Technology Support
Students in web-based online courses seeking technical assistance should:
- Call 1-508-999-8501 or 1-508-999-8793 between 8:00AM and 5:00PM EST during the week, or;
- Visit the Help Desk Support Portal (during non-business hours): http://umd.echelp.org
Technical Requirements
First, you must determine if you have the computer resources necessary to participate in an online course. The minimum technical requirements for access to the online learning system are:
PC Users:
Pentium II processor or better
Windows 98/NT/2000/XP
128MB RAM
Macintosh Users:
Power PC G3 or better
Mac OS 8.6 or higher or Mac OSX 10.1 or higher
128MB RAM
Anti-Virus Software
The Information Technology Council Subcommittee is charged by the UMass President to draft policies and guidelines for the five campus UMass System. It is their judgment that all faculty, staff and students who access the UMass network and systems are required to have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on their computers.
Internet Browsers
Access to the learning system requires a Java capable web browser.
Windows:
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Macintosh:
Mozilla Firefox
Safari
Java:
Java Runtime Environment will need to be installed and enabled on your computer in order for certain functions to work properly within WebCT Vista version 3.0. WebCT recommends installing Java Runtime Environment software version 1.5. Update 7.
Click here for more information.
Internet Connection
All students are required to have an Internet connection speed of 56K or better. A DSL or cable modem connection is preferred but not required.
Email Account and Client
All students participating in an online course are required to have an email account. If you do not already have an email account UMass Dartmouth can provide you with one. Contact Operations and Access at x 8532 or email cit_oa@umassd.edu for more information.
You may choose any email software that you prefer. Most Internet Service Providers have their own email clients. Many of the web based email clients such as Yahoo or Hotmail advocate the use of spam mail filters. Be careful when using these, as you may filter messages from your course that you need.
Basic Computing Skills
In making your decision to enroll in an online class, consider the basic computer skills that you possess. To successfully participate in an online learning environment you must be able to:
- Create a word document
- Copy and paste text from one document to another
- Organize files on your computer
- Use a web browser
- Navigate your desktop with multiple applications open simultaneously
- Send and receive email
- Attach files to an email message
If you have most of the skills defined you should have a pleasant and successful online experience.
Online Course Software
Supplementary Software:
Some online courses require the use of specialized software. In the event your instructor introduces material that requires this software, follow the links below to download the appropriate viewer.
Microsoft Office Viewers
Note: You do not need to download this viewer if you own the Microsoft Office Suite that includes the full version of PowerPoint.
