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Online course have many benefits, particularly for students who
are looking to add a class to a tight school/home/work schedule.
However, before you sign up for an online course, ask yourself if
you're going to enjoy this new format for learning.
An Online Class Means:
- You won't be getting that face-to-face time
with your professor or your fellow students.
- You can do your work at your own pace and
during hours that you find convenient.
- You will not need to spend valuable time driving
to a particular room and building, or searching for a parking
place.
- As writing takes the place of classroom discussion
and student questions, you may find that an online course requires
more time and work than its in-class equivalent.
- You will have to meet self-imposed deadlines
on a regular basis, as well as the deadlines for turning in work.
- You need to be comfortable with working with
your computer, sending email, reading on the monitor, navigating
Websites, etc. Do not take an online course to "learn to
use" the computer, or you may be quickly overwhelmed.
- You will need to follow all directions posted
by your professor and ask questions whenever you're uncertain
what to do.
You should also feel free to contact the professor
of any course you are considering to gain further information. If
you have any other questions about online classes in general, please
see your adviser.
Online courses are taught on Blackboard.
All SCS students receive a Tulane email
address. You use this account for Blackboard. If you have any difficulty
with your account, contact the Help Desk at 504-862-8888.
The following are the minimum computer requirements for an online class:
- platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME or XP; MacOS 9 or MacOS X
- hardware: 64MB of RAM and 1GB of free disk space
- browser: Internet Explorer 5.5 or Netscape 4.78 (Javascript and cookies must be enabled)
- modem: 56 K (but a DSL/cable line is recommended for viewing video clips)
- a Tulane University e-mail account along with the knowledge of how to send and receive e-mail and a Blackboard account
- basic computer knowledge including knowledge of word processing, printing files, downloading files, uploading files, etc.
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