Frequently Asked Questions

What computer configuration is best used to view this Web site?

This site will work well with displays providing at least 1280x800 pixels (most current displays can do this). This site has been tested with Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer 6 and 7 browsers. It requires the free QuickTime 7 and Adobe plugins which your browser will request and facilitate their download if you do not already have them installed.

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How do I view the movies provided on this Web site?

The QuickTime Player 7 is required to view the movies. This version offers exceptionally high quality in very small movie files. If you do not have QuickTime 7 already installed, your browser will notify you and facilitate its download.

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How does this Web site handle the large posters that are part of Exploring Childhood?

Most posters are fully readable on a single screen and on the corresponding single-page printout (Note that the PDF reader that presents the poster has a zoom option for closer inspection). Some posters are too large and complex to be fully viewed in this manner. Childrens' Tracks, for example is 63 inches by 44 inches with tiny details. In these cases, two formats are provided: a single page that shows the overall layout of the page and a multi-page format that prints out on many sheets that can be assembled for a full-sized poster. This multi-page format, if provided, is always presented as an alternate link in the EC Materials and EC Modules.

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What is PDF? Why does this Web site use it?

PDF is a file format developed by Adobe to facilitate sharing of files. It is especially useful for files that are to be printed since it preserves document formatting. This site uses PDF format for all documents. Some Web browsers, Safari for example, display PDF files directly in the browser window. Others start up the Adobe Reader program to display them.

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Why does it take so long to access the documents?

Most text materials - booklets, posters, papers on this Web site contain a great deal of artwork and many photographs. In order to provide good print quality this requires a large file size. The size of each file that you can access on this Web site is given in parentheses after the file name in megabytes (MB) or kilobytes (KB). Files whose sizes are in kilobytes will appear quickly. The time required to access a file is largely determined by the kind of connection to the Internet though a slow computer can add additional delays. A rough guide for time required to access files is:

• 3 minutes per MB of file size with dial-up access, which for documents containing graphics is about 35 seconds per page
• 7 to 35 seconds per MB of file size using DSL (depending on the type of the DSL connection), which for documents containing graphics is about 1 to 7 seconds per page
• 2 seconds per MB of file size using a typical cable modem, which for documents containing graphics is about 1/2 second per page

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How can I fit exactly one PDF file page at a time on my screen so that I can use the page up/page down buttons to move by a whole page at a time?

If the PDF file is being viewed with the Adobe Reader set the Zoom option (found on the View pulldown menu of the Reader) to 'Fit Page'. Some browsers e.g., Safari show the PDF files within the browser in which case there is usually a pulldown 'magnification', showing as a percentage on the toolbar which can be set to view 'Fit Page'

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What restrictions exist on my use of the materials on this site?

All Exploring Childhood materials are copyrighted by The Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). Permission has been granted for your personal use of the materials, including both viewing and printing. For other uses you must obtain permission from EDC at <www.edc.org> as described on the copyright notice on the home page of this Web site. The copyright to all other materials on this Web site is held by George Lukas

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How can I obtain documents and movies that are listed on this Web site but not available online?

Some materials have not yet been digitized. Others, labelled as missing in the Exploring Childhood List of Materials cannot be found. In the former case we will prioritize digitizing of materials that are in demand. In the latter case we would be much appreciate help in tracking down the missing materials.

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