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Site Status
Recent Questions
Most Asked
Known Bugs
Instructor Questions
Full List of Questions
What changes have recently been made to the ZAPS site?
- 5/15/2008: Recalling information ZAP updated for more consistence reference data. Students should Clear Browser Cache if they see "Internal Synchronization" or "page not found" error errors.
- 4/16/08: Encoding Specificity ZAP updated to remove erroneous "Reference Data" link in the Teaching with ZAPs section (the ZAP does not include reference data). Students should Clear Browser Cache if they see "Internal Synchronization" or "page not found" error errors.
- 4/10/08: Big 5 Student Activity bug fixed. Students should Clear Browser Cache if they see "Internal Synchronization" or "page not found" error errors.
- 4/10/08: Four ZAPS updated: Big 5, Encoding Specificity, Serial Position ZAP, and Selection Procedure. Students should Clear Browser Cache if they see "Internal Synchronization" or "page not found" error errors. These updates should fix problems with data and student activity tracking.
- 3/18/08: New Feature: New My Activity page allows students to view a list of ZAPs they have performed. The page is accessed by clicking a link above the list of ZAPS and is currently dependent upon the student entering a Class ID (this requirement will be removed in the near future).
- 3/13/08. Fixed: VBScript line 32 login error. This affected a few students who had never input a Class ID before and has been corrected.
- 3/13/08. Fixed: Student problems when updating Class IDs. Class IDs now will reflect changes immediately when launching ZAPS.
- 3/13/08: Finished: Student Monitor 2.1 Beta. The Student Monitor lists the ZAPs completed by each student. Top new features:
- Database driven for increased speed
- Pagination of results
- Sorting of results maintained when paginated
- CSV output for use in MS Excel
- Student ID field added
- Records are keyed to student email address. Changes to Student Name or ID will automatically populate out to experiments performed in the past, present, or future. This feature extends back to the middle of February, 2008.
- 3/13/08: Fixed: Professor Class ID problems in Student Monitor. Class ID remain the same on all pages of the new Student Monitor section.
- 12/4/07: Big Five ZAP Student Acitvity Tracking repaired.
- From 10/19/07 to 12/04/07, the Big Five ZAP did not track student activity (whether a student had performed the experiment).
- Aggregate data collection for the ZAP was not affected by this problem. Only the data that powers the Student Activity Monitor was affected.
- 10/19/07: Big Five and Serial Postition ZAPS re-uploaded. Big Five erroneously included a check-box for reference data; the box has been removed. Some users had reported problems running the Serial Position ZAP.
- 9/20/07: Encoding Specificity ZAP re-posted to correct a failure to load completely. If you have previously used this ZAP, please clear your browser cache before trying it again. The new ZAP has been confirmed to load completely. If you still see this problem after clearning your browser cache, please report it to the WW Norton Help Desk. (9/20/07 - 4:15 PM ET). ph
- 9/15/07: Bug when correcting Class ID has been fixed. Instructions updated.
- 9/7/07: Flash checker has been updated. See Flash Checker timeout problem.
- 8/25/07: Redirects in place to try to prevent the Login Loop.
- 1/29/07: New Instructor Questions section added to FAQ
- 1/24/07: The following problems have been resolved. 1) After entering Class ID or my Name, the "Return to site" link failed. 2) Your Class ID and Name disappeared the next time you logged in. More>
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01/11/07: Selection Procedure ZAP updated. If you have recently visited the ZAP, you may receive an "Internal Synchronization" or "page not found" error.
- 12/12/06: Class ID and name disappearance: An upgrade to the registration system temporarily broke the links to change your name and classID in the system and prevented logging into ZAPS.
These problems have been resolved, but you will probably need to re-enter your classID and name. We apologize for the inconvenience.
If you no longer know your Class ID, either contact your professor or ask us to look up your professor's class ID by placing a support request. Remember to include your instructor name.
- 11/28: We are working on a server timeout issue that may affect professors with the largest classes. Click the link for more info.
- 10/28-10/29/06: Many WW Norton sites were shut down over the weekend for scheduled maintenance. ZAPS ran with no interruption at www.wwnorton.com/zaps/.
