In addition to a basic level of computer and Internet literacy, certain minimum technical requirements must be met to enable a successful learning experience.
We understand that not everyone connects to the Internet using the same method. While we've made every effort to ensure that courses are compatible with all users' connection types, there may be a time when you are unable to access content in the course with a slower or unstable connection. If you are using satellite or dial-up to access WebCT, audio or video files will take longer to download to your computer. If you would like to receive copies of these files on CD-ROM from your instructor, please send an email through the WebCT system with your request. Please keep in mind that it may be weeks before these CD's arrive via Canada Post.
Computer viruses are highly complex and destructive, but preventing viruses from infecting your computer systems is relatively simple. Use a well-known brand of antivirus software and make sure to keep it as current as possible. As you will be sending and receiving files from your instructor and fellow students, it is extremely important that you are running the most current version of your antivirus software to avoid putting yourself, your instructors, and your classmates at risk. Some popular antivirus packages are:
These and other antivirus programs can be purchased at the NAIT Tech Store.
Beyond that, there are some easy, common-sense procedures that everyone should use:
You will need to operate a current Internet browser in order to access eLearning courses. NAIT Technical Support will support the following browsers: :
As each of these browsers have multiple versions, visit the Blackboard WebCT Support Browser Tune-up Information ensure that you are using a compatible web browser version.
WebCT has developed a series of web pages dedicated to ensuring your browser is optimally configured for use with the WebCT platform.
If you can't view discussions or e-mail messages, see quiz windows, or download links in Blackboard, a pop-up blocker is likely causing this problem. You must disable pop-up blocking for WebCT CE6. To do that:
To enable cookies in your browser:
Java is a required component in CE6, but running multiple versions of Java can cause problems. Please ensure that you have only one version of Java running. You can check which version(s) of Java you currently have installed through your Control Panel.
Each user will need a microphone connecting to a computer with Internet access. Elluminate Live requires Sun Microsystems Java Web Start™ to be installed on your machine. First time users will be prompted to do a quick set-up to have this required software installed if they don't already have it. For this and other useful information, go to the Elluminate Support site, http://www.elluminate.com/support/, and go through the First Time Users section.
The hardware and software you'll need for distance learning courses.