Lakeland College

Online Courses - Getting Started

System Requirements

You will need some essential items to be successful in an online course. The following guidelines will help ensure your success on the platforms Lakeland College uses. You can also take the quiz, to see if online learning is for you...

Web Browser Requirements

To take advantage of the latest technology and to minimize the need for additional plug-in downloads, the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher on a PC, Netscape 7.0 or higher on a PC, Firefox on a PC, Safari or Firefox on a Mac is recommended. Note: Browsers must be Java capable, with cookies turned on.

Screen

A minimum screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels is recommended for best results.

Internet Access

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides the software and access necessary for getting onto the Internet. You will need Internet access to take courses. Students should not consider taking courses with an ISP that doesn't support all the functions of the course platform as well as system requirements noted on this page.
Note: Some America Online (AOL) users have experienced problems with e-mail attachments, timeouts in the course, and an inability to take quizzes. This is due to AOL's proprietary browser. Online courses require the use of a generic browser, preferably Internet Explorer 5.0 or later since the course platforms were built especially for this browser. Please call Lakeland College Online with any questions about this.

Email Address

Your e-mail address is established when you sign up with an ISP. If you are unsure what your e-mail address is, check with your ISP. The e-mail address you use to register for class with Lakeland College Online will be used to contact you with registration confirmation notices, and if we need additional information.

Minimum System Requirements

Windows 98SE or later, 800 MHz Processor
MAC OS 8.1 or later, PowerPC Processor
128 MB of RAM
28.8 kbps Modem, Sound Card, Speakers, 4x CD-ROM Drive
Microsoft Office Suite 2000 (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Recommended System Requirements
(Minimum Requirements for Computer Science Majors)

Windows XP or later, 1GHz Processor
Mac OS X (10.3.9/10.4) or later, PowerPC or Intel Processor
512 MB of RAM
56 kbps Modem with dedicated phone line, cable modem, DSL, etc.
Sound Card, Speakers
12x CD-ROM Drive
Microsoft Office Suite 2003 or higher (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Test Your Skills

Is Online Learning For Me?
Take the quiz?
(You may want to print this screen out to complete the quiz)

1. My need to take this course is:

high--I need it immediately for a degree, job, or other important reason. (3 points)
moderate--I could take it on campus later or substitute another course. (2 points)
low--it is a personal interest that could be postponed. (1 point)

2. Having face-to-face interaction is:
not particularly important to me. (3 points)
somewhat important to me. (2 points)
very important to me (1 point)

3. I would classify myself as someone who:
often gets things done ahead of time. (3 points)
needs reminding to get things done on time. (2 points)
puts things off until the last minute. (1 point)

4. Classroom discussion is:
rarely helpful to me. (3 points)
sometimes helpful to me. (2 points)
almost always helpful to me. (1 point)

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:
figuring out the instructions for myself. (3 points)
trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed. (2 points)
having the instructions explained to me. (1 point)

6. I need faculty to constantly remind me of due dates and assignments:
rarely. (3 points)
sometimes. (2 points)
often. (1 point)

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an online course is:
more than for a campus course. (3 points)
the same as for a class on campus. (2 points)
less than for a class on campus. (1 point)

8. When I am asked to use email, computers, or other new technologies presented to me:
I look forward to learning new skills. (3 points)
I feel apprehensive, but try anyway. (2 points)
I put it off or try to avoid it. (1 point)

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:
good--I usually understand the text without help. (3 points)
average--I sometimes need help to understand the text. (2 points)
below average--I often need help to understand the text. (1 point)

10. If I have to go to campus to take exams or complete work:
I have difficulty getting to campus, even in the evenings and on weekends. (3 points)
I may miss some computer assignments or exam deadlines if campus labs are not open evenings. (2 points)
I can go to campus anytime. (1 point)

Results

25 Points or higher: an online course is a real possibility for you.
Between 14 and 25 points: an online course may work for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed.
Less than 14 points: an online course may not currently be the best alternative for you; talk to your academic counselor.

No matter what you scored, remember that online learning is not easy. Your professors will demand at least the same quality of work as they would receive from you in a face-to-face classroom. A similar number of hours will need to be committed throughout the course of a semester for an online course as compared to a face-to-face course. Remember that your course may include deadlines and instructions on assignments, but there will not be anyone telling you to "turn in your assignment." Online learning is convenient--you do not have to commute to campus, and you can attend class at your convenience--early in the morning, late at night, or anytime in-between. Just remember, no matter when you decide to study, your professor will hold you accountable - so study hard, and have a great semester!