Distance Learning

Technical Requirements

In addition to a basic level of computer and Internet literacy, certain minimum technical requirements must be met to enable a successful learning experience.

• Minimum system requirements
• Internet connectivity
• Virus protection
• Browser requirements
• Java

Minimum System Requirements

Hardware

• Pentium 4 processor or equivalent Mac system. Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X (10.x).
• Internet access with 56.6 kbps modem (minimum). A high-bandwidth connection is recommended.
• 512MB system RAM or greater is recommended.
• 500MB free disk space or sufficient storage.
• Sound card.
• CD-ROM/DVD drive.
• For those courses with real-time instructional components, an Internet chat headset with microphone.

Software

• Web browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla, or Safari.  (Please note: Other browsers such as Firefox may work, but are not actively supported.) 
• MSOffice 2000 is the minimum standard. Microsoft software is available at a discounted student price from the NAIT Tech Store.
• Virus detection/protection software.
• Browser Plug-ins. Free versions are available for download from any browser.
• A zip file expansion tool such as WinZip or Stuffit Expander. Some version of Windows XP and Vista contain a file expansion tool as part of the operating system.

Internet Connectivity

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.

Virus Protection

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:

• Norton Antivirus
• McAfee Antivirus

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:

• Make sure to never open a file whose origins are unknown.
• Never use two antivirus products at the same time. Completely uninstall one before installing another. Use the vendor's uninstall utility or, if not available, use the Operating System's add/remove software tool in the control panel.
• Antivirus software is only as effective as its most recent update because it treats "known" threats. After you install antivirus software, go to the vendor's website and update the program and virus definitions immediately and then turn on the auto update feature (if it has one).

Browser Requirements

You will need to operate a current Internet browser in order to access eLearning courses.  NAIT Technical Support will support the following browsers: :

• Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or 7.0).
• Firefox
• Safari

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.

Browser Tune Up

WebCT has developed a series of web pages dedicated to ensuring your browser is optimally configured for use with the WebCT platform.

• WebCT CE6 Browser Tune-up for CE and Vista - http://www.webct.com/tuneup/

Pop-Up Blockers & Cookies

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:

• In Internet Explorer, select the “Tools” menu in the top toolbar
• Select “Pop-up Blocker”
• Select “Turn Off Pop-up Blocker”

To enable cookies in your browser:

• In Internet Explorer, select Tools menu item in the top toolbar, and then Internet Options.
• Under the Privacy tab, set the slider to medium or medium high.
• When you are finished, click OK and then OK again.

Java

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. 

• If you do have more than one version, and are having problems with WebCT, please uninstall all instances using “Add/Remove Program” in your Control Panel and then download the most currently version of Java at http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp. 
• If you require assistance removing/installing Java, please contact askNAIT@nait.ca.

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.