Technical Requirements for Distance Education

As a distance learning student at the George Washington University, you are expected to possess fundamental computer literacy skills.

These include:

• word processing
• a sound knowledge of the procedures for sending/receiving e-mail, including e-mail with attached files
• a sound knowledge of navigating and conducting information searches within the World Wide Web
• a fundamental awareness of common computing terms
• general familiarity with your own hardware, software, and operating system environment

In brief, you should be able to use your own word processing, e-mail and WWW software; be able to install new software; be able to understand and follow basic directions that use common computer terminology; and be able to do some basic troubleshooting when a problem arises (perhaps with local help, or with help from other sources via the telephone).

Here are the important things for you to know:

Hardware and Software:
Minimum Requirements

*Assignments will need to be submitted in a Window’s readable format.

GWU Email

As a registered GW student you are entitled to a GW email account. It is required that you use this account. Distance education students will need to establish a GWU email account in order to access the Blackboard Learning Management system.

Internet Access From Work

Even if your employer grants permission for you to use their resources (computer and Internet access) for class, you may still want to consider getting a personal Internet Service Provider (ISP) as a backup or for home use. We have experienced a significant number of problems (such as inability to send e-mail and problems sending/receiving file attachments) with organizations using security "firewalls", particularly the military. If we experience problems with your work e-mail address, it may be necessary for you to obtain a third-party ISP, or find out if your local technical support contact can assist you in sending the e-mail outside of the firewall.

Adobe Acrobat

In the electronic document distribution world, PDF is the standard format. PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDF is a universal file format which preserves fonts, formatting, color and graphics. The acrobat reader is available for free from the Adobe website (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html). The reader will allow you to view PDF documents, but not create them.

Some instructors require students to submit assignments in PDF format. The preferred format for submitting assignments is usually specified in the course syllabus. If not, consult your instructor.

The latest version of Acrobat is 7.0 (version 8.0 is available for pre-order). If you have an older version, you will not be able to read documents created in 7.0. Please note that if you have an earlier version of the full acrobat, you do not need to purchase another one. You can still create documents in the earlier versions and download a latest version of free reader to read all versions of documents.

Purchasing Adobe Acrobat

Acrobat 8.0 (standard) is recommended and available at around $99 with the educational discount (academic version) and Acrobat 8.0 (pro) is around $159 with the educational discount (academic version). You can purchase on campus at the GW bookstore. If you are off campus, you can try a local student bookstore, or purchase a copy through the Adobe Store (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/).
If there is no reseller in your area, try one of the following:

• http://www.campustech.com
• http://www.academicsuperstore.com/
• http://www.studentmarket.com/

An alternative to purchasing Adobe Acrobat is CutePDF. The CutePDF writer is available as a free download from http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp.

Acrobat 7.0 (standard) is available at around $89 with the educational discount (academic version) and Acrobat 7.0 (pro) is around $149 with the educational discount (academic version).

Training Resources

In the Health Sciences Distance Learning courses, students are expected to meet all course requirements and assignment deadlines as specified by course instructors. Absent evidence of extenuating circumstances, "technical problems" are not considered to be acceptable excuses for failing to complete assignments on time.

A new student does not have to be a computer expert, but should not be a novice. If you are the least bit unsure of your abilities as outlined above, you would be well advised to find a local source of assistance to help you.

These days there is an abundance of computer training material available. In most cases, you will be able to find these resources near your home or office. Below are some suggestions:

• WWW Tutorials: available on the WWW; if you do not have access, try your local library Computer Training Classes: Microcenter, CompUSA, local vocational/technical school
• Computer-Based Training
• Books: look in the computer section of your local library or bookstore