- 10/23/06: Dissociative Identity ZAP fixed.
- 10/20/06: Link to a backup copy of the Dissociative Identity ZAP provided, while we work on a problem that prevents video from displaying in the newest version of the ZAP.
- 10/17/06: FAQ link now visible above the list of ZAPS after logging in. Most common questions now featured at the top of the FAQ page.
- 10/9/06: For professors, timeout fixed in student activity monitor. More prominent links created for sorting.
- 09/17/2006: Genetic ZAP updated. Problems that prevented it from completing are resolved.
- 09/08/2006: Student Activity Monitor live. This allows professors to verify which ZAPS have been completed by their students. Individual experiment data is not stored.
- 09/08/2006: All ZAPS experiments updated with new versions that include the most recent Flash checking.
- 09/01/2006: Student name and Class ID saving added to the login page for use in the upcoming Student Activity Monitor.
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I am getting a Blank Class ID error and cannot perform ZAPS. Why?
We are still trouble-shooting the cause of this problem. Therefore, here is a Class ID that you can use which is not affiliated with any class...
DQ2N55NU
Visit the About Me page and enter this Class ID and your name.
Your professor will not be able to see your results, but you will be able to see a list of ZAPS you performed in the My Activity page. Plus, the error should be gone.
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Experiments get stuck at the "Checking Flash Installation" message.
Below is a problem description, what we are doing about it, a suggested workaround, and background information.
Status: Flash checker updated in ZAPS. See "Actions we are taking..."
First reported: The last week of August, 2007
Browsers affected: PC platform. Internet Explorer 6 and 7.
Actions we are taking to resolve the issue
As of 7:10 pm ET Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, the Flash checkers for all ZAPS experiments have been updated in an attempt to bypass the problem. See "What to do," below.
We are watching for feedback in the Help Desk as to whether other symptons appear within experiments.
What's the problem?
We have updated the Flash checker to avoid step 4, below.
- Popup window appears for the ZAP
- For data-tracking ZAPs, you confirm your Class ID
- You see notification: Flash installation is being checked
- Nothing more happens.
The experiment should have started or you should have seen an error message. Instead the notification remains in the window.
- If there is no change after three minutes, something has gone wrong. See "What to do," below.
What to do
Clear your browser cache. We have updated the Flash checker, but to benefit you must erase the old version stored on your machine.
You should still fix your Flash player, even if you can now perform ZAPS correctly. The suggested fix for a corrupted Flash player is:
- Quit all running programs. Below is Adobe's wording...
Quit all running applications, including all Internet Explorer or other browser windows, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, or other Messengers. Check the Windows system tray carefully to make certain no applications which might possibly use Flash Player are still in memory.
Note: The Windows System Tray is the area at the lower right corner of the screen that shows the date, time, and icons for various applications that are running. You can right-click the icons to exit most of the programs.
- Uninstall the current Flash Player, using Adobe's uninstaller
- Download and reinstall the latest Flash Player for Windows
More information can be found in the "Troubleshoot Adobe Flash Player installation for Windows" page:
http://www.adobe.com/go/tn_19166
You may also want to run your browser through the WW Norton Browser Check page (see Minimum Browser Requirements).
Background Info
The ZAPS experiments are working correclty, and most users are unaffected.
For a small percentage of users it appears that their version of Flash has been corrupted by an update to Internet Explorer 6 or 7. We are unable to reproduce the error on our machines. We have no reports of the problem with Firefox.
Feedback
We are interested in feedback that reveals whether this fix helped. We are also interested in whether Flash Player problems manifest within the ZAPS.
Please post that information via the WW Norton Help Desk.
Updated 9/7/07 - ph
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How do I print ZAPS experiment results?
There are two print functions built into ZAPS. Both are described below, along with descriptions of some quirks caused by Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2.0. There is also information on how to print ZAPS when your printer is not connected.
To print only the data, use the Print button on the Data page.
- Perform the experiment
- Click the Print button on the Data page. The button is located below the experiment data and beside the help button -- it looks like a printer with a circle around it. The Data page displays after you have completed the experiment.
