Computer & Skill Requirements
You don't have
to be technologically savvy to take an online course. However,
you must be comfortable with your system and be willing to
deal with any problems that may arise. Hardware and software
malfunctions when you least expect it.
To do well in an online
course, you should be familiar with the following:
- Use of a Web browser
- Handling email, including sending
email attachments
- Basic file management
- Finding information on the Internet
- Completing online
forms
Lack of technical knowledge can greatly hinder your
online learning ability. If you do not have the above skills,
consider taking a computer course prior to enrolling
in an online course.
| Computer Minimum
Configuration |
CPU: 600MHz Intel Celeron processor
Memory: 64MB RAM Hard drive:
6.4GB hard drive CD-ROM drive
Operating System: Windows XP , Windows 2000,
Windows Vista
Macintosh:
CPU: 500MHz Power PC processor (Power Macintosh)
Memory: 64MB RAM
Hard drive: 20GB Hard drive
CD-ROM drive
Operating System: Macintosh OS, current versions
(OS 9.2.2/10)
Sound
card and speakers
Strongly recommended:
Printer
|
| Pop-up Blockers |
| Many newer browsers include pop-up blockers
that may block quizzes, test or assignments from popping
up in your Blackboard classroom. If you experience any
difficulties accessing classroom materials, turn off
any pop-up blockers that you may be running and attempt
to access the classroom materials. |
Plug-ins
Course
may require you to download these and other plug-ins: |
| Virus Control
Computer viruses can cause damage
to your computer and the files stored in it. If you
send a file with a virus to someone else in your
class, that person's computer may become "infected" as
well. Anti-virus software is recommended and
available to help protect your computer. Visit www.mcafee.com or
www.norton.com to
find out more.
NOTE: Your class may require you to download special plugins from your textbook publishers site. You will most likely need yo disable your antivirus to do this. Be sure to re-instate your anti-virus software after downloadinfg and only download from trusted sites. |
| Internet
Access & Email |
You will need access to a computer
and the Internet 3 out of 7 days a week for a total
of 9 or more hours a week for each three-credit class.
You can use more than one computer (home, work, and
school). You will need a student network account to
use the open lab and library computers.
While dial-up Internet service is usable, it is not
the optimum choice for taking online classes. You may
need to download/upload files that
are large and will require extended download times
over dial-up service.
Email is a main communication tool in your online
courses. You will need to use your Garrett College
student email account. If you do not have one set up,
you can do so by going to roomTC 310, Monday-Friday,
8:30-4:00 to get your login information. You must present photo ID. |
Skill Requirements
Before you take an online class, you should be confident
about your computer and study skills. Review the following
list of requirements to assess your readiness to take
online classes. |
- I know how to connect to the Web using a web browser.
- I can navigate around the Web and know how to use
search engines.
- I know how to send and receive e-mail.
- I know how to do basic word processing,
including cutting and pasting.
- I know how to open,
save, and manage files.
- I have access to a computer
3-5 days per week.
- The computer I will use meets the
basic requirements for online classes.
- I have 9 to
12 hours a week to work on each online class.
- I can
motivate myself to log in to the virtual classroom
at least 3 days a week.
- I have good reading comprehension
and written communication skills, and I enjoy communicating
in writing.
- I enjoy figuring things out on my own but
am able to ask for help when I need it.
If you can't
answer "Yes" to all these
questions, you may not
be quite ready for online learning. |
|
