Skills, Hardware, and Software Requirements

Technical Skills

Online courses normally require participants to have average computer literacy. Students should be proficient with the basic functions of standard software packages (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Adobe Reader) and standard players (e.g. Windows Media Player). These programs will need to be accessible through home use or other computer access. A list of primers on many of these technologies is available at https://apps.kennesaw.edu/portal/prod/app_uni_cdoc_publ/documents/

A working knowledge of the D2L learning management system is required for participation in online courses. See the  Using Desire2Learn Brightspace Instruction Book if you are new to D2L or need to get over a rough spot.

Software Requirements

You'll need a modern browser. Some videos may use Adobe Flash (I know... I know.)

You also need software that will write files the professor can open and edit with Microsoft Word.  Clearly, if you had Microsoft Word, you could use that, but you don't have to buy Word just for this course.  Libre Office will create the documents you need.  It's free, and it works on Windows, OS X, and Linux.

Hardware Requirements

You'll need a computer with modern browser and a DSL or cable Internet connection.  You could probably submit an assignment over a dial-up connection if you had to, but really, you'll need a faster Internet connection.

That ought to do it for you.  You'll find that D2L works adequately on many mobile platforms, too.  However, don't try uploading homework from your phone at the last minute.  If it doesn't work, well, it didn't work, and "didn't work" does not excuse late assignments.

For a lot more detail, try the University System's specifications, which you can find here.