- Fill in your name if a window opens asking for it. Internet Explorer 7.0 sometimes blocks this feature, in which case you will need to write your name by hand onto the printout.
- Select a printer as usual.
To print data and all information about the ZAP, click the "print version" button at the top right corner of the ZAPS experiment pages.
- This function will print all the information about the ZAP along with your experiment data (if you have completed the ZAP).
- This function normally launches in a popup window. In Firefox 2.0, however, it may load under a new tab within the ZAP window. If this happens, select the browser tab to display the page and press "Ctrl-P" (hold down the "Ctrl" key on the keyboard, press and release the "P" key, then release the "Ctrl" key). Select your printer as usual.
What if my printer is not connected?
When looking at the Data page in the experiment, you can use the Print Screen function. On PCs, press the Print Screen key, then open a docuemt such as Word and select Paste. Save the document. On Macintoshes, use Shift-Apple-3 (without a pointer), Shift-Apple-4 (with a pointer to select a portion of the screen), or use the Grab utility located in Applicatons/Utility. A quick search on Google for "mac print screen" will provide many sites on this topic.
If you are printing all the information about the ZAP along with your experiment data, you need software installed that can print to PDF. The application PDF995 is easy to use and is free. It opens a browser window that displays advertising, but the resultant PDF is ad-free.
Related Question: Why do I get a "Page not found" error?
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Why am I stuck in an endless loop when I try to login?
When I click to enter the site, I have to type my password and email address again. It keeps happening.
This can be caused by using the outdated "www" domain to reach ZAPS (or other WW Norton sites). Redirects are in place, but to be safe always visit ZAPS and other WWNorton sites using the "www.wwnorton.com" domain. The old and new domains can conflict.
If you get caught in this enless login loop, you should delete your cache and cookies, close your browser entirely, restart the browser, and try again. Point your browser to www.wwnorton.com/zaps/ and you should be able to enter the site.
Related question: How do I clear my browser cache?
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Why won't ZAPS run on my computer?
ZAPS is a sophisticated system that requires the latest software on your computer. Check the sections on this page about browser requirements, pop-up blocking, browser cache, and network errors, in that order.
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When I try to launch a ZAP I am left staring at a blank window, or a window that says "The experiment." What's wrong?
The problem is pop-up window blocking. You need to turn off every pop-up blocker in your browser, and there may be many. See the question "How do I turn off pop-up blocking" for more information.
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How do I turn off Pop-Up blocking?
We're glad you asked. Pop-Up blocking can prevent ZAPs from loading at all, or leave you staring at a window that says "The experiment." It is the most likely source of errors, especially in Internet Explorer (which adds insult to injury with Javascript errors).
Before beginning ZAPS, turn off Pop-Up blocking, as follows:
- Turn off Browser Pop-Up Blocking
(Internet Explorer)
Select Tools/Internet Options/Privacy, and then uncheck Pop-Up blocker
- Turn off Toolbar Pop-Up Blocking
(Here are the three most common search engine toolbars)
- In the Google toolbar, click Options and deselect Pop-Up blocker.
- In the Yahoo toolbar, click the ">>" symbol next to the search box, select Pop-Up blocker, and deselect.
- In the Alexa toolbar, click the down arrow next to "Alexa," select options, and deselect "Enable Pop-Up Manager."T
- Turn off security suite Pop-Up blocking
You may have a package installed that provides blocking from outside of your browser.
- These packages should notify you when they block a window. On Windows XP ™, for example, look at the lower right corner of the screen in the "System Tray" for any icons with exclamation marks ("!"). Right click on each and follow the instructions to allow pop-ups.
- Security applications that include their own pop-up blocking include Symantic's Norton Personal Firewall and Norton Protection Center; Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm; and Trend-Micro's PC-Cillin Internet Security.
- Close any Pop-Up windows.
- Refresh the page that lists the Zaps experiments.
- Click the Zap — it should work.
When you are finished using ZAPS, activate just ONE pop-up blocker. The next time you need to disable pop-up blocking, it will be simple.
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What are the minimum browser requirements for ZAPS?
