Web Course Guidelines for EKU Students

 

·       To participate in EKU’s Web courses, you must use a computer system that meets these requirements:


1.   Operating system: You must have Windows XP or better (including Vista and “7”), or Macintosh OS 10.4 or better. Earlier Windows or Macintosh systems can display some Blackboard pages but may not work properly with Bb's online tests, discussion forums and chat. Blackboard's online chat is not compatible with Macintosh OS 10.4 or 10.5.


2.   Internet browser: You must have one of the following programs: Firefox (version 3.5 or better), Windows Internet Explorer (version 7 or better), or Apple Safari (version 4.0 or better). Firefox is the best browser to use with Blackboard, on both Windows and Macintosh systems. Google Chrome and other browsers work with most Blackboard features, but they are not 100% compatible. If you do not have a broadband connection (DSL, cable modem, ResNet, T1, etc.), you should contact the instructor before registration to find out whether all course materials are suitable for delivery through your slower dialup connection.

1.   Mobile Devices: The browsers available on mobile phones and other Internet devices are capable of working with many Blackboard features, but incompatibilities exist, and you must have access to a true computer to be sure you will be able to participate in all course activities and to complete all assignments. The Apple iPad and iPhone, and Blackberry and Droid smartphones, can display many features of Blackboard courses through a free app called Bb Mobile Learn. This app functions on the Apple devices only when connected through wireless networks, and works on the Blackberry and Droid devices only with Sprint network connections.


3. System and browser settings: your system and browser must allow Blackboard to use "cookies," and all pop-up blocking software must be set to ALLOW pop-ups within Blackboard. If your course requires use of the Blackboard Chat or Virtual Classroom, be sure to test your connectivity BEFORE your first online session.)


4.   Other hardware: as listed by instructors on the Web Course Fact Sheet. Note that instructors commonly assume that you have a CD-ROM drive, speakers and a printer. If you do not have these items you should communicate directly with the instructor to see if they will be required.


5.   Other software: as listed by instructors on the Web Course Fact Sheet. Some commonly needed programs and browser “plug-ins” are listed at http://www.eku.edu/onlinelearning/bbdocs/softwarelinks.htm. Note that instructors commonly assume that you have access to the  Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you do not have these programs, and if you do not know how to use other software to open and save files in their formats, you should communicate directly with the instructor to find out what will be required. The EKU Computer Store can help you obtain Microsoft Office software at a greatly discounted price.

 

·       Your Blackboard account is automatically associated with your EKU student email account. That account must be activated before you can access your Web courses on the Blackboard system. If you need help with this account, call 859-622-3000.

 

·       For details about using EKU Blackboard, visit http://learn.eku.edu and follow the link to the Student Guide to EKU Blackboard.


·       Contact your instructor upon registration in an EKU Web course, to make sure you will receive all communications about the course. Look for the instructor’s email address on the Web Course Fact Sheet at http://wcfs.eku.edu.


·       Official registration for EKU Web courses is done through EKU Direct, at http://online.eku.edu/. Merely contacting the instructor and/or being enrolled in the Blackboard system does not constitute official registration in the course. For help with registration matters, call 859-622-2320.