McGraw Hill introduces a complete Learning System for the student. The program takes advantage of the interactivity and convenience of the Internet and CDs to allow each student maximum control and independence in their own instruction. This tutorial will introduce you to all of the features available in the McGraw Hill Learning System.

College Biology course content materials will introduce you to the sequence of steps and methods of the program that will offer you the greatest opportunity for successful mastery of the subject matter. You may custom tailor the steps in the process to suit your learning style, but keep in mind that the completion of each of the components in the program will be your best plan for success.

Be cognizant of the areas that you feel will be of the most help to you for that is the program's purpose and you should take every opportunity to control your learning style and tempo. If you have any questions after your hypertour feel free to e-mail me at

Always begin your study process by reading your textbook using the SQ4R method. The SQ4R method of study will allow you to get the most from your text. The steps in the process have been carefully worked out for you and you must practice them over time to realize their important features. Use the Test Objective Sheet as a Guide to Surveying, asking Questions and wRiting responses to the text. The Chapter Objectives focus on the specific aspects of the content material that you are being asked to master. If you write answers to the objectives as they direct you to Be able to..., then you will at least have identified the content of importance and can proceed to mastery through Recitation and Review (Study Group).

If you feel you need further instruction in reading and studying, then try the following link for supplementary information and methods.

The Essential Study Partner CD will be an integral part of the McGraw Hill Learning System.

You must Install the CD in the computer. The CD will run on both Macs and PCs. Follow the instructions that come with the CD and get it operational.

As with all multimedia materials you must explore the navigation system and content to see what is available for your use. Spend some time with the CD and examine all of its features. Check out the Tutorial and HELP sections if problems arise. Don't forget the folks at the Learning Center are your computer consultants and can help you clarify problems quickly.

You'll notice that the ESP (Essential Study Partner) doesn't cover Chapter 1-A View of Life, but begins with The Chemistry of Life and does an incredible job of enriching and enhancing the text materials. Use it as much as you can.

The Online Learning Center can be accessed from the ESP CD or through the link found here. Once you have the URL you can get there from anywhere. There is a link at the top of the Assignment Page for quick access. Once you arrive there Click on Student Center. Check out the first page of the Student Center to get an understanding of the icons and features of each of the Chapter pages and information available from this valuable site. The following lists the components that are found in the Student Center and how they will be used in this course.

1. We will save The General and Human Biology Case Studies for special occasions.

2. Look at the For list of chapters click on arrow menu.Check out the Additional Student Features from this menu. Look at each of the other links on the Additional Student Features page to see all of the support information available to you.  

3. The General Biology Websites is an enrichment area that offers you excellent selected sites of interest and information for various areas of interest. Pick a category and savor the offerings.

4. The Bioethics Case Studies are excellent works by a renowned educator and lawyer. They are for your perusal now, but for our edification later.

5. A Shockwave Plug-in is required to view the interactive Johnson Explorations.Use the Shockwave link and follow instructions to install. These activities will support and enhance your specific learning experiences in the areas provided by the Explorations. Examine any one of the Explorations to get the feel of the exercises.

6. The Acronym Flashcard is a Shockwave Presentation. If you loaded the Shockwave for the Johnson Explorations, then you are good for all of the other exercises using the Shockwave Plug-in. This little viewer will define any acronyms that you run into in the text and can't translate. Use it only when needed.

7. Here is the Writing Lab Reports and Scientific Papers reference you will use to write up your labs or other scientific papers. It is here to guide you through the formal protocols of scientific writing. Use when needed.

8. Are you considering a Biology major and a career in the Life Sciences. Check out this page to Get a Job in Biology. There is much here to continue the thinking process about your future that you may have not considered.

9. Now, close the career window and from the same menu For list of chapters click on the arrow, choose Chapter 1-A View of Life and Go.

10. The Chapter 1 page contains a series of activities all related to the A View of Life text content.

a. The e-Learning Session is first. It is a summary outline of the first chapter with specific interactive activites that can be accessed by clicking on the icons above each of the text sections. Go through the e-Learning Session and do all of the activities.

11. Move to Thinking Scientifically and answer the two questions posed about to experimental situations.

12. Take the brief Art Quiz. Always take the interactive assessment opportunities made available in this program. The more you are tested on content and understanding the greater the chances of mastering the subject matter.

13. The Key Term Flashcard requires Shockwave Plug-in in order to play. The player is pretty neat. It will let you review all of the Key Terms from the Chapter.

14. The Chapter Weblinks. Click on Click Here For Chapter Websites. These are enrichment sites that will enhance your knowledge of A View of Life. I recommend that you visit and examine them to see if they can assist you in learning some of the more esoteric aspects of the subject matter. These sites are especially important for anyone considering a Biology major.

15. The Chapter Quiz should be the culminating activity of each of the Learning Sessions from Textbook to CD to Website. It will be the closest thing to the Chapter examination and should be your best indicator of success on the theory part of the course (70%). Click on the Click Here To Begin Quiz take the quiz and Submit it to see what you have retained from your encounter with the A View of Life, McGraw Hill Learning System materials.

You have now been introduced to the sequence and components of the McGraw Hill Learning System. I think you can see that is an extraordinary program that affords each learner the opportunity to find success in the study of College Biology.

The most important component of the program and the key to your success is your attitude towards learning. The program supplies you with all of the ways to be successful, now you must supply the means.

Use the program faithfully and correctly. Establish a Study Group and be sure to challenge yourself with the oral engagement before the Course Examination is administered. If you do all of these things, though no guarantee of success can go with this process, you have given yourself the chance of being the best student that you are capable of being.