ZAPS requires Javascript , Flash, and a current browser. Presently, Flash is in version 8 and IE is in version 6. The FireFox browser (http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/) is an acceptable alternative to Internet Explorer. You can check your browser compatibility using the WWNorton Web browser check page.
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How do I clear the browser cache?
This process removes stored pages from your computer, which forces the browser to load the most recent version. Do this if you are receiving "Internal Synchronization" or "page not found" errors.
To clear Internet Explorer's cache:
- Click Tools > Internet Options
- Make sure you are viewing the "General" tab
- Find the middle section called "Temporary Internet Files"
- Click "Delete Files"
- Click "Ok"
- Wait until it says it has completed the task.
- Click "Ok" to close the Internet Options window.
To clear Firefox 2's cache:
- Click Tools > Clear Private Data
- Check "Cache."
- Do NOT select "Cookies" or "Saved Passwords"
- Click the "Clear Private Data Now " button.
- Wait until the process is completed.
- Click "Ok"
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What can I do about an "Internal Synchronization" or "page not found" error?
You will see these errors if a ZAP has changed on the website, yet your browser loads an old version from its hard drive.
Example:
You use the same ZAP on two different days, Monday and Wednesday. The ZAP is updated on Tuesday. When you run the ZAP on Wednesday, the old ZAP is still stored in your browser and it triggers one of the errors shown below.
Resulting Errors:
- Internal synchronization error (part way through the ZAP)
- Page not found (when printing)
Solutions:
For both problems, the solution is to clear the browser cache or force reload (shift/control F5).
See the question, "How do I clear the browser cache?" for instructions.
Notes:
- To see whether a ZAP has been updated recently, see the top FAQ on this page ("What changes have recently...").
- Using a new machine that has never accessed that ZAP would also eliminate the problem, but then you have to contend with turning off pop-up blocking in the browser and of your add-on search bars.
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How do I logout? Is there a logout button? ZAPS will not allow me to log in until I log out from another computer.
ZAPS does not have a logout button. You should be automatically logged out after you close all browser windows.
- In an un-tabbed browser such as Internet Explorer 6, if you were logged in using one of several open windows, then every window must be closed.
- In a tabbed browser such as Firefox or Internet Explorer 7, it is not good enough to just close the tab. The entire browser window must be closed.
If this does not solve the problem, try to login again in again after about 15 minutes. By then your previous "session" should have expired.
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Can network problems affect ZAPS?
A delay or error with loading a page may be due to server capacity at wwnorton.com or the user's local network. We have seen both in the past. In this case, simply closing the browser completely and waiting a short time may resolve the problem.
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How do I register for ZAPS?
There are now two methods for registering for ZAPS: registration card and online purchase...
Online Purchase
If you purchase ZAPS online, you will NOT need a registration code. Instead, your login ID and password are assigned during checkout. After completing the purchase, see the question "How do I login...?".
Registration Card / Registration Code
If you received a ZAPS registration card with your new textbook purchae, or purchased one from your campus bookstore (not available on all campuses), check the card for the registration code.
This registration code is unique, cannot be shared, and can only be used once.
With code in hand, do the following:
- Click "Register" in the left margin of the ZAPS home page.
- Fill in the regirstation form using your 8 digit code (include the dash). You will create your own password and it will be linked to your e-mail address.
- From now on, follow the instructions given in answer to the question "How do I login...?"
Related question: Where is my package registration code...
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Why isn't my registration code recognized?
All registration codes are four capital letters, a hyphen, then four capital letters. Make sure you are including the hyphen when you type the registration code. Sometimes characters are misprinted. A letter Q can look like an O, for instance. If you still cannot register, please place a support request.
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How do I login to ZAPS?
Once you have registered, when you return to the ZAPS you will select LOGIN from the left-hand bar, enter your e-mail address and password, and click "ENTER THE SITE."
Related questions:
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Why doesn't my login username and password work?
First, verify that you actually have the correct login information. You can do this in either of two ways...
- Check the email you received when you registered, or
- place a support request to have our staff confirm your login information. Be sure to include the email and password you believe you used when you registered.
