Introduction
From Unit 1, you have determined that you are goal-oriented and self-directed, and you have the time commitment to pursue e-learning. Now, it is important that you have sufficient technological skills and equipment to successfully complete a web-based course.
What is your computer savvy? Do you know your computer type, size, and memory? Can you organize files on your computer? How proficient are you with word processing and spreadsheet programs? Do you know how to attach files to e-mail? This unit will assist you in acquiring the hardware, software and accounts information needed to participate in an online course.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Before you enroll in a UNCG online course it is important that you determine you have the appropriate hardware and software. The requirements below are the minimum standards for all UNCG online courses.
Hardware & Software Requirements:
You will need a Pentium-level or Macintosh-equivalent computer and a 56K modem.
Note: Most of the software and plug-ins required for UNCG online courses can be downloaded from Stroud's CWSApps web site.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): You must arrange for an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP you choose must support the web browsers below. The following link can help you locate a service:
Web Browser: You will need one of the following browsers. Note that this applies to AOL users. Your browser must also be Java enabled. Although most Blackboard functions work in Netscape, Internet Explorer is the only supported browser with Blackboard. If you choose to use Netscape, you do so at your own risk.
- Internet Explorer version 4.0 or more recent
- Netscape Navigator/Communicator version 4.0 or more recent
IMPORTANT: Blackboard will not function correctly in the AOL browser. If you are using AOL, you can minimize the AOL browser and then open up Internet Explorer to use for Blackboard.
Media Software is required for some courses:
UNCG Accounts
Students enrolled in Blackboard courses will need to complete the UNIX & Netware 4 (LAB) Account Activation Form to have their UNCG accounts activated. When you fill out this form, you will be activating several different accounts. For Blackboard purposes, you will be using two accounts—your Novell/Netware account and your email account.
Netware (Novell) Account:
Your Novell username should be the username you use for all of your accounts. This username will be your username for most of the systems on campus, including Blackboard. Your username will usually be your first and middle initials followed by the first 6 letters of your last name. For example if your name is John Wayne Sanchez, your username would probably be jwsanche and your UNCG email address would probably be jwsanche@uncg.edu.
IMPORTANT: The Novell password expires every 90 days. You must change your password every 90 days or you will not be able to login to Blackboard. If you use the computers in the labs on campus, the Novell login screen will prompt you when it is time to change your password. If you do not login to the lab computers, it is vital that you remember to change your password every 90 days. If you experience login problems with Blackboard, it is likely that you need to change your Novell password. You can go to the following website to change your Novell password:
Email Account:
UNCG provides e-mail addresses to all of its students. All students enrolling in a UNCG Blackboard course must activate and use their UNCG e-mail. Your email username and password will be the same as for Blackboard, i.e. the Novell username and password. You can access your email through the email web interface at http://espartan.uncg.edu.
IMPORTANT: UNCG is currently in the process of upgrading to a new email system. All students have to be migrated over to the new system. You can check to see if you have been migrated by going to the above address and trying to login with your Novell username and password. If you cannot login, it is likely that your account has not been migrated yet. For information on your email account, or when you can expect to be migrated to the new system, call the student help desk at 336-256-8324 (6-TECH).