What exactly is an Acellus Server?
An Acellus Server is a video-based, interactive learning system developed using cutting edge technologies, including the Acellus Learning System Software and a fsix Titan Server.
The Acellus Learning System integrates time-proven methods of teaching with the latest advancements in technology to deliver a complete and effective learning experience. However the most effective component of the Acellus Learning System is the comprehensive feedback system. Data is collected daily from Acellus servers around the world; reports on the learning progress of students using the system are stored on the Acellus Master Server at the International Academy of Science where they are automatically organized for analysis and assessment.
The Acellus developers use the analyzed data to enhance the course materials by adjusting the course to better address areas where students are having difficulties. The Master Server then sends out the revised material as daily updates to each of the Acellus servers. Students are able to access new information as soon as the next day.
Integrating lectures prepared by the best educators in America into an interactive environment, Acellus supplements the classroom experience by providing a tool to help students master important concepts. Acellus is ideal for students who struggle to understand these concepts as well as for those who excel. By adapting the presentation of information in ways that overcome most barriers to learning, Acellus is able to fill in learning gaps so that students may advance with confidence.
Studies show that students using computerized video-based instruction progressed up to 250% faster, with better retention, than students taught by traditional methods alone. 77% of all students using computerized video-based learning methods improved their academic results.
The fsix Titan Servers are designed to meet the need for a powerful solution that provides high performance, ease of management, and reliability. Acellus Servers utilize the fsix Operating System, an OS with the power of NT combined with ease of management. WideBand Professional Gigabit Ethernet adapters are utilized for high-speed network connectivity. WideBand Gigabit Ethernet Adapters have the ability to use existing Cat 5 cabling infrastructure, eliminating the need to rewire to Cat 5e or Cat 6 level cables. More information is available about the fsix Titan Server at http://www.wband.com/Products/
Is Acellus compatible with a Novell Network?
Acellus can be run on a Novell network. To do so, Client Services for Windows must be enabled.
Will Acellus run on a MAC?
Yes, Acellus will run on a MAC with OS X.2 or higher. See the client systems requirement chart for more information.
What are the system requirements for the client stations?
Please see the client systems compatibility chart
.
How much bandwidth will Acellus utilize?
The Acellus Servers provide up to six levels of video speeds, ranging from 28Kbps to 450Kbps. The speed is selectable at each student workstation. If you purchase your server with with licenses for 25 students, then, theoretically, Acellus could use anywhere from 700Kbps to 11.25Mbps at any given time, depending on the video speed settings at each workstation. In practice, unless the teacher purposefully keeps the students together, within a very short time less than all 25 students would be watching video at the same time.
With these bandwidths, Acellus is even being run successfully by Internet connection in some school districts.
Why doesn't the video play?
If the video doesn't run, one of two symptoms will probably be present: either the video player will appear as a broken link symbol in the upper left-hand corner of the Acellus Interface Screen, or the Video Player will appear, but the video will not start.
- Video player appears as a broken link -- In this case, one of two conditions probably exists:
- The computer has a video player other than the one specified for this operating system and browser
- The computer has an incomaptible version of the video player specified for this operating system and browser
Either of these conditions can be easily remedied. Simply download and install the correct video player. (See Compatibility)
- The video player opens, but video doesn't play -- In this case, you will see RealPlayer in the Movie/Problem area of the Acellus Screen, but the video will not start, and the "Play" option will be unavailable when you right-click on the video window. This indicates that the computer is not correctly connecting to the Acellus Server. Contact your network administrator to check on your network connection. If the video still will not start, please call our Customer Service line at (816) 229-3800.
Can I set a student to a different lesson?
Yes, but we don't recommend it. Acellus is designed to take a student from square one through all the concepts of each course. Approaching subjects in this way ensures that the gaps in a student's knowledge are filled. Skipping lessons destroys his/her opportunity to fill in those gaps.
However, from time to time a situation arises in which moving the student is the best option. So, to "reset" a student's position in the Acellus Program, follow these steps:
- First make sure that the student has exited the Acellus program.
- Next, enter the "Teacher Login" area and go to "Student Performance."
- Next, select the class to which the student belongs.
- Now, choose "Reset a Student."
- Use the pull-down lists to choose the Lesson you wish the student to do next, and whether he/she should begin on the video or on a problem -- choose a numeral from 1 through 10 for the problem number.
- Click on "Temporary" or "Permanent" to indicate the desired duration of this change (students in a selected class whose position is temporary will be reset to their former positions when you click on "Restore Entire Class").
- Finally, click on "Submit."
Can I use multiple network segments?
Yes, but be sure that you have a good Layer 3 switch between segments, to ensure adequate bandwidth.
Can I use Acellus with VLANs?
Yes. To use Acellus over VLANs, make sure that the port on which the Acellus Server resides is a member of all the VLANs from which you wish to access the Server.
Why can't my workstations see the Server?
Make sure that your workstations meet the requirements listed in our compatibility table. You may wish to check with your network administrator to ensure that the network is properly configured. If you are still unable to locate the server, please call our toll free Customer Support line at (816) 229-3800.
Contact Customer Service
Customer Service Hours:
(Central Time)
7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday
7:00 am to 5:00 pm Fridays
816-229-3800
techsupport@acellus.com