Second, if you have confirmed that you are using the correct Username and Password and yet are unable to login, then...
- Perhaps you are having problems with your browser.
To ensure that your browser meets the minimum requirements to use a WW Norton website, please go to the WW Norton browser check page and run the browser check.
- Try to lower your Internet Security settings*.
- Delete your temporary internet files*, including your cookies. Then close and re-open the browser.
- You may also be having firewall issues, so check your firewall settings*. If you are at a university, you will want to talk to your computer support staff.
* More information is available via your browser or computer help.
Related question: How to login?
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What is a Class ID? Why do I need it?
Think of the Class ID as a name for your class that a computer can understand. It is used in two ways:
- To collect your ZAPS experiments into aggregrate totals for the entire class.
- To record your completion of ZAPS experiments (along with your name).
Please note that your individual experiment data is not stored with any personally identifiable information.
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Where do I enter my Class ID?
Click the "Your Class ID" link on the first screen after you have logged into ZAPS. You can also return there by clicking "Login" at any time during a ZAPS session. ZAPS will then automatically enter the Class ID into the form at the start of each ZAP.
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Why isn't my Class ID recognized? I know I entered the correct one.
If you have the correct CLass ID in all caps, but you still receive the "incorrect Class ID" error, then you are probably pressing the [ ENTER ] key instead of the [ Submit ] button.
Always use the [ Submit ] button when you input your Class ID.
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Where do I get a Class ID?
You should ask your professor or TA for your class ID. The professor can request one directly using the link at the bottom of the "Teaching with ZAPS" page on this site.
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Is my ClassID case sensitive?
Yes. Your Class ID must be in all capital letters. Some of the ZAPS that do not collect data will reject Class IDs that are not upper case.
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Is my Class ID getting erased? When I return to the "edit my Class ID" screen, the field is blank.
This problem no longer exists since March 08, when the About Me page was implemented for managing your personal information. Any changes are immediately reflected in ZAPs.
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I entered the wrong Class ID. How do I delete or update my Class ID?
The following process should force the Class ID cookie to be updated.
- Login to ZAPS.
- Above the list of ZAPs, click the link to visit the About Me page.
- Update your personal information.
- Click the button to save the information.
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How do I perform ZAPS without a Class ID? ZAPS keeps asking for a Class ID, but my professor is not using one.
If your class is not using a Class ID, then for those ZAPS that ask for your Class ID do NOT hit the submit button to enter the ZAP. Instead, look above the horizontal line. You will see a link to enter the ZAP without a Class ID. Click the link and the ZAP should launch.
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Where should I enter my name, and why?
After logging in, click the link to the About Me page, above the list of ZAPS.
Your name is used to store a list of ZAPS you have completed. Enter a name that your professor will recognize. Your professor may use this as a participation grade or in some other manner.
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How do I change my ZAPS password?
- Visit the ZAPS site at www.wwnorton.com/zaps/
- Click "login" on the left margin
- If you have forgotten your password and need it sent to you, click "Forgot your password" and follow the prompts. Otherwise, input your email address and password to log in.
- On the next screen, click "Change Your Password" under "Update Your Account Settings." Follow the prompts.
- After saving the new password, click "Return to login page"
- The password is now updated. You may log in or leave the site.
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Is my experiment data private?
Yes. Personally identifiable information is NOT stored with the ZAPS experiment data. The only data stored with your name is whether you have completed a given ZAP.
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Why doesn't video display in the Dissociative Identity ZAP?
This problem has been resolved. If you ran the backup version that we posted, please view the ZAP again to allow your professor to see that you have completed it.
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10-23-06 ph
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Why can't I click any of the ZAPS in the "Complete ZAPS List"?
This is a case of confusion about how to enter the site.
As a registered user, you should NEVER click the link "Complete ZAPS list." That´s for visitors, not members. There are two places you could be having trouble, during login or after login.
If you are a member who is NOT logged in...
- Follow the "login" link on the left margin
- Enter your username and password and submit.
- Click "ENTER THE SITE"
(This last step is critical)
You will see a complete list of ZAPS that are all hyperlinked.
If you ARE logged in already...
- If you are ever tempted to click the "Complete ZAPS list" link, do not.
- Instead, click the "Login" link just above it.
- Click "ENTER THE SITE."
You will again see the complete list of ZAPS, all hyperlinked.
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How can I get the package pricing for ZAPS?
The package discount is available only when ZAPS registration materials are shrinkwrapped or bound with a new W.W. Norton textbook. Your professor is able to order the package when ordering textbookss for your class.
If you purchased a used textbook, or if your professor has selected a textbook from another publisher, you will need to purchase ZAPS at the full price either as an online purchase or at your local textbook store. Check with your textbook store for availability.
Related question: Where is my package registration code...
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I purchased a ZAPS textbook package. Where is my ZAPS registration code?
If you purchased a new W.W. Norton textbook that includes ZAPS as part of the package, your registration code is printed on a card.
The exact location of the card and code may vary. The card may be bound in your textbook (front or back); it may also be a lose card that is shrink-wrapped with the book. The code itself may be on the front or back of the card.
Package pricing is not available in every instance. For more info see the question "How can I get package pricing...."
Related questions:
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I still need help. Who should I contact?
If you still need help, we are happy to assist. Just submit your request via the WW Norton Helpdesk. For a quicker response, please...
- Select "Psychology" as a category
- Type "ZAPS" in the subject line.
The ZAPS webmaster monitors the support system and will reply to you directly.
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Professor Question
Why can't I view ZAPS results when performing experiments when I am logged in as a student? In the past this worked fine for me.
There are four main points to this topic.
- ZAPS experiments use Pop-Ups and Frames. Within the Frames, there are redirects. Security settings within your browser or network can block these functions.
- You can try to diagnose your problem using the WW Norton Browser Check page.
You can also directly check your local security settings.
For example, in Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, go to Tools > Internet Options > Security, and make sure the slider is on "Medium" (the lowest setting). Usually ZAPS will work on the middle setting but fail on the highest setting.
- There can also be network-wide security issues. If you are experiencing problems on an isolated group of computers, check with the IT department that manages security for those machines.
For example:
We know of one IT department that placed a new security policy on faculty Internet Explorer. This blocked the results Pop-Up on all instructor computers. The professor installed Firefox to bypass the security setting and correct the problem. Computers in on-campus labs or classrooms were unaffected by the new security setting, but the reverse could also occur: a network security setting could cause ZAPS to fail in labs but leave faculty computers unaffected.
- As you explore these issues, please communicate with our support staff via the WW Norton Help Desk.
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Professor Question
I have a large class using ZAPS. When I try to sort the Student Monitor data, the page fails.
This bug has been corrected with the Beta 2 release of Student Acitivity Monitor, which includes pagination and CSV download of student activity.
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Professor Question
How do I view the experiments the way my students see them?
With your professor login you can view data from experiments, but to perform experiments, you need student access. Place a request via the W.W. Norton Help Desk and you will receive a ZAPS registration code shortly.
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Professor Question:
How do I gain access to experiment data?
First, request a Class ID via the W.W. Norton Help Desk. Second, follow the instructions you receive with the Class ID on how to access the Teaching with ZAPS page. If you have further questions, post them on the Help Desk and our staff will be happy to assist.
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Professor Question
Do I need a new Class ID for a new term?
Yes, for each new term you will need a new Class ID. To request a new Class ID, post a support ticket at the W.W. Norton Help Desk.
Request a new Class ID to prevent old data from mixing with new, to constrain the Student Monitor list to only your current students, and to avoid errors due to an expired Class ID.
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Professor Question
My old ZAPS registration and password has expired. Who do I contact to have it renewed?
To request a new ZAPS registration and password, or to request a new Class ID (you should request a new one for each term), post a support ticket at the W.W. Norton Help Desk.
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Critical bugs resolved:
Note: The following problems have been resolved as of 1/24/07.
- After entering Class ID or my Name, the "Return to Site" link fails.
- My Class ID and Name disappear the next time I log in.
Both of these problems were related to recent updates to the registration system which runs all WW Norton sites. Both problems have been resolved.
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