Suggested Technical Requirements

As an online student, your computer is a vital key to a successful learning experience. You will need to have a computer and software that will enable you to participate in your online classes, in fact, not having the appropriate computer or software would be like showing up to an onsite class without paper, pen or your books. The key to online learning isn't simply access to a computer, but daily access to a computer. If you don't have frequent access, online learning might not be for you.

Not only will you need access to a computer, but you will also be required to log into the Internet. Almost all computers now come with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) program (like AOL) already installed. If you haven't already subscribed to an ISP, you must do so to complete an online course.

Computer Comfort

You do not have to be a software developer to be a successful online student. However, you do need to be comfortable using email, an Internet browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape), and a word processing program, like Microsoft Word. You should know how to attach a file to an email. If you can work with these four things, you are a great candidate for online learning. If not, you should become familiar with them before enrolling in your first online course.

Internet Browser

In order to view content on the Internet, you will need a browser. Please check with WebCT Support to make sure your browser is supported.
You will also need to make sure that your browser has JavaScript enabled and is running the most current version. If it does not support Java, you will not be able to log in. Visit Java.com and click on "Do I have Java?" to check and update your version of Java.

E-mail Account

An e-mail account that can receive file attachments is required to participate in an online course. Mesa State provides an e-mail account to all students and correspondence will be directed to this account. You can access your student e-mail account by clicking on the MAVzone link on the homepage and logging in to view e-mail and other campus services.

Technical Specifications

To have the best learning experience possible in your online course, please be sure you have access to the recommended technology. Mesa State College prefers online students to use the following technology minimums: DSL/Cable modem and high-speed Internet connection, Microsoft Windows XP or later, Microsoft Office 97 or later, and Java Runtime Environment 6.0.