MUSC 114    

Keys to Success & Online Course Requirements

Students in all courses with Dr. Ewell must meet these requirements and those listed in the syllabus

Computer Literacy and Accounts

Basic computer literacy is required in one of the computer formats (Windows, Macintosh, or GNU/Linux)

Students must have a TU email and a Blackboard account

Required Hardware

Multimedia capable computer with Internet connection. Fast Internet connection such as broadband Internet (DSL, cable modem, etc.) is recommended. Here are minimum recommendations:

Windows

Windows 7 or later
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0
3.0GHz Pentium 4 processor
1GB RAM or more
Webcam may be required in some courses.

Mac

Mac OS X 10.5.5 or later
QuickTime 7.5.5 or later
2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2GB RAM or more

Mobile Devices

iPhones, iPads, Android devices, etc. that are capabable of viewing videos, webpages, pdf files (Adobe Acrobat files) will be suitable for viewing the course materials. However, these devices may not be capable of completing assignments that require special software as indicated in your course. See the above requirements for a computer.

Required Software

Software requirements will vary by the course. Please see the course syllabus for details.

Keys to Success

Despite its present state of sophistication, computer technology is full of glitches and problems. Expect to encounter some hurdles along the way. Don't be frustrated by them. Learn from your shortcomings and those of the technologies that we will be using. Learn multiple ways to solve a problem or create an item. If you have TWO ways to do something, almost always one of the methods will work!

Please read and follow setup instructions when installing software. Doing so will save you precious time and help you avoid unnecessary frustration.

1. Your computer, mobile device, and Internet connection must meet the minimum requirements.

You should have access to TWO computers or a computer and a mobile device. If you don’t have a second device that will access the course materials, make arrangements for it now. This second device might be a friend's or might include access to a computer lab. Computer breakdowns will not be an appropriate excuse in this course for late or incompleted assignments.

This course will require viewing and/or listening of videos, audio files, and web pages. Course work will require access and work on TU’s Blackboard and development of components shared over the web with students and the instructor. Access to the Internet from your computers is required, broadband Internet (DSL, cable modem, etc.) is highly recommended for proper viewing. Computer or mobile device processing speed should allow for viewing of videos and operation of required software in the course.

You should have access to the Internet through at least two venues.

2. Your computer software must be up to date.

You must you install at least TWO of the browsers listed below in order to view web pages. Here is a list or you can search for them yourself. Try to get the latest versions available for your operating system.

Browsers	Windows	Mac	Linux
Google Chrome	X	X	X
Netscape	X	X	X
Internet Explorer	X
Firefox/Mozilla	X	X	X
Opera	X	X	X
Safari		X

3. Back up all work TWICE.

Your time is valuable and should not be spent reconstructing lost work assignments. Follow good computing practice by backing up all work at each session on a separate flash drive, thumb drive, or hard drive. Lost work due to computer malfunction or file misplacement will not be an appropriate excuse in this course. Follow proceedures given in the Successful Coursework page.

4. Carefully read the course syllabus and required items and dates for each unit. Then re-read them often!

Assignments must be completed on time. Late assignments are not accepted without a medical excuse or other circumstances allowed by the instructor. Your plans for completing assignments should include time for familiarization with new software, glitches with the technology, and your creative needs. Don't wait until the last minute to complete your work, instead, complete work early and use the time before the due date for proof reading and adjusting your work.

5. Check email every weekday.

You may want to set up your (TU) tiger e-mail account so that it forwards mail directly to your favorite email account. 

Acknowledgement for key and lock graphics in the body of the document: Image courtesy of phanlop88 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.