Online ENG 111 — Summer 2013
Technology Requirements and Recommendations
To enroll in the online version of ENG 111, you need to know how to use a word-processing application (such as Microsoft Word), how to search the Internet, and how to register for and access social media online (e.g., WordPress, YouTube, Google Docs, Google Hangout). Because we will be using video for class lectures, for synchronous class sessions, and for class projects, you also need to check that your computer and your Internet connection are robust enough to handle high bandwidth communications.
You should have a web camera for video and built-in microphone/recorder for audio. You need to have access to an application that allows you to view, edit, create, and comment on .doc files (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Drive, OpenOffice, Pages). You will need to activate your Miami email account — for email. And you should make sure to check and use your Miami email account regularly through the course — at least once per day! — to keep up with class assignments and announcements.
System Compatibility and Connection Speed. You will need a computer with a robust Internet connection that can run web-based applications. We recommend that you use a computer (not a tablet or phone) with a processor speed over 2 Ghz and a consistent Internet connection of 1.8 mbps or above. Check your system capability and connection speed in the following ways:
Remember that the speed of your computer can be drastically impacted by apps and programs running in the background or even browser extensions, as well as the state of your hard drive (space, fragmentation, permissions, etc.). Whenever you are using bandwidth heavy functions such as live audio and video streaming (such as you will use for synchronous class sessions in ENG 111), we recommend that you close or delete unused apps and files, while also running system diagnostics before starting the course (Disk Utility on Mac and Windows System Diagnostic Utility on a PC).
Web Browser. Google Chrome and Firefox are the recommended browsers at this time, though issues can sometimes be fixed by switching browsers. (For example, if you use a lot of extensions in your browser, you may want to use a "clean" browser for this class.) For synchronous class sessions in Google Hangout, we recommend that you use Google Chrome or Firefox (a relatively recent update). Do not use Safari as your browser, as Safari does not work with Google Hangout.
Remember that the speed of your computer can be drastically impacted by apps and programs running in the background or even browser extensions, as well as the state of your hard drive (space, fragmentation, permissions, etc.). Whenever you are using bandwidth heavy functions such as live audio and video streaming (such as you will use for synchronous class sessions in ENG 111), we recommend that you close or delete unused apps and files, while also running system diagnostics before starting the course (Disk Utility on Mac and Windows System Diagnostic Utility on a PC).
Technology Requirements and Recommendations
To enroll in the online version of ENG 111, you need to know how to use a word-processing application (such as Microsoft Word), how to search the Internet, and how to register for and access social media online (e.g., WordPress, YouTube, Google Docs, Google Hangout). Because we will be using video for class lectures, for synchronous class sessions, and for class projects, you also need to check that your computer and your Internet connection are robust enough to handle high bandwidth communications.
You should have a web camera for video and built-in microphone/recorder for audio. You need to have access to an application that allows you to view, edit, create, and comment on .doc files (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Drive, OpenOffice, Pages). You will need to activate your Miami email account — for email. And you should make sure to check and use your Miami email account regularly through the course — at least once per day! — to keep up with class assignments and announcements.
System Compatibility and Connection Speed. You will need a computer with a robust Internet connection that can run web-based applications. We recommend that you use a computer (not a tablet or phone) with a processor speed over 2 Ghz and a consistent Internet connection of 1.8 mbps or above. Check your system capability and connection speed in the following ways:
Remember that the speed of your computer can be drastically impacted by apps and programs running in the background or even browser extensions, as well as the state of your hard drive (space, fragmentation, permissions, etc.). Whenever you are using bandwidth heavy functions such as live audio and video streaming (such as you will use for synchronous class sessions in ENG 111), we recommend that you close or delete unused apps and files, while also running system diagnostics before starting the course (Disk Utility on Mac and Windows System Diagnostic Utility on a PC).
Web Browser. Google Chrome and Firefox are the recommended browsers at this time, though issues can sometimes be fixed by switching browsers. (For example, if you use a lot of extensions in your browser, you may want to use a "clean" browser for this class.) For synchronous class sessions in Google Hangout, we recommend that you use Google Chrome or Firefox (a relatively recent update). Do not use Safari as your browser, as Safari does not work with Google Hangout.
Remember that the speed of your computer can be drastically impacted by apps and programs running in the background or even browser extensions, as well as the state of your hard drive (space, fragmentation, permissions, etc.). Whenever you are using bandwidth heavy functions such as live audio and video streaming (such as you will use for synchronous class sessions in ENG 111), we recommend that you close or delete unused apps and files, while also running system diagnostics before starting the course (Disk Utility on Mac and Windows System Diagnostic Utility on a PC).
1. Check to see that you meet the minimum
requirements for running Google Hangout —> http://support.google.com/plus/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1216376
2. If you have a Windows-based computer, click here for instructions on how to
find your processor speed. If you are using a Macintosh computer, then click here for instructions on how to
find the processor speed.
3. To test your Internet speed, go to http://www.speedtest.net.
Niikha
Course Management System. Miami’s course management system is Niikha, a Sakai-based course
management application that you can find at https://niihka.muohio.edu/. To enter Niikha, you will
need your Miami University email login ID and password. Once you enter Niikha,
you should see a tab for your ENG 111 class. For step-by-step instructions on
how to use Niikha, click here.
Google
Hangout and Google Docs. To use Google Hangout or Google Docs, you will need a Google
account (if you do not already have one). To create a Google account, click here. To view the system requirements for Google Hangout, click here. For instructions on how
to start using Google Hangout, click here.
International
Access. If you
will be accessing the ENG 111 class from outside the United States, you will
need to test whether you have full access to online course materials — for
example, to social media sites such as YouTube and WordPress. If you are not
able to access these materials, then contact your instructor
immediately.
Minimum System Requirements
Computer System: Mac or PC capable of running at 2 Ghz or greater,
with webcam and microphone
Internet Connection: Cable, DSL, or LAN connection supporting
data rates of 1.8 mbs or greater
Software: Microsoft Office 2003 or newer (or an application that allows
you to view, edit, create, and comment on .doc files)
Internet Applications: Google account with access to Google
Docs and Google Hangout; Niikha course management application (via your Miami
email account); Blogger account (for blogging).
