Different organizations use different e-learning environments to deliver their online programs. An optional "Do Me First" section can provide students with information about pre-requisite computer skills, required software applications and computer plugins compatible with the e-learning environment in use, and guide them through the process of preparing and testing their hardware to ensure its compatability with the learning platform used for the course.

This section would normally be included in a Student Support directory, rather than in each individual course. The information presented in this example is based on the Blackboard Vista learning platform in use at The University of Alberta.

Computer Literacy

While it’s not absolutely necessary, students can avoid some frustrations if they enroll in online courses with a moderate level of computer literacy. If you’re wondering about your computer literacy skills, the fact that you have arrived at this point is one indication that your basic skills may be adequate for accessing online courses.

However, if you have experienced any difficulty getting to this point, or if you have any questions in your own mind about your computer literacy skills, you should review the Computer Literacy Self Assessment activities. These exercises will provide you with some additional insight into your current skill level. If the results suggest that you should acquire some additional knowledge or skills, you may want to consider pursuing that option before you get too far into the course.

Hardware and Software Configuration

These optional "Do Me First" activities will help you to configure your computer so as to save you time and minimize any technical difficulties that could occur while you are taking this online course. These exercises will help you to:

1. configure your computer(s) correctly;
2. install required and recommended software;
3. identify and resolve any other technical issues;

Although these activities are optional, we strongly encourage you to invest some time in them at the beginning of the course to ensure that your computer is configured as recommended in order to avoid problems later on when you are trying to meet assignment deadlines.

Students with slow (dial-up) internet connections may have difficulty downloading some of the free software packages that are recommended for use with Blackboard Vista 4. If download speed is a problem for you, Technical Services can provide most of the software on a CD-ROM. If you need assistance in acquiring or installing this software, please contact the Administration Office or Technical Support Services.

Workplace Computers

If you plan to use a workplace computer but do not have permission to install the required and recommended software, or create required firewall exceptions, you should contact your System Administrator for assistance in making those changes. However, we recommend that for the most part you use your own personal computer - you will then have complete control over your learning environment and can install whatever software you require.

If you elect to use a computer (either workplace or personal computer) that is not configured as recommended, you may experience reduced functionality in the Blackboard Vista 4 e-learning Environment. In a worst-case scenario, that reduced functionality (e.g., an inability to post to the online discussion forums or to submit assignments) could result in academic penalties.

Computer Analysis and Configuration Process

We suggest that you use the following sequence of activities to complete the software and computer configuration process prior to beginning the required coursework:

1. Computer Literacy Self Assessment
2. Software Requirements
3. Browser Check and Configuration
4. Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

After you have completed these optional setup and configuration procedures you can feel confident that you will be able to proceed with your required coursework with a minimum of technical difficulties. You should then proceed to the "DO ME NEXT" activities where you will test the functionality of two important Vista 4 learning tools in order to confirm that your computer setup is fully configured to function correctly in the Blackboard Vista 4 e-learning environment.

Please note: the ability of Technical Support Services to assist learners who have not installed the required or recommended software is very limited.

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Online Learning Consultants, Ltd. (2009)