TECHNOLOGY
Technology Platforms | Hardware Requirements | Software Requirements | Internet Access
Overview
To take a course online, you must have access to a computer that is connected to the Internet and supplied with the specific hardware and software.
It is recommended that you be able to perform the following operations on your computer. Try to learn how to do these, if you're not familiar with them, before starting the course.
Operate a web browser, bookmark sites, etc.
Download, upload files and install basic programs
Access your e-mail account; send and receive e-mail with attachments
Use a word processor to create and print documents
Perform online literature searches
Use presentation software (such as PowerPoint) to create presentation slides
Technology Platforms
Moodle
The GSE online program uses Moodle as its course management system (CMS). Moodle is a free, Open Source software package designed to help educators create effective online learning communities. Moodle is a highly flexible learning environment that can scale from a single-teacher site to learning communities as large as 200,000 students.
Elluminate
The GSE online program uses Elluminate for all Web-based synchronous discussion. Elluminate is a leading provider of live Web conferencing and eLearning solutions for real-time discussion.
Requirements
To effectively participate and gain all benefits of online instruction, students enrolling in this program should fulfill the following technology requirements:
Hardware Requirements
Minimum Configuration:
- IBM compatible (PC) or Macintosh with 500mhz processor or faster
- 128 MB of RAM or more
- 400MB free hard disk space for class work and software
- 56K Modem; preferably broadband connection (such as Cable Modem or DSL)
- CD-ROM drive
- Sound card with speakers and microphone
- PC Monitor with 1024x768 resolution
- Video card with 8MB of memory
- Windows 2000/XP, or Macintosh OS9 or OSX operating system
Ideal Configuration:
- IBM compatible (PC) or Macintosh with 1 GHz processor or faster
- 512 MB of RAM or more
- 1 GB free hard disk space for class work and software
- Cable / Satellite / T1 Broadband connection
- CD-ROM drive
- Soundcard with Speakers
- PC Mic or Microphone Headset
- Web Camera (Click here for a list of supported cameras)
- Video card with 16MB of memory
- Windows XP, or Macintosh OSX operating systems
Software Requirements
To effectively participate and gain all benefits of online instruction, students enrolling in the GSE Online program should fulfill the following technology requirements.
Required:
1. Microsoft Word (Preferred), or other compatible word processing programs, such as WordPerfect.
2. Microsoft PowerPoint or PowerPoint Viewer.
3. Web Development software such as Dreamweaver or FrontPage
4. Internet access software. Web browser capable of supporting Java and JavaScript: Firefox, Internet Explorer 5.5+, Netscape 7+, Opera 7+. Multiple browsers are strongly recommended (all browsers are free).
5. Email software or a free Webmail program such as Yahoo! or Hotmail. The email software must have the ability to send/receive attached files. UIUC (University of Illinois) Email is free and used for official mail once accepted to the program.
6. RealPlayer (a free Web browser plug-in for playing audio and video excerpts)
7. Quicktime (a free Web browser plug-in for playing audio and video excerpts)
8. Shockwave and Flash Player (free)
Many software packages are available free of charge. Please go to our Student Software page for free downloadable versions.
Where free software isn't available, the University of Illinois may provide academic pricing for computer software and hardware--such as word processors, database, modems, etc.--for enrolled students. For more information about academic pricing, see http://www.cstores.uiuc.edu .
Internet Access Requirements
GSE Online requires Internet connectivity for approximately 25 hours per week. Should you require Internet connectivity, information regarding Internet service providers (ISPs) in your area can be found at C|net's Ultimate ISP Guide.
If you have any questions regarding technology, hardware, or software, please talk to us at 217-333-2858 or email us at gse@ed.uiuc.edu.
Technology Platforms | Hardware Requirements | Software Requirements | Internet Access
