Throughout the Annual Conference Online you will see information displayed in combinations of text, Internet audio, and even video. To get the most out of the Annual Conference Online, we suggest you choose the medium that allows you the easiest and most trouble-free access to the information on this Web site. For example, while you may be capable of receiving video images, those images may appear "jerky" or stall depending on your internet connection, modem speed, and other factors. Yet your Internet audio connection may work just fine on your computer. Our advice? Access the Annual Conference Online content, where offered, in audio and skip the video for now. Or maybe your computer has speakers but audio over the Internet still doesn't seem to work right. No problem: We've also used text alone wherever possible.

Our advice is this: Don't let technology limitations get in the way of your appreciation of the Annual Conference Online. On the other hand, audio and video content can enhance the value and enjoyment of information delivered over the Internet, as we've tried to demonstrate throughout the Annual Conference Online.

How do I get Internet audio and video on my computer?

If you have a multimedia computer (one that comes with speakers and sound), you can play the audio and video programs featured on this Web site by "downloading" a free piece of software called a RealPlayer.

If you have not already downloaded a RealPlayer program, click on the "RealPlayer Free" button on this page. That will take you to the Web site of Real.com. At the top of the Web page, you are prominently offered a version of new RealOne player for for $9.95. In the gray bar just below is the link for the Free RealPlayer. The choice is yours, but all Annual Conference Online audio and video can be accessed by the free RealPlayer.

The rest is simple. Let's assume you want to download the free RealPlayer. Click on that link and fill out the form that appears. If you still choose only the free RealPlayer, just proceed to fill out the form fully and at the bottom of the form click the button that says "Download FREE RealPlayer Basic." Then follow the instructions on the next page that comes up.

If you have any problems, send an email describing the problem and the kind of computer and modem you have to info@ascd.org, and we'll try to help.