Minimum Requirements for Enrolling in an On-line Course
Technology
Requirements
In a fully online course, all course materials,
interaction with the instructor and fellow students, and
assessments, are typically provided through the Internet.
Therefore, it is important that you have easy and consistent access
to a computer that meets the following minimum requirements.
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PC Computer |
Macintosh Computer |
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Minimum Specifications |
Minimum Specifications |
- Pentium 350 MHz or better
- Windows 2000 or XP
- 128 MB of RAM or better
- 56 KB connection to the Internet
- Speakers
- Printer
- Ability to pass the browser checker located on the
eCourses page on the campus website.
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- Macintosh G3 or better
- Mac OS 9.0 or higher (Version 10 is highly
recommended)
- 64 MB of RAM or better
- 56 KB connection to the Internet
- Speakers
- Printer
- Ability to pass the browser checker located on the
eCourses page on the campus website.
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Preferred Specifications |
Preferred Specifications |
- At least a Pentium III PC
- Windows XP
- At least 512 MB RAM
- DSL or cable Internet connection
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- At least a Macintosh G4
- Mac OS 10.2 or higher
- At least 512 MB of RAM
- DSL or cable Internet connection
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Software Requirements |
Software Requirements |
- Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Office – NOT MS Works
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Up to date Anti Virus software
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- Safari or Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Office – NOT MS Works
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Up to date Anti Virus softwarez
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NOTE: If you are using AOL to connect to the
Internet, you will need to connect as usual to AOL then close the
window (don’t sign off) and open Internet Explorer or Mozilla
Firefox on your computer. Blackboard Vista does not work well, if you
try to use it within the AOL browser window.
Skill Requirements
In addition to access to specified hardware, it
is very important that you are comfortable with the following
technical skills:
- Sending and receiving emails
- Attaching and retrieving documents to emails
- Locating information on the Internet using search
engines, such as Google
- Navigating websites
- Ability to type at a moderate rate
- Ability to construct a document in Microsoft Word,
including formatting the document’s appearance through changes to
spacing and fonts, using spell check, and adjusting the margins.
- Saving and retrieving documents and files on your
computer
- Know which applications are currently running on your
computer and how to quickly switch between them.
- Learn the basics of new software programs by
exploration and trial and error, as well as with tutorials and
manuals.
- Accessing online library resources, including
scholarly databases and journals.
If you are not comfortable with any of these
tasks, you should not enroll in an online course until these skills
are mastered. Training is available to you through the Main Lab or
through workshops provided at the beginning of each semester through
the Customer Service Center. If you are unable to come to campus
for assistance, you should seek local skill training.
Learning Requirements
Learning in an online course is a very
different experience than learning in the standard classroom. In
an online course, there is no one physically present to make sure
you are keeping on track or staying engaged. Your learning and time
management are now your responsibility. Students who typically
succeed in an online course are:
- Self-Motivated – you know what needs to be completed
and independently work towards that goal.
- Organized – you are able to organize your time and
work environment in order to make sure tasks are completed on time
- Independent Learners – you enjoy learning for the sake
of learning. You do not require someone to outline each step of the
process for you. You look for answers to questions and do not
hesitate to ask questions if you are confused or need additional
information.
- Good at Written Communication – you are comfortable
expressing your thoughts and views in writing.
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