Directions for Using Using WebCALIS SQL



CALIS is an acronym for Computer-Assisted Language Instruction System, and WebCALIS is the web-based version of this program. You may access it from any computer connected to the Internet.

To run this program, you first need to download the harmless Java Plugin at Java Plugin. This program allows you to run WebCALIS. It cannot harm your computer. This link also allows you to verify that you that you have the correct edition of the Java Plugin. If you have additional problems, please go through the list of steps in Troubleshooting WebCALIS. This document was produced with the assistance of George Ohler.

Type the URL for the German server, Nathan: http://nathan.nku.edu/. Click on the link for WebCALIS. You can leave this page open and start another browser, or you can print this file out as a reference. This page tells you how to type umlauts and es-tset and explains the corrections codes. Either return to the German server's home page or open another browser and type in the URL for Nathan a second time. Click on the link for WebCALIS this time.

When the WebCALIS introductory screen appears, wait until the START box loads and then click on it. Enter your user identification and password. If you are in GER 201 or 202, your user name will be your course number, a hyphen, and the first four letters of your last name. If your name only has three letters, that's all you can have. If there are two students in your class with the same last name, you'll have the firset three letters followed by a digit. Your password will be the last four digits of your social security number without dashes. Examples are available on the main page for this server. You do not need to read the introductory file. You may want to lick on the square in the top right corner to enlarge the program.

Click on Language and then on German-Leech to select the German keyboard. Click on Internet File, and then the name of the exercise you want to do. Do NOT click on the name of the textbook or course.

After selecting the file, you have to click on OK. Using the ENTER key will not work instead. To type an answer, click with your mouse in the answer box at the bottom of the screen and then backspace and delete the words "answer box." Type your answer and then press ENTER. If you've made a mistake, look at the corrections symbols, and then press the SPACE bar or click on OK to try again. You may use the arrows to move around in your answer and edit it. If you've forgotten how to type the umlauts and es-tset, reread the file Tips on Using WebCALIS.

If you really don't know an answer, you can make one attempt, then press F-6 to see the answer. You cannot redo the question, however.Click on Save, then Done after completing an exercise and seeing your score. The number of correct answers will be reported to your instructor. Only the percentage of correct answers is relegant. You may redo an exercise as often as you like. If you have a problem, exit both the program and your browser and restart them. Don't be intimidated by this program. You cannot hurt it, and it cannot hurt you or your computer. Most students who use this program regularly have high grades in German courses!

Viel Spaß!