Technical Guidelines

The GenEdWeb program is designed to be usable by any student with Internet access and a computer capable of running current Web browsers. Our browser recommendations are Netscape Communicator version 7.0 or higher, Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher or Mozilla Firefox

Software Support

Support for software required in GenEdWeb classes is provided by UMM Computing Services to registered students only.

Please look through the pages of documentation and support provided here before writing to your instructor or to UMM Computing Services with questions. If you need help with your modem connection, file uploads/downloads, or related problems with your Internet link, please contact your Internet service provider.

Support pages are currently provided here for:

• Netscape Communicator
• RealPlayer for audio and video
• Adobe Acrobat to read .pdf files
• QuickTime
• UMM E-Mail Help Guides

WebVista (formerly WebCT Vista)

If you are enrolled in an online course that uses WebVista (course list), please review the following information and complete the student orientation for WebVista:

• Supported Browsers for WebVista (Note: While Mozilla FireFox is not listed as a supported browser, we have not experienced negative affects using WebVista with FireFox.)
• WebVista Browser Set-up
• WebVista Student Orientation
• WebVista Student Support (includes accessibility support options, JAWS screen reader tips and style sheet tips)

• Having trouble attaching documents inside WebCT Vista? Update the Java plug-in on your machine to the latest version. Visit the WebCT Vista Announcements site for more information at http://webct.umn.edu/

Moodle

If you are enrolled in an online course that uses Moodle (Ed 2201, Engl 2121, Stat 3601), please review the Moodle Student Support Guides prior to the start of your course.

Software requirements, August 2006

The U of M Board of Regents has purchased software licenses for Windows XP upgrades and the MS Office Suite (Windows or Macintosh) for all currently enrolled U of M students taking at least one course credit. All software orders must be placed through the Microsoft student online order form, which verifies student enrollment. There are two ways to obtain the software. Students can pay for the cost of the CD (which is less than $10 each) or there is a free download option for MS Office for the Windows operating system. Login with your UMM InternetID and password for software prices. See the University Computer Services website for more information.

Course	Required Tools and Forms
Ed 2201 Perspectives on Young Adult Literature	Adobe Acrobat Reader Microsoft Word Moodle Student Support Guides
Engl 1011 College Writing	Microsoft Word WebVista Browser Set-up WebVista Student Orientation
Engl 2121 Creative Writing	Adobe Acrobat Reader Microsoft Word Moodle Student Support Guides
Hist 3452 Minnesota History	Microsoft Word WebVista Browser Set-up WebVista Student Orientation
Mgmt 1301 Legal Environment of Business	Microsoft Word WebVista Browser Set-up WebVista Student Orientation Proctored exam form
Pol 1201 American Government and Politics	Quicktime Windows Media Player WebVista Browser Set-up WebVista Student Orientation Proctored exam form
Pol 1401 World Politics	Adobe Acrobat Reader Microsoft Word PowerPoint Viewer Real Player WebVista Browser Set-up WebVista Student Orientation
Psy 1051 Introduction to Psychology	Adobe Acrobat Reader Real Player Quicktime WebVista Browser Set-up WebVista Student Orientation Proctored exam form
Soc 1101 Introductory Sociology	Microsoft Word WebVista Browser Set-up WebVista Student Orientation Proctored exam form
Stat 3601 Data Analysis	Moodle Student Support Guides
Stat 4671 Statistical Computing	TBD

Courses within the GenEdWeb program make use of a wide variety of features and functions to create multimedia coursework with a strong focus on direct interaction between students and faculty. Some courses may use additional software (to be provided as part of your registration or with your textbook), while other courses may be accessible entirely through an Internet browser. Some courses will make use of your computer's multimedia capabilities, while others will be primarily based in text and written interactions.

Basic documentation and instructions for software and tools used in GenEdWeb courses are provided through links on this page. Further technical support is available through UMM Computing Services and, in some cases, through your Internet service provider. Questions about course materials, assignments and course requirements should be directed to your instructors. If you require assistance with any tool or circumstance related to your GenEdWeb course that is not covered here, please contact the GenEdWeb program coordinator at 800-842-0030 or by e-mail at genedweb@morris.umn.edu

Minimum technical requirements for GenEdWeb courses will be revised each fall, but students in the program will be guaranteed that published minimum technical requirements will be viable for a period of two academic years. This means that if you enter the program in Fall 2007 with a computer that meets the published minimum technical requirements, you will be able to complete GenEdWeb courses with that computer at least through Summer term 2009.