADING/ PLAYING/REVIEWING FILES
What format are the files?
Audio lectures are delivered in “.mp3” format, video lectures are delivered in “.mp4” (MPEG-4) format, and course handouts are delivered as PDF files. All formats were chosen for their high-quality compression options and their compatibility with a wide range of viewers, players, and devices.
How big are the lecture files?
The files vary in size according to two primary factors: format and duration.Video files will tend to be between 100 and 200 MB. Audio files will tend to be between 30 and 60 MB. The average file size for each course is indicated in the listing for the course. You will also be able to view the file size of each download in your “Course Portal” before you download it.
What will the quality of the lecture files be like?
Our emphasis on high-quality content is part of what makes Zaytuna’s Distance Learning unique. All of Zaytuna’s video and audio content is recorded with top of the line equipment by experienced staff members and prepared for download utilizing the top-of-the-line compression technology. Audio quality is clear and pristine, and video quality is clean, smooth, and high-resolution enough for full screen viewing. We have placed great emphasis on maximizing video quality while keeping file sizes reasonably low, and believe you will find our videos better than the vast majority of video available on the Internet. There are sample files provided for download on each courses’ page to provide you with an example of the quality of the course’s content.
How long do the lecture files take to download?
Download time will vary widely depending primarily upon the speed of your internet connection in addition to the file size. Video files, as they are larger may take anywhere from 10 to 45 mins (depending upon your connection speed). We recommend that you do your downloading on the fastest Internet connection available to you.
What can I do during the download?
Once you have initiated the download you can move on to other webpages or activities (ie. surf the web, register for other courses, visit the course forum, make a cup of tea, etc.). The download happens in the background and is not affected by any of your activities unless you close the browser, disconnect from the Internet, or shut down your computer. You can view the status or progress of your download in the download manager of your browser which automatically pops up once you start the download.
Can I download my files from different computers/locations?
Yes. You can sign in to your course portal and download your files from any computer with an Internet connection. We recommend identifying computers available to you with the fastest Internet connections to facilitate quicker download times.
I am having problems with slow downloads, what could be the problem?
Slow download times are most likely the result of a slow or unstable Internet connection. You can test your connection’s download speed at
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ or at
http://pcpitstop.com/internet/default.... Problems with your Internet download speed are best addressed by your Internet service provider (ISP).
How do I play the files on my computer?
Simply double-click on the file on your desktop and it will play in your default multimedia application. The files are playable on a wide range of standard multimedia applications. However, we recommend the free application iTunes for playing and organizing your Distance Learning content. We have “optimized” and verified the playability of all our files for the simple, solid “iTunes” interface. For additional information on how to play the video (.mp4) files, please see this excellent how-to guide.
How are the files “optimized” for iTunes?
All our files have embedded additional information and “tags” (ID3 tags) including everything from the lecture title, to supplemental notes, to artwork. While many applications can read at least some of these tags, this additional content is best viewed with the well-designed and user-friendly iTunes interface.
Do I have to be online to play the files?
No.Once you go online and download the files, they are fully playable without and Internet connection. You may transfer them any media format and to any compatible device and they will play without an Internet connection.
What devices will they play on?
The files are playable on all PC and Mac computers, iPods, Palm and Windows smartphones (ie. Treo), Pocket PCs, Sony PSPs, and many multimedia-equipped cell phones. Some devices will require the installation of software like Coreplayer for compatibility. We are committed to maximizing student device compatibility; if you are having playability problems on your device please contact us at
distancelearning@zaytuna.org and we will help you troubleshoot the problem.
How do I watch the video files on my TV?
There are a number of ways to view the video (.mp4) files on your TV. iPods can be connected to most televisions with purchased AV connection accessories. Many DVD players can play .mp4 files. If your DVD player does you would simply need to burn the files to a disk and play the disc in your player.
How do I play the audio on my CD player?
The audio (.mp3) files can be burned as an audio CD by most music player applications. We recommend the free application iTunes for burning audio CDs.
