Requirements for Dr. Ewell's Courses with Online Components

Required Skills and Course Expectations:

Basic computer literacy is required in one of the computer formats (Windows, Macintosh, or GNU/Linux).

Students must have a TU email and Blackboard account (<http://bbweb.towson.edu >) and check these accounts every weekday during the course.

Some assignments will involve using digital media or intellectual property produced by others. Students are expected to follow all relevant laws in regard to copyright and intellectual property.

Required Hardware:

Multimedia capable computer with Internet connection. Fast Internet connection such as broadband Internet (DSL, cable modem, etc.) is recommended. Here are minimum recommendations:

Windows

Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0
3.0GHz Pentium 4 processor
1GB RAM or more
Webcam may be required in some courses.

Mac

Mac OS X 10.4.11, or 10.5.5 or later
Webcam requires Mac OS X Leopard (10.5 or later)
QuickTime 7.5.5 or later
2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2GB RAM or more

Required Software:

Software requirements will vary by the course. These are minimum requirements:

Adobe Acrobat Reader (free, PC, MAC, Linux): <http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/>

Flash (free; PC, MAC, Linux) <http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/>

RealPlayer (free; PC, MAC, Linux), < http://www.real.com/>,

Web browsing software (see below)

Word processing software (student's choice)


Keys to Success in Dr. Ewell's Courses with Online Components

Despite its present state of sophistication, computer technology is full of glitches and problems. Expect to encounter some hurdles along the way. Don't be frustrated by them. Learn from your shortcomings and those of the technologies that we will be using. Learn multiple ways to solve a problem or create an item. If you have TWO ways to do something, almost always one of the methods will work!

Please read and follow setup instructions when installing software. Doing so will save you precious time and help you avoid unnecessary frustration.

1. Your computers and Internet connection must meet the minimum requirements.

You should have access to TWO computers. If you don’t own a second computer make arrangements now for access to a second machine in case you have problems with the first. This second computer might be a friend's or might include access to a computer lab. Computer breakdown will not be an appropriate excuse in this course.

This course will require viewing and/or listening of videos, audio files, and web pages. Course work will require access and work on TU’s Blackboard and development of components shared over the web with students and the instructor. Access to the Internet from your computers is required, broadband Internet (DSL, cable modem, etc.) is highly recommended for proper viewing. Computer processing speed should allow for viewing of videos and operation of required software in the course.

2. Your computer software must be up to date.

Please review the BlackBoard technical requirements to make sure you have the correct browsers installed and preferences enabled to participate in all Blackboard activities. It is strongly suggested that you install TWO of the browsers listed below in order to view web pages. Yahoo has sites for downloads, yahoo.com's browser directory listing, or you can search for them yourself. Try to get the latest versions available for your operating system.

Browsers

Windows

Mac

Linux
Google Chrome X X X

Netscape

X

X

X

Internet Explorer

X



Firefox/Mozilla

X

X

X

Opera

X

X

X

Safari


X


Install the latest versions of at least TWO media players. PC recommendations: : RealPlayer , Flash Player, or Windows Media Player (probably already installed). Mac recommendations: RealPlayer , Flash Player, iTunes (probably already installed). Videos for this course will be given in at least two formats. Occasionally one format does not work for a computer so try the other.

You will also need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader: <http://www.adobe.com/>

Install the other software required for the course. This will be listed in your syllabus.

3. Back up all work TWICE.

Your time is valuable and should not be spent reconstructing lost work assignments. Follow good computing practice by backing up all work at each session on a separate flash drive, thumb drive, or hard drive. Lost work due to computer malfunction or file misplacement will not be an appropriate excuse in this course.

4. Print out and read the course syllabus and course calendar.

Assignments must be completed on time. Late assignments will be penalized. Assignments more than one week overdue without a medical excuse will not be accepted. Your plans for completing assignments should include time for familiarization with new software, glitches with the technology, and your creative needs. Don't wait until the last minute to complete your work, instead, complete work early and use the time before the due date for proof reading and adjusting your work. See the syllabus and course calendar for further details.

5. Check email every weekday.

Set up your (TU) tiger e-mail account so that it forwards mail directly to your favorite email account. To do this go to tiger.towson.edu for more information. I will be communicating with your tiger email account. Announcements will also be posted on Blackboard.