Required Resources
This is an online course which has specific connectivity and software requirements. If you are unable to meet these requirements on a regular basis, e.g., several times a week, your progress in this course may be severely impeded. It is your responsibility to meet the following guidelines.
Technology Requirements
- Projects will be required in MS Office format so any program you have that allows for saving in that format is fine. I recommend MS Office or the free, open source package, OpenOffice.
- A reliable, high speed broadband Internet connection is required for this class, e.g., DSL or cable. Wireless mobile Internet service providers, e.g., ClearWire, AT&T Wireless, or Verizon Wireless, are NOT recommended for this course due to known connectivity problems with Laulima. If you choose to use a wireless mobile provider when taking this course, you may jeopardize your chances of completing online assignments and activities. Accommodations will NOT be made if you experience technical difficulties due to use of a wireless Internet service provider.
- The Firefox web browser is recommended by UH for Laulima, our primary course web site. If you choose to use another browser, you may experience problems with viewing course content and posting material to the class. When updating or first using a web browser, we recommend clearing the web browser cache first.
- The latest version of Java is required. If you haven't updated your computer's version of Java lately, click here to ensure that you have the recommended version.
- Some course material will be in portable document format, better known as pdf. Go to the Acrobat Reader website at http://get.adobe.com/reader/ and download then install the latest version of this free program.
Textbook
No textbook is used in this course; your readings will consists of current Internet publications and documents, all supplied free of charge.
Laulima
Laulima is the University of Hawai'i's course management system and our course will be conducted in this system. If you have not taken an online course using this system, go through the links to tutorials provided in the sidebar on the right of this page.
SIMnet Online
This is REQUIRED for our class. Students in the class will learn standard, common software tools using a simulated environment. This ensures that every student will have the same learning experiences without having to require that you all purchase the same exact software. We will be using the simulated learning environment for Microsoft Office 2010 known as SIMnet Online. It is a powerful learning tool and is affordably priced (approximately $75.00). Instructions on how to purchase a SIMnet Online account will be provided in week six of instruction, so you won't have to purchase it until then.