Computer Skills Required for Online Courses:

Students must understand basic computer usage, including keyboard, mouse, CD player, printer and modem.

The ability to:

1. Create folders
2. Find, copy, move, rename and delete files
3. Maximize/minimize multiple windows
4. Download and save files

The ability to use a word processing program to:

1. Create, save, print and retrieve a document
2. Cut, copy and paste text within and between documents
3. Save a word processing document in rtf format

Use a Web browser to:

1. Navigate a web site by clicking links or icons
2. Open and save files (Word or PDF files)
3. Create, maintain and manage a list of web pages (Favorites/Bookmarks)
4. Use a search engine's basic features to find information on the web

Use e-mail to:

1. Send, receive, store and retrieve messages
2. Send, receive and open file attachments

Technical Requirements

The primary online learning tools used at WNCC include Blackboard/WebCT 6 (online learning management system) and Wimba Classroom (web conferencing software).

Students might encounter additional specific technical requirements depending upon the courses taken.

The following are some technical requirements needed to participate in WNCC online courses.

Students need access to a computer which has access to the internet. While a high speed connection to the Internet is not required, students may want to consider acquiring one if taking numerous online courses. Students should ALWAYS have a good alternate plan for connection in the event of computer/internet access failure.

PC

• Windows OS 98/NT/2000/XP
• Internet Explorer 6.0 (or above) - or - Firefox 1.5 (or above)
• Virus protection on your computer
• Ability to download programs
• Minimum of 128K ram
• Internet connectivity (56K or higher)
• Email capabilities
• A word processing program (MS Word, Works, OpenOffice Writer, etc.)

Mac

• G3 processor (or higher)
• Mac OS 9.x (or above)
• Internet Explorer 5.0 (or above) - or - Firefox 1.5 (or above)
• Virus protection on your computer
• Ability to download programs
• Minimum of 128K ram
• Internet connectivity (56K or higher)
• Email capabilities
• A word processing program (MS Word, Works, OpenOffice Writer, etc.)