Minimum Technology Requirement: Minimum System Requirements

Windows OS (Operating System) Access to the Internet Apple

XP, Vista, 7

Mac OS 10.3 and higher

DSL, (High-speed is preferred) cable, satellite, fiber Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8; Mozilla Firefox 2 and higher Required. Java for Windows Safari 2 and higher; Mozilla Firefox 2 and higher Required. Java for Apple

Web Browser Java Runtime Environment

To be successful taking online courses, you should be able to answer yes to the following questions: Can you create, save and find files on your computer? Can you open, close and resize windows on your computer? Can you click , double click and right click using a mouse? Can you cut and paste using a mouse? Do you know how to use spell check? Do you know how to install software on your computer if you need to ? Do you know how to send and receive email attachments? Can you save, delete, reply to and forward email? If you do not have your own computer, can you get to campus to use the computer labs or arrange to use some other computer at least 2 hours per day? Can you access email and the World Wide Web at least five times a week? Do you know the difference between an email address and a website URL? Do you know how to access the Internet and go to a website URL? Just a few more hints: It has been my experience that students who are proactive about their education usually do extremely well over the course of their college experience. Students who attend class, take notes, go the extra mile, and read extensively usually EARN passing grades. For online classes the requirement is essentially the same, the difference being that instead of showing up for class you show up at your computer on a consistent basis. It is important for students to understand that this course is not easy because it is an online course. In fact, there will be a lot of reading for this course from your textbook, as well as from several historical web sites that I will direct you to during the semester. Set aside a time every other day, or at the very least weekly, that you work on your history homework and reading. Try to ensure that you have an interruption-free

environment and make sure that your computer is reliable. Also, whenever you are working on essays and writing assignments ALWAYS do them in a Word document and save them before sending. Also, copy yourself on EVERYTHING you send to me. It will help us both in the long-run should any question arise. Always get your work done on time. Make a commitment and stick with it. Avoid doing the homework assignments or studying for exams at the last minute common problem online students (and many non-online students) run into is failure to budget enough time to complete HW assignments and properly prepare for exams. Don't take shortcuts; that is, don't try to skip the reading in the hope that you can somehow figure out what you're doing during the exam. If at any point you decide that Internet learning is not for you, YOU MUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BEEN DROPPED. I DO NOT DROP STUDENTS. I rarely give extensions.

Netiquette Expectations: Standards of courtesy and respect must be maintained at all times in our online classroom. Join in to the discussion, but remember that this is still a classroom setting and that respect and consideration are crucial for any intellectual discussion. Discussion areas are the place for intelligent and respectful airing of ideas. Name-calling and personal attacks are not permitted. Any violation of the standards of appropriate behavior online will be reported to the Dean of Students and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the college. In essence, one disrespectful comment to a classmate or to me either on a discussion board and/or through email and you will be referred to the Dean of Students offices for disciplinary action. Additional Student Learning Outcomes: Read and print your syllabus and course schedule. Set aside time every day to work on the chapters assigned each week. Writing at the college level is a requirement, not an option. Make sure you keep a running calendar of due dates, exam dates and assignment due dates or check the calendar on Blackboard. Understand that while you have an enormous amount of resources and assignments with each Unit/Chapter, I will not grade everything. You are only responsible for the chapter readings and assignments as listed on the course calendar. Just check the discussions tab/ assessment tab! You will be fine. If you have any questions, just let

me know