English 2 Online Minimum Requirements
This page lists the minimum requirements for success in Mr Hurst's English 2
Computer Skills
You should be able to:
- perform basic computer operations such as create folders, open and close windows, browse to find files, and rename files and folders;
- retrieve, compose, and send email messages to individuals and multiple recipients;
- send and receive attachments in email messages;
- connect your computer to the Internet (or have steady access to an Internet-connected computer);
- perform basic word processing functions such as formatting and copying and pasting text;
- download and install browser plug-in software such as Adobe PDF reader, QuickTime Player, or additional free software utilities as needed (instructions will be provided);
- download and save files from a website;
- and navigate around the Internet and know how to use search engines.
If you do not yet have these technical skills, I suggest that you postpone enrolling in an online course until you have mastered them. In addition to a minimum level of technical competency as described above, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have access to an Internet-connected computer 5-7 days per week?
- Do I have 12 to 15 hours per week to work on each online class?
- Am I motivated to log in to the virtual classroom (Blackboard) at least 5 times each week?
- Do I have good reading comprehension and written communication skills, and do I enjoy communicating in writing?
- Am I willing to spend more time on an online course than a traditional classroom course?
- Do I have good time management skills?
- Can I meet deadlines if it's up to me to set my own coursework schedule?
- Am I a self-starter? Will I seek help when I need it?
Hardware
Internet Connection
- 56 Kbps modem
- DSL or cable high speed connection is Highly Recommended.
Windows
- Pentium 3 processor or equivalent, 500 Mhz or higher (Pentium 4 or newer, 1 Ghz or higher recommended)
- 256 MB of RAM (512 MB or more recommended)
- Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista (2000 or XP recommended). Note: due to compatibility issues with Blackboard, if your computer is running Windows Vista, you should use the latest (free) Firefox web browser (see next item)
- Internet Explorer 6 or newer or Firefox 1.1 or newer (Firefox 3.0 recommended)
- Java (JRE) 1.4 or newer
Mackintosh
- Intel processor or PowerPC G3 processor or equivalent, 500 Mhz or higher (G4 or G5 , 1 Ghz or higher recommended)
- 256 MB of RAM (512 MB or more recommended)
- Mac OS X 10.2 or newer
- Safari 2 or newer, or Firefox 1.1 or newer (Firefox 3.0 recommended)
Additional Software
- Adobe Flash Player to view flash videos
- Acobat Reader to view .pdf files
- Word processing software--if you don't have Word or Wordperfect, consider the free Open Office Suite, a great alternative to the expensive retail giants
- PowerPoint Viewer. If you don't have PowerPoint on your computer, you can still view PowerPoint files with this viewer.
These guidelines were borrowed from the Los Medanos College and Ottawa University online information sites and revised to reflect my course specifics.
updated 03 december 2008
d hurst
d hurst