TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

In order to participate in an online course from CCM, students MUST be familiar with their own computer, the internet, and basic software. The college does not provide software to students for their individual use. It is not a good idea to install new system updates during the semester. If you are having trouble with your computer, you should first contact your professor and let him/her know about the problem and seek an alternate way to submit work. Technical assistance is also available by calling 973-328-5290. Computers which are equipped with the necessary software for online courses are available in the Library.

Information on distance learning technical requirements are available in the Student's Guide to Distance Learning Handbook. If you still require further assistance after viewing the guides, please call 973-328-5290.

For further information and Blackboard questions, check the Blackboard/WebCT Website.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

Online students must have access to the following equipment:

• PC Computer running at 166 MHz or better with Windows 98 or higher

• OR an Apple Macintosh 9.0 or higher

• Broadband or Modem connection for the internet (Some course require broadband)

• Sound Card and Speakers

• Updated Anti-virus Software

• If additional requirements are necessary for a specific course, the information may be found by clicking on the course title on the semester offerings page.

INTERNET REQUIREMENTS

Students need to be able to access the internet to use online and hybrid WebCT courses. The following requirement must be met:

• Web Browser: Internet Explorer or Netscape is recommended. It is best to update your browser to the current version before you start your coursework. Browsers can be downloaded online through the Internet Explorer or Netscape websites.

• Pop-up Blockers: must be disengaged. Blackboard contains many features that are pop-ups. You will not have access to your full course if you block the pop-ups.

Before class begins, students MUST complete the Blackboard  Browser Tune-Up in order to function completely in the Blackboard environment.

PLUG-IN REQUIREMENTS

Some plug-ins are required to make your course fully accessible, especially if it is rich in multimedia content. A free version of the software is available by clicking on the link. Some of these plug-ins come loaded on new computers. If you are having difficulties viewing something in your course, downloading the latest version of these programs is a good start in troubleshooting the problem.

• JAVA allows you to run small "programs" that are found within web pages.

• Flash Player is used to view multimedia presentations. Flash player comes standard with computers and is also included in most web browsers.

• Real Player allows you to listen to or view streaming media. A number of online courses use Real Player and require the player.

• QuickTime is a program for handling multimedia files. It allows you to download and use audio and visual clips.

• Shockwave is used to view Macromedia Director multimedia presentations.

• Acrobat Reader is necessary for viewing pdf files.

• PowerPoint Viewer is available to download for students who do not own PowerPoint software and need to view PowerPoint presentations.

• Windows Media Player is used for viewing multimedia files. With the player, you can download and use audio and video files.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Software requirements vary by course. All students must have a word processing software, preferably Microsoft Word. Other word processing software packages may not be compatible for use in your course.

Students should also have an email account. In addition to the Blackboard email that is used to communicate within a course, a CCM Student Email is also set up for each individual student of the college.