Taking a course online is fun and easy to do. Anyone who can use a computer can use online software, which is called Sakai. Sakai offers all sorts of interactive tools that make taking an online class interactive, interesting, and fun. A high-speed internet connection is highly recommended (DSL, broadband, or satellite). To get started, watch the video below. If you still have questions review the faq's and then, contact us at techsupport@intermetu.com.
- How do I know if online learning is for me?
- How do I access my Sakai account?
- What are some necessary computer operation skills for the distance learner?
- What are some necessary Internet skills for the distance learner?
- What type of computer equipment do I need for distance learning?
- Where do I take any examinations required by distance learning course?
How do I know if online learning is for me?
If you have never taken a distance learning course online and are unsure whether or not distance learning is for you, then here are a couple of statements you can consider to help you determine if you have the necessary skills to be a successful distance learner:
- Must be self-reliant and self-motivated
- Must have good self-discipline
- Must have basic computer skills
- The ability to read carefully and to follow written instructions
How do I access my Sakai account?
- Log into Sakai at Itssg.longsight.com or from the IMU home page
- Your user name is your first name.last name@imu (jane.doe@imu)
- Your password is “student”
- You may change your password at any time
What are some necessary computer operation skills for the distance learner?
- Start up and shut down your computer system and peripherals
- Identify and use icons, windows and menus
- Point, click, double-click and click and drag with mouse
- Use pull-down menus
- Select, open, move and close a window
- Start an application and create a document
- Name, save, retrieve and revise a document
- Save a document using the save and save as command
- Use printing options
What are some necessary Internet skills for the distance learner?
- Connect to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider
- Use e-mail
- Access and use resources on the World Wide Web
- Navigate to a specific Web site
What type of computer equipment do I need for distance learning?
Sakai requires one of the following web browsers
- Firefox (Windows, Macintosh, or Linux) - free download
- Netscape 8 (this is the same as Firefox) or other Mozilla browsers
- Internet Explorer for Windows, version 6 or higher - available through Windows update
- You may also require additional plugins (Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, etc.), depending on the resources that your instructor uses.
*Other web browsers such as Safari, Opera, and Konqueror may work, but are known to have some incompatibilities. Older web browsers such as Netscape 4.8 or Internet Explorer 5.5 or earlier (for Windows or Macintosh) will not work.
Internet connection
An internet connection with a minimum of a 56K modem connection required to access the distance learning course material.
Anti-virus software
An installed anti-virus program on the computer(s) that you use for your Internet courses that has been configured to scan e-mails (both sending and receiving) and scan any fixed or removable storage device on your computer is recommended.
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Where do I take any examinations required by distance learning course?
While some courses require on-site testing or proctored testing most have all of the tests done online. For exams that need proctored, the student can work out an arrangement with the instructor to take the test at a convenient location. In this case the student must find a proctor for the test and arrange for the proctor to carefully read, sign, and mail a Proctor agreement (available from the instructor) to the course instructor. This needs to be done at the beginning of the semester before any tests can be completed.
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