Preparing your computer to take online courses.

Taking an online course means that one needs to have a computer that is capable of interacting in an WebCT online class. This requirement is easy to meet provided students have the following software available:

• A word processing program that can save files in an html or webpage format. Microsoft Works, Microsoft Word or Word Perfect are examples of programs that will do this.
  
  
• A computer that can connect to the internet either through a dial-up modem or via cable/dsl access.

Important Alert Concerning Windows Vista and Internet Explorer 7

Vista

Please be advised that the new Windows Vista operating system currently being installed on all new computers may cause some problems for online students. The problems seem to be primarily associated with how files are saved in Word, Power Point, and Excel.

Should you experience any problems, please contact the Online Education Office at (417) 873-7727 or by email at online@drury.edu.

Explorer 7

If you download Explorer 7 and experience problems, please go to http://www.mozilla.com and download Firefox. Install it by choosing the Run or Open option. Choose all the default settings where appropriate EXCEPT to select Firefox as the default browser. Indicate No on that screen. Use Firefox instead of Explorer 7 to access online classes.

Firefox is also a great alternative browser if you ever experience Explorer problems in general.

Preparing Your Internet Browser Settings for WebCT:

Please visit the WebCT Browser Tune-Up to ensure that you are using a browser that is compatible with WebCT. It includes step-by-step instructions to make sure your browser settings are optimized for the best possible WebCT experience and links to download the necessary browsers.

Troubleshooting

If you have any questions about these technical requirements, please contact the Online Education Office at online@drury.edu or (417) 873-7727.

Related Links:
Online Education Technical Support