How Courses are Delivered
Print-Based Courses - These courses are self-paced, independent study in format. A copy of the course syllabus (or study guide) is sent to you when you enroll. In most cases, you mail your assignments by U.S. Postal Service to the instructor, though most instructors accept assignments via e-mail.
Web-Based Courses - These courses are self-paced, independent study in format. The Department of Extended Learning will e-mail you as to the course URL, your user ID, and a password. Once you log into the course, you find information designed to help you complete the course. Most of your interaction with the instructor is electronic messaging, though a few courses require some items to be sent to the instructor via the U.S. Postal Service.
A CCTC self-paced, web-based course is delivered using Blackboard. The course can be described as an asynchronous WebCourse in which access to syllabus, bibliograhpy of resources, course and project requirements and project consultation using e-mail communication can be achieved anytime, anywhere via the Internet and a Web browser. Since these courses are offered through Blackboard, you must not only demonstrate a certain degree of computer literacy, but meet certain minimum computer hardware/software standards as well. The following are recommended minimum system components that work best with current CCTC information systems.
1. Either one of the following Internet browsers: version 6.0 or higher of Netscape or version 5.5 or higher of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. A minimum of a Pentium II processor (400 MHz) with at least 64 MB RAM.
3. Microsoft Word (minimum version 97) is the processor of choice to send documents.
GENERAL COMMENTS: SENDING AND RECEIVING DOCUMENTS
A short course at a local community college or public library on the Internet, personal computer basics, or other computer areas will build confidence and facilitate successful completion of the courses through CCTC.
The very nature of the web-based courses through CCTC requires the sharing of documents and information among fellow learners and faculty. To facilitate this process and reduce the frustration of receiving and sending documents, students should note several things.First, document sharing may be accomplished among various word processor programs. Most, if not all CCTC on-line faculty, use Microsoft Word for word processing. Students will need to send files in the current Word format. Windows 95, 98, NT4.0 and Macintosh operating systems allow long names. Since you and the faculty work on multiple course and multiple projects it is best to name your file so everyone recognizes it. Begin the name with the three digit course number. Follow this with your last name. After your name a one or two word description of the document. For example if your name is John Smith and you are sending in the final paper for LEAD301 then you would name the file: 301smithethics.
Please contact the Department of Extended Learning if any questions arise concerning hardware, software, or telecommunication needs and requirements. However, any technical questions concerning hardware, software, or telecommunication support should be directed to the applicable vendor.
SOME SYSTEM SUGGESTIONS:
| Processor (Minimum: Pentium II - 400MHz) |
| Since the courses within CCTC are not totally dependent on video for delivery, you don't currently need the higher speeds or large amounts of video RAM. |
| Memory (RAM) (Minimum: 64 MB) |
| 64 MB is the minimum needed to effectively run Windows 98 on a Pentium II machine. The price of computer memory continues to decline making memory upgrades much more affordable. Do not hesitate to add more memory. |
| Hard Disk (Minimum: 4 Gigabyte (GB); Recommended 4+ Gigabyte) |
| Popular software packages require a great deal of disk space, and a 4 GB hard drive should be the minimum. |
| CD ROM (Current Standard: 24 X) |
| Built-in CD-ROM drives are standard now on new machines. Most software is distributed via CD, which makes for easy installation. There are thousands of information and entertainment software packages available only on CD. A CD-RW drive can be a good replacement for using floppies. |
| Sound Card/Speakers (Sound Card: 16-bit, SoundBlaster-compatible; Speakers: external) |
| Sound cards and speakers should be standard components on computers and add under $100 to the total cost of the system (unless you buy enhanced speakers). Audio is becoming an important part of Internet communications, Internet telephony for example. |
| Monitor (Minimum: 15" SVGA color; Recommended: 17" SVGA color) |
| Computer monitors are measured by their diagonal width. The larger the size, the more viewing area you have (and the easier it is on your eyes). CRTs are cheaper than LCDs but take up more space. |
| Floppy Disk (3.5" current standard) |
Consider also a CD-RW drive and/or a USB memory drive. |
| Graphics Memory (16 MB RAM on the Video Card) |
Hardware and Software Suggestions (MACINTOSH PLATformS) |
| Processor (Only a PowerPC - Power PC 603e 180MHz or better; Recommended 200 MHz) |
The PowerPC comes in several models, including the 603e and the more powerful 604 and 604e. Virtually all new Macs are now shipping with 603e processors or better. |
| Memory(RAM) (Minimum: 32 Megabytes (MB) of RAM) |
Applications are becoming more and more memory-intensive. 32 MB is a minimum if you want to work effectively with OS 8. Don't buy less than 32 MB, and buy more if you are doing intensive graphics work with PageMaker or PhotoShop. |
| Hard Disk (At least 1.2 Gigabytes (GB); Recommended: 2 Gigabytes) |
Popular software packages require a great deal of disk space, so buy at least 1.2 GB. Hard disk space is now very inexpensive; purchasing a smaller disk (810 MB for example) will only save you $100 or so. |
| CD-ROM (Minimum: 4X; Current Standard: 8X or 12X) |
Built-in CD-ROMs are standard now on new machines. Most software is now distributed via CD, which makes for easy installation. There are thousands of information and entertainment software packages available only on CD. Finally, you can play music CDs on your computer while you work (don't underestimate how nice this is!). |
| Sound Card/Speakers (Sound: built-in; Speakers: external) |
Sound has been built into most Macs for a while, but the internal speakers are rather poor. Audio is becoming an important part of Internet communications, and there are practical applications for this in conservation work. You should purchase an inexpensive pair of speakers (under $50) to take advantage of this capability. |
| Monitor (Minimum: 15" SVGA color; Recommended: 17" SVGA color) |
As with a television, computer monitors are measured by their diagonal width. The larger the size, the more viewing area you have (and the easier it is on your eyes). 15" monitors are the minimum; a 17" monitor can be purchased for approx. $250-300 more, and is well worth the extra money. |
Last Updated: 06-01-08