Courseware Formats

What is XLAB format?
The XLAB format is the format used by the PC Courseware Editor Tool to export and import individual labs.

• When a lab is exported the editor tool creates an .xlab file and an associated folder that contains the individual lab elements (text, images & waveforms)
• When a lab is imported the editor tool imports an .xlab file and the lab information in the associated folder.

What is XPKG format?
The XPKG format is the format used by the PC Courseware Editor tool to export and import packages. A package can be made up of a combination of up to eight courses with each course containing multiple labs. The package is also the format that is recognize by a TBS1000B-EDU and is used to upload information into the instrument.

• When a package is exported the editor tool creates an .xpkg file, a .workspace file, an .xwsp file and an associated folder that contains references and data relating to the courses and labs associated with the package.
• When a package is imported the editor tool imports an .xpkg file and all associated information located in the workspace files and associated folder is uploaded automatically.

What are the different formats in which I can submit a lab to the courseware website?
Lab courseware can be submitted in following formats:

• XLAB format (preferred) – A zipped version of an “.xlab” file and the associated folder that was created when the lab was exported.
• XPKG format – A zipped version of an “.xpkg” file and the associated folder that was created when the package was exported.
• PDF format – Lab(s) exported as a PDF document using PC Courseware Editor Tool.

If I create a PDF document will it contain only one lab or multiple labs?
You can create a PDF document that contains only one lab by selecting a single lab in the lab section of the main window of PC Courseware Editor Tool and then pressing the “Export as PDF” button. This is useful when you are uploading a single lab onto the courseware website.

You can create a PDF document that contains multiple labs by selecting multiple labs in the lab section of the main page (using the keyboard “CTRL” button) and then pressing the “Export as PDF” button. This is useful if you are uploading multiple labs or a package (.xpkg file) onto the courseware website.

Courseware Submission

The Labs that I exported using the PC Courseware Editor Tool have multiple items, for example my exported lab has an .xlab file and a folder. How do I submit multiple files?
You will have to combine the individual file(s) and folder(s) into a zip file before uploading them onto the courseware website. In general you want to make sure your submission contains:

• An .xlab file and the associated folder (in general, the folder will have the same name as the .xlab file).
• An .xpkg file and the associated folder that contains the course and lab information created when the package was exported.

PDF version of the labs can be uploaded separately.

What if I do not have PDF version of labs I intend to upload?
Loading PDF Version of labs is optional. It is good idea to provide PDF version of your uploaded labs to make it easier for others educators to review the material without needing a TBS1000B oscilloscope or the PC Courseware Editor Tool. PDF version of the labs can easily be created using PC Courseware Editor Tool’s “Export as PDF” feature.

Can I submit contents without registering on Courseware webpage?
No. You need to register yourself on the courseware webpage to submit or download the contents. Registration process is fairly simple and is needed to ensure we can contact the authors if any clarification is needed.

Who owns the lab contents published on Tektronix Courseware Webpage?
Though it is hosted on Tektronix website, the author who submitted the courseware owns it. This is also described in the courseware submission guidelines.

As an original author of the courseware, am I free to publish the same courseware elsewhere?
Yes.

Is English the only language allowed for courseware submissions?
No. You can submit courseware in your regional language as well. However to ensure maximum reach to a winder, global audience, English is the preferred language. Submitting labs in both the local language and English is encouraged.

Submission Review and Publishing

What happens to courseware once I've submitted it?
Once you submit the courseware, the Tektronix courseware team is notified. The team reviews the submission before publication. Authors/submitters may be contacted if the team seeks additional claification or information about their submission.

Are you going to validate that the each submitted lab work properly?
No, the review team will review each the submission for completeness making sure that all of the required elements are included. The review team will also look for content that may be duplicated or inappropriate. The review team will not verify that the procedural steps in each lab are technically correct and that they yield the expected results. To provide feedback on the courseware website includes a comment feature.

Will my submission be immediately visible to others?
Your submission goes through the review cycle before it gets published for others to view/download. Submitter will be notified once their contents get published.

How long does it take for the courseware to get published after submission?
We would like to minimize the review time for each submission. However, depending upon the number of submissions to be reviewed and the amount of clarification needed, it might take up to two weeks for submitted content to get published onto the webpage.

Can you make my submission available in different regional language?
We constantly monitor the usage of courseware from different parts of the world. Based on the demand from a region for a particular lab, courseware content can be made available in an alternate language. The Tektronix regional sales and marketing team would initiate the translation process. The translated version of the lab would be published using the original author’s profile.

Will you reject my submission if it is incomplete?
We will contact you and seek your support in making your submission complete and meaningful. Courseware submissions that are not complete or that contain inappropriate or defamatory content will not be published.

Submission Review and Publishing

What happens to courseware once I've submitted it?
Once you submit the courseware, the Tektronix courseware team is notified. The team reviews the submission before publication. Authors/submitters may be contacted if the team seeks additional claification or information about their submission.

Are you going to validate that the each submitted lab work properly?
No, the review team will review each the submission for completeness making sure that all of the required elements are included. The review team will also look for content that may be duplicated or inappropriate. The review team will not verify that the procedural steps in each lab are technically correct and that they yield the expected results. To provide feedback on the courseware website includes a comment feature.

Will my submission be immediately visible to others?
Your submission goes through the review cycle before it gets published for others to view/download. Submitter will be notified once their contents get published.

How long does it take for the courseware to get published after submission?
We would like to minimize the review time for each submission. However, depending upon the number of submissions to be reviewed and the amount of clarification needed, it might take up to two weeks for submitted content to get published onto the webpage.

Can you make my submission available in different regional language?
We constantly monitor the usage of courseware from different parts of the world. Based on the demand from a region for a particular lab, courseware content can be made available in an alternate language. The Tektronix regional sales and marketing team would initiate the translation process. The translated version of the lab would be published using the original author’s profile.

Will you reject my submission if it is incomplete?
We will contact you and seek your support in making your submission complete and meaningful. Courseware submissions that are not complete or that contain inappropriate or defamatory content will not be published.