Minimum Computer Hardware Requirements

• a personal computer (Mac or PC) with a recent version of the operating system (Mac OS 9.2 or later; Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP) and a CD-ROM drive that can read a CD-Recordable disc
• access to a scanner or digital still camera (to digitize images)
• microphone on the computer (to digitize sound)
• A method of publishing the e-portfolio (either web server, CD-Recorder, VCR, DVD -- see Module 3 on the class website)

Minimum Software Requirements

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher - Adobe dowload page
• QuickTime Player 5.0 or higher - Apple download page
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• other software that can be downloaded from the web (see Module 2 on the class website) including a low-end video editor (iMovie for Macintosh or MovieMaker2 for WindowsXP or others)

Minimum Internet Connectivity

• Network connection to the WWW (faster than a dial-up is recommended)

Technology Skill Pre-Requisites

• File Management Skills (naming files, organizing in folders, able to move and copy files, search and find files on a hard drive or CD-ROM)
• Module 1: Use the following software on more than an elementary level:
  • Microsoft Word and Excel (no formulas required)
  • E-Mail Program, including attaching files
  • Web Browser, including downloading and installing trial versions of software
  • A simple graphics editor to scan and/or resize images
• Module 2: Use the following software on an elementary level:
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• A simple digital video editing program (Apple's iMovie, Microsoft's MovieMaker2, Pinnacle Studio, others listed on the Module 2 website)
• Other software (trial versions may be downloaded from Internet)
• Module 3 : Use the following software on an elementary level:
  • Software to make a CD-Recordable disc
  • OR Web publishing and FTP software to upload files to a web server
  • OR DVD recording software

Dispositions for Distance Learning

• Self-directed learner: Self-organizing and self-motivated, independent learner not dependent on a classroom with an instructor to learn new skills and concepts
• Time management skills: able to find 3 to 6 hours a week to work on assignments
• Capable of consistently working on a project, not leaving everything until the last minute
• Comfort with using e-mail and online systems to communicate with faculty and fellow students in writing
• Comfort with reading a lot of material on the computer screen, rather than on paper
• Willing to try out new technologies that are not familiar
• Willing to seek out and ask for assistance with unfamiliar strategies and technologies

Dr. Helen Barrett, Instructor

Syllabus

Distance Course Policies

Getting Started

Module 1
Module 2
Module 3

Take an online distance learning self-assessment:

http://www.onlinelearning.net/OLE/holwselfassess.html?s=325.f090w0314.063v337900
http://www.online.uillinois.edu/students/well_suited.asp
http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/gradschool/distance_learning/info/isitforyou.html
http://www.buccc.cc.ks.us/webcrs/selfassess.htm
http://www.iowacconline.org/ICCOConlineforyou.htm
http://www.mnvu.org/mnvu/3035.jsp