Minimum Technological Proficiencies

Familiarity with computers and an online environment are among the skills needed to successfully complete a web-based course.

Students will need to have the following basic skills to be comfortable with navigating through a web-based course:

• Entering URLs (web addresses) 
• Browsing the web 
• Using drop-down lists 
• Posting responses in discussion boards
• Locating and opening files on a computer

To navigate through a web-based course, students will need access to the following:

• An internet connection 
• An e-mail account
• A 5.0 or better Web browser that can accommodate Javascript and Java, preferably Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). Our users have fewer firewall issues when using Internet Explorer versus Netscape Navigator. We also recommend that AOL users get IE and install it. After dialing into AOL, minimize the AOL window, and launch IE.     

Hardware requirements: 

• A live internet connection 
• For minimum acceptable performance, at least a 56K modem connection is recommended 
• A monitor capable of at least 800x600 resolution. For best performance, use a monitor with 1024x768 resolution or higher. Access at lower resolutions (such as 640x480) may have scroll bar interference. 
• Minimum hardware requirements for your computer should be compatible to those requirements for the 4.0 or better Web browser (refer to the hardware requirements for your browser).