The files do not play on my computer/device, what should I do?
Make sure you have the latest version of your computer’s player/multimedia software. Check the software or device documentation to see if they support the file type used (.mp3 or .mp4). You may need to install plug-ins for some players (Window Media Player for example). For video (.mp4) files, try walking through this excellent guide on how to adjust your system to play .mp4 files. If you still cannot play the files on your computer, we recommend the free application iTunes or the VLC player. iTunes is a simple, solid interface that all our files have been verified to work on. If you need additional assistance with your player or device please contact
distancelearning@zaytuna.org and we will try to assist you.
How do I get the files onto my:
- iPod: This can be managed through a simple sync with the iTunes interface.
- Treo: Files need to be placed on your external memory card (SD card) via a hotsync or transfer with a card reader.
- Cell Phone: Phones will vary, but for those with external memory cards, files need to be placed on your external memory card via a sync or transfer with a card reader.
- CD player/ Car stereo: Audio files can be burned to audio CD from applications on your computer. (We recommend using iTunes for burning audio CDs.)
TERMS
Can I make copies?
You can make copies to facilitate your personal educational benefit. However, making copies or inappropriately sharing the files with others is not allowed.
Why can’t I share the files with others?
While there are significant administrative costs to providing this educational service, we have endeavored to make this program as convenient and as affordable as possible. When registrants inappropriately share the Distance Learning copyrighted content to others it undermines our ability to effectively continue to serve students in this way. We hope you can encourage those interested in benefiting to register for these very affordable courses.
Can I watch/listen with others?
The files are considered to be for your personal educational use only. You may share them with members of your household, but for others who want to benefit, we hope you can encourage them to simply register for these very affordable courses.
What about group viewing? For MSAs, Islamic centers, study groups, etc.?
Later this year we will be launching a unique format for remote group participation in exclusive Zaytuna courses. This specialized offering is still in development and currently in its beta phase. If your group is interested in becoming a beta tester please contact us at
distancelearning@zaytuna.org.
Can you copy the files you purchase onto the multiple players or computers that you own?
Yes, we encourage anything that facilitates your personal educational benefit.
TROUBLESHOOTING
I am having problems registering. What should I do?
Make sure your browser’s cookies are enabled and that you are using an up-to-date version of your Internet browser (Firefox and Internet Explorer are the preferred browsers). If you are still having difficulty please contact us at
distancelearning@zaytuna.org, and we will see how we can assist you. If you are having transactional problems make sure all your personal and credit card information is correct and up-to-date. If you are still having problems please contact us at
distancelearning@zaytuna.org.
I am having problems with slow downloads, what could be the problem?
Slow download times are most likely the result of a slow or unstable Internet connection. You can test your connection’s download speed at
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ or at
http://pcpitstop.com/internet/default.... Problems with your Internet download speed are best addressed by your Internet service provider (ISP).
I can’t find my downloaded files. What should I do?
Most browsers automatically download files to your desktop. Look there first. If you are unable to find them you can open your browser’s download manager to locate the file. You can also perform a search of your computer for the file type “.mp3” or “.mp4.” In your browser “Options/Preferences” you can select where you want your downloaded files to go.
The downloaded file won’t play in my player. What should I do?
Make sure you have the latest version of your computer’s player/multimedia software. Check the software or device documentation to see if they support the file type used (.mp3 or .mp4). You may need to install plug-ins for some players (Window Media Player for example). For video (.mp4) files, try walking through this excellent guide on how to adjust your system to play .mp4 files. If you still cannot play the files on your computer, we recommend the free application iTunes or the VLC player. iTunes is a simple, solid interface that all our files have been verified to work on. If you need additional assistance with your player or device please contact
distancelearning@zaytuna.org and we will try to assist you.
I am still having difficulties with the Zaytuna Distance Learning system.
Feel free to contact us at
distancelearning@zaytuna.org and we will do our very best to assist you in benefiting from the Zaytuna Distance Learning system.
http://www.zaytuna.org/zdl_faq.asp
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