ABOUT ONLINE LEARNING

Technical Requirements / Online Student Profile / Blackboard / Email / DL Home

Technical Requirements:

NKU uses Blackboard, a web portal that offers easy access to course materials and the ability to communicate with instructors and classmates from one location. NKU recommends the following minimum computer capabilities for online learning.

·    Operating System: Windows 2000 or Windows XP.  (Mac: OS 10.2 or  10.3)

·     Web browser: Internet Explorer (6.0 or higher) or Netscape Navigator (4.78 or higher) (Note: IE usually works best with Blackboard). Mac users should use FireFox (visit http://Firefox.com for a free download).

·      Software: Microsoft Office is strongly recommended.  Some instructors require assignments to be completed using Office. You can also download free viewers from Microsoft.com for PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.

As an online learner, you will be expected to:

·       Know how to send and receive email, and how to open, close, and save files and attachments.

·       Have access to the Internet at your own cost.  Generally, dial-up connections make online learning slower and more difficult.  NKU recommends DSL connection with a modem speed of 56K or higher.

Online Student Profile:

• Motivated and can set aside quiet time for study

• Strong writing and reading skills in the English language

• Strong keyboarding skills necessary for chat room conversations

• Active communicators who are not afraid to ask questions and participate in online discussions

Take our Online Readiness Quiz now to determine if online learning is right for you.

Blackboard (course portal):

Blackboard is NKU's online course management system that provides easy access to course materials, University resources, and personal tools like email. Please complete our Blackboard Student Tutorials prior to the first day of classes.

Email:

NKU will provide you with an NKU student email account at no additional cost prior. The University will use this account to communicate with you throughout your student career. You are encouraged to forward all other email addresses to the NKU student account, as you may change personal and business email addresses more frequently.

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