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 2000 or better (including “ME” and “XP”), or Macintosh OS 10.1 or better. Windows 98 systems can display some Blackboard pages but may not work properly with Bb's online tests, discussion forums and chat. Macintosh systems with OS 8.6-9.2 will handle most Web course features except the Blackboard “Virtual Classroom.”


2.   Internet browser: You must have one of the following programs: Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 5.5 or better), Netscape/Mozilla (version 7.1 or better), Firefox (version 1.0 or better) or Apple Safari (version 1.0 or better). The browser window provided by services such as America Online, Compuserve and Prodigy must not be trusted to have all the features necessary for Web courses. Connecting to the Internet through any of these services is fine, as long as you use a true Internet browser program after you connect. 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.

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. (Technical information about these features: any firewalls from your ISP or on your local system must be set to allow full access for learn.eku.edu to use ports 8010 and 8011.)


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.

 

·       You must also have a working email address, such as the one provided to you by EKU at no additional cost. For details about using the student email system, visit http://ekumail.eku.edu/. Your EKU student email 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 (key option 2) or email onlinelearning@eku.edu.

 

·       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://www.eku.edu/onlinelearning/courses.


·       You can practice using most of Blackboard's features by following the directions in our "INTRO TO EKU COMPUTING" course, linked from the Blackboard login page at http://learn.eku.edu. This is a great way to check whether your system will work as you expect.

·       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.