Introduction
Indexes are used with the UKESCC courseware to allow easy access to specific pages of material, and to access specific terms and topics. They are accessible from all areas of the modules. When using the courseware, click on the S button for subject indexes and the G button for the global index.
Subject Indexes
A subject index is provided for each courseware module. These have been compiled from menu entries, page titles and by manually scanning all the material for terms and topics not otherwise covered.
To view the topics in the subject indexes click on "Modules" in the menu bar above, then the follow the instructions.
Global Index
A global index is produced by merging subject index entries for all the modules, sorting entries alphabetically, then storing them under separate letters of the alphabet. The global index makes only minor reference to individual courseware modules and allows material often buried deep within individual modules to be accessed rapidly. This makes a suite of modules behave like an on-line geological encyclopaedia.
Click to view the entry list for the Global Index but note it is a large file.
The remainder of the information on this page is intended for tutors and others at institutions who are considering customising the indexing facilities, or compiling their own indexes.
1. Running from a CD-ROM.
If you are running from a CD-ROM, you cannot change any of the indexing. To do so would require changing information stored in text files on the CDROM, which is not possible. When the courseware and indexing files are stored on a computer hard-disk, then it is possible to tailor indexing to your needs by changing the information stored in indexing text files.
2. Switching Indexing off.
UKESCC courseware can be set up to run without indexing. Indexing can be switched off and on by changing settings in the tutor file which is stored in the indexing folder (See Courseware File Structure ). The first two lines of the tutor file have the form:
local=on global=on
to switch off either of the indexing modes replace the word on by off.
To ensure indexing is not available at all, do not to install the indexing folder, or delete it if it has been installed.
3. Making new Indexes.
The UKESCC software indexes are stored in plain text files and entries can be edited and combined to make additional or replacement indexes. Making a new Index. This means you can make your own index files as additions to those supplied, or to replace those supplied. Here are some suggested uses:
Indexes for subjects not specifically covered by the modules
The content of many UKESCC modules extends well beyond limits suggested by their titles and into other related subject areas. This means it is possible to compile indexes for some subjects not specifically covered by the module titles.
For example, a new subject index covering Plate Tectonics could be compiled using entries from several separate UKESCC modules. Clearly, material accessed from such cross-module subject indexes will not be presented as systematically and coherently as that for topics for which there are specially designed courseware modules.
Course indexes
If as part of a course of study you want students to work through specific parts of one or more UKESCC modules you can compile a 'subject' index containing entries for just those topics required. The index entry titles can also be changed, for example Serial Sections can be changed to Week 1, Well Logs to Week 2 etc. Students can then select the course index and by choosing, say Week 1, immediately have access to the material you want them to study in week 1.
Student indexes
These are similar to course indexes but tailored to individual students rather than individual courses. If you want different students to study different parts of one or more UKESCC modules, compile a 'subject' index for each student and save it with the student's name.
