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Before you begin, you will need a few essential items to start your course. Just like having a pen and paper for traditional courses, the following items are absolutely essential to your success with online courses.
Step 1 You will need access to a computer. To take full advantage of the interactivity of the courses, the following system profiles are REQUIRED:
PC
Mac
Windows 95, 98, or NT MacOS 7.5 or Later Pentium Class Computer PowerPC Processor Minimum of 16 MB of RAM Minimum of 16MB of RAM Minimum of 28.8 kbps modem Minimum of 28.8 kbps modem Sound card/speakers/CD-ROM Sound card/speakers/CD-ROM
Step 2 You will need Internet access. If you do not presently have Internet access individually or through work you will need to contact an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that provides the software necessary for connecting to the Internet. Contact a local provider to set up your personal account. ALL modules are conducted entirely on the Internet. Without Internet access, it is impossible to compete the modules.
The easiest way to find an ISP is to search The List. The List contains almost 4,500 ISPs and an easy-to-use search engine where you can locate ISPs by Area Code, or state. Most listings have a link to the provider's home page. You can also look through your local phone book, newspaper, and magazines to locate an provider. Here are some tips on evaluating a provider:
First impression of provider's Web site
Does the site provide informative information? Is it still under development? If so, perhaps this is a new company. Does the site provide information on pricing, support, and other critical information you need in order to make an informed decision?
If the site doesn't list access numbers, request them by e-mail or telephone. If the access numbers aren't a local call for you, move on. It makes no sense to get a flat-rate ISP, only to pay a huge phone bill every month.
Pricing
You probably want a flat rate with unlimited access. Services charging by the hour can be expensive. Does the provider offer yearly or semester-by-semester pricing mechanisms? These can sometimes be cost effective and convenient.
Service and support
Look for 24 hour-a-day support, 7 days a week, or at least 9-to-9 technical support. Also, look for toll free calls. Will their support personnel walk you through your initial connection, or simply mail you the software? Often smaller, local providers provide the best service.
Step 3 You will need an e-mail account to communicate with the module instructors. If you do not presently have an e-mail account, your e-mail address will be established when you sign up with an ISP. Check with your provider if you do not know your e-mail address.
Step 4 You will need a capable browser. We recommend Netscape® Communicator 4 (or higher) or Microsoft® Internet Explorer 4 (or higher). When you sign on with a provider, you will most likely receive either Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer with the service. If not, you can download one of the browsers for free by clicking on the icons below.
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College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
