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ASSISTANCE WITH INTERNET COURSES |
| There are a number
of things you will need in order to take Internet-based courses
through Coastline Community College. Look over the following
list to make sure that you have everything you need before starting
class. Below are the essential requirements for successfully
completing an internet based course:
Hardware || Software ||
E-mail || Internet Service Providers
Computer Access on Campus || Streaming
Audio/Video || Other Technical Help
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| HARDWARE
REQUIREMENTS |
While students
could complete most courses using slower/older computers,
these are the suggested minimum requirements:
PC
- Windows
XP or later
- 500Mhz Pentium
processor or equivalent (1Ghz or faster recommended)
- 8X CD-ROM
Drive or faster
- 256MB of
RAM (512MB recommended)
- 56kbps modem
(DSL or cable modem recommended)
- Sound card
and speakers
Mac OS X
or above
- Macintosh
PowerMac or faster
- 8X CD-ROM
Drive or faster
- 256MB of
RAM (512MB recommended)
- 56kbps modem
(DSL or cable modem recommended)
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| SOFTWARE
REQUIREMENTS |
Since the Virtual
College uses state-of-the-art teaching techniques, students
must have basic software installed on their computer systems.
All of these programs are free and can be easily downloaded
from Coastline's Plugins/Download
page.
- Browser Software: The first
thing you will need is an up-to-date web browser, i.e. Microsoft Internet
Explorer 6.0 or comparable browser (or later). AOL
browser is not recommended. You'll only need one of
these. These are large programs and therefore will take
a while to download, but are free to do so. Note:
While America Online provides Internet access, some students
with AOL have reported problems accessing certain areas
of the Distance Learning and class sites; therefore direct
access Internet accounts (such as those available through
Earthlink, SBC, Road Runner, etc.) are preferable, though
not required. Netscape and Internet Explorer can be used
with an AOL account, simply minimize the AOL browser and
open Netscape or Internet Explorer.
- Multimedia Software and Plug-Ins:
You will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader to view PDF files for
some classes. A link to download this free reader
can be found on our Plugins page.
You'll also need the Windows Media video player in order to hear or view audio or
video that will be used in some courses. Once you
install it, it will automatically play any sound or video
that appears. If it is "jerky"
or "sluggish" you may need to contact your Internet
Service Provider for faster connection options.
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E-MAIL ACCOUNTS |
| Every student is provided
an e-mail account from the Coast College district. You will not be able to use any other e-mail address.
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INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER
(ISP) |
| If you are planning
on working on your online course from home, you'll need to obtain
Internet access for your home computer through a commercial
Internet Service Provider (ISP).
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COMPUTER ACCESS ON CAMPUS |
| If you do not have
a computer at home or at work:
You can use the Information
Commons located at the Garden Grove Center/1st Floor Room
103 to do your course work (Garden Grove Blvd. & Euclid,
in Garden Grove). You may use the headsets provided at each
PC computer station in order to listen to any course audio/video
examples without disturbing other lab users. For locations
and days and hours of operation, please check the Maps
section.
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STREAMING AUDIO & VIDEO |
| Some courses make
use of video or audio materials that may be viewed or listened
to on your local computer. The process of sending this audio-video
file in real-time is called "streaming". Streaming
does NOT require you to wait for the whole file to arrive, or
to be stored on your local hard-drive before you can view it.
However, you do need a small software program (called a plug-in)
in order to watch or hear this file. Of course you also need
a multimedia capable computer with speakers and a sound card
installed. Usually you need at least a 56k speed modem and a
fast processor (at least 500Mhz) to watch the video in real-time,
otherwise it looks like a slow moving slide show as the pictures
are transferred over the Internet to your computer.
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OTHER TECHNICAL HELP |
If you have an
academic or course related problem such as:
- Grades
- Access to quizzes and/or tests
- Any course passwords
please contact the Distance
Learning Department at (714) 241-6216.
For technical ONLY questions,
limited technical referral is available at the Tech
Help Forum or, Call (714) 241-6304. (Please note that
these do not provide immediate response, though you should
receive a reply in 24-48 hours, longer on the weekends.)
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ASSISTANCE FROM DL STAFF |
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Actively enrolled students engaged in course activity may opt
to contact Distance Learning Staff directly. Course material
related questions should be directed first to the Instructor
of record for the course. Distance
Learning Staff are on hand to answer any questions enrolled
students may have regarding Coastline servers, password
access or other questions regarding specific Coastline course
websites. They can not assist enrolled students with
configuring computers or installing software, as they are
not trained to do so. For questions regarding hardware
or software configurations please refer to the manufacturer
or software provider.
For general questions regarding
Distance Learning, course procedure, technical problems, etc.
students should first consult the "Frequently
Asked Questions" (FAQ) page.
Enrolled students
may also post a question to the
Distance Learning Questions and Answers Board. Distance
Learning Staff will attempt to answer all questions posted
to the board within 48 hours. Students may also look
at other student questions to see if their question has already
been answered.
If a student is unable to answer
their specific question through these means, they should consult
the Contacts page for office
hours and phone numbers.
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TUTORIALS |
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The Coastline Virtual
Library (http://library.coastline.edu/)
offers a few interactive and non-interactive tutorials for students
that are new to internet use, navigation, research and distance
learning.
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