Technical Requirements

Computer Experience

A basic level of computer proficiency is required for successful completion of an online course. Students should be comfortable working with the Internet, e-mail and a word processor.
 

