In General
You are likely to encounter technical barriers to learning if you do not have the following minimum equipment and skills:

1. A high-speed, reliable ISP (Internet Service Provider); online learning requires accessing the web on a regular basis.  Dial-up connections do not provide access required for many online components; especially online testing.  Dial-up connections are strongly discouraged.  Campus open labs are recommended for the dial-up user to test in more reliable conditions.
   
2. Proficiency in navigating the World Wide Web (the Web) and ability to download and install plug-ins.
   
3. Your own E-mail account with the ability to send and receive attachments. For Macs, Eudora is recommended as an E-mail application. As an online student, you will have a separate e-mail account within your course.
   
4. A firewall that allows applicable services to work. If you are accessing these classes from behind a firewall (from your office), you should contact the instructor and find out what services are going to be used in the class, then contact your ISP or Network administrator, and find out if those services will work through the firewall.
   
5. The ability to read MS Word files, either by having MS Word itself, or by downloading the free MS Word viewer from the Microsoft web-site. MS Word is the supported Word Processor at Greenville Technical College.
   
6. The ability to install and troubleshoot course-specific applications that must be run on your computer. Faculty cannot help with installations and problems that occur when installations do not work.
   
7. The following software, which is suggested but is not required for many classes: Macromedia Shockwave Plug-In, RealPlayer with FLASH support, Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0+

WebCT is a Web-based set of Course Tools designed to deliver online learning. It was originally developed by the University of British Columbia and is currently being used by universities and colleges all over the world. Some of the WebCT tools used to support online learning include the following:

. calendar
. chat 
. discussions
. glossary 
. homepages
. mail
. presentations
. quiz
. assignments
. digital drop box

WebCT provides the tools to present online learning in a variety of ways. They can range from structured learning pathways to dynamic, interactive virtual classrooms. How a course is presented online depends on the content and complexity of the learning material, and the delivery methodology used by the instructor.

Hardware/Software Summary (Top of Page)

A basic requirement for taking an online Blackboard Learning System (Release CE 8.0.3) course is to have a working computer and a secure, high-speed Internet connection. Dial-up connections do not provide access required for many online components; especially online testing.  The following technical requirements apply:  

Processor:  Pentium 200-MHz     Recommended: Pentium II or III, 300-MHz or better; iMac or G3/G4 series

Memory (RAM):  64 MB      Recommended:  128 MB

Screen Resolution:  800 x 600 @256 colors

Modem (28.8 or faster)

CD-ROM Drive

Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS 10.6

Browsers: For an optimal experience use Internet Explorer 8 (PC), or Mozilla Firefox 3.5 (PC or Mac).

Office Software: Microsoft Office 97-2003.  Office 2007 is required for specific coursework in some classes; check the instructor's syllabus for more information.

Be sure to turn off any Pop Up Blocking software that might be used by your Internet Service Provider. The pop-up blocker will keep you from being able to use the Email, Discussion Board, and Quiz Functions of your course.

Which Browser Should I Use?

For an optimal Blackboard Learning System experience, use Internet Explorer 8 (PC), or Mozilla Firefox 3.5 (PC or Mac).