What You'll Need
Before registering for a Distance Learning course, review our check lists to see what you should have and what you should know how to do.
All Distance Learning courses are web-based. This means that in order to be a distance learner, you must have and maintain reliable access to a computer workstation that is capable of connecting to the Internet. All Chipola College students have access to Technology Center during operational hours. (Click here for Library and Technology Center hours). However, it is not the responsibility of the college to guarantee workstation access for Distance Learning activities.
You should have:
- computer with CD ROM drive and modem
- Internet access
- web browser
- word processor, spreadsheet
System and Software Requirements |
||
Component |
Required |
Recommended |
| Browser (Windows or Mac) | Internet Explorer
6.0 up to and including version 7.0 (with all Service Packs) |
Internet Explorer
7.0 or Latest version of Firefox (with all Service Packs) |
| Software | Office Student Edition or Professional, Version 2000 or later with all Service Packs |
Office Student
Edition or Professional, Version 2000 or later with all Service Packs |
| Browser (Linux) | Latest version of Firefox | |
| Operating System | Windows XP or
higher (Service Pack 2 or latest) |
Windows XP or
higher (Service Pack 2 or latest) |
| Video | SVGA monitor **
set at a minimum resolution of 800 x 600 ** |
Resolution of 1024x768 or greater |
| Internet Speed | DSL or Cable | DSL or Cable |
| Sun Java Runtime Environment | JRE v1.4.2.xx (required to run LiveRoom 4.0) | |
| Java Script | Enabled | Enabled |
| Cookies | Enabled | Enabled |
Using
Your Computer
To successfully complete a web-based course, you should have had some prior experience with a computer. You will be navigating and searching the Internet and corresponding with others in your class using web-based tools. Keyboarding skills are very important, and experience with word processing, email, and web browsing are extremely helpful. Some courses will require that you use other software or enhancements to your current browser. Those applications will be specified and instructions will be provided before you sign up for the course.
You should know how to:
- access your Internet service provider account
- compose, send, and read email messages
- attach files to an email message
- read and save attached files from an email message
- use your web browser to view, navigate, and mark web sites for later viewing
- create a document using a word processor
- save and retrieve files to and from
your hard drive
