All systems
High speed Internet connection (recommended) OR minimum 56 kbps modem
Color monitor 256 colors /
1024 x 768 resolution (800 x 600 minimum)
Java Plug-in (as of 05/01/05 Blackboard now requires a new Java Plug-in, J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.5.0_03 [also known as JRE 5.0] in order to function properly; most recent version can be downloaded Here)
Students using Blackboard must use their
West Hills College student email account (contact the Help Desk if you need help accessing this)
Please note, this is a minimum configuration! As with all computer applications, the higher the technology of your equipment, the better and faster the processing.
Please check with the instructor for your online class for any other hardware/software requirements specific to the course. Always be prepared for your online class BEFORE it begins to make your online learning experience the best it can possibly be!
Additional Suggested Software
Microsoft Office Word
Adobe Acrobat Reader (can be downloaded Here)
PowerPoint viewer (can be downloaded Here) You do not need to download the viewer if you have PowerPoint installed on your computer
Windows Media Player 10 (or an equivalent program such as RealPlayer or QuickTime) will be necessary if your instructor uses video- can be downloaded Here
What if AOL is my Internet service provider?
Unfortunately, AOL is not fully compatible with Blackboard, the WHC online e-learning software. While some students have had successful online learning experiences while subscribing lto AOL, it is strongly recommended that you use another provider for your Internet access for your online course. If you must use AOL, please be sure to open Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator and use either of those two browsers to login to the West Hills College Blackboard e-learning environment. Do not login to Blackboard directly from AOL.
Problems with Vista and Blackboard:
There are known compatibility problems with Blackboard and student PCs that use a combination of Vista and Internet Explorer 7. It is recommended that Vista users swap the Firefox browser for Internet Explorer for use with Blackboard. The Mozilla Firefox browser can be downloaded for free at:
Firefox Browser Download
Here are links to important information regarding the issues with Vista:
Blackboard Problems Leave Vista on Double-Secret Probation
http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/knowledgebase/index.cfm?id=333780
Questions should be directed to the toll-free Helpdesk, 800.266.1114 x2002 or email helpdesk@westhillscollege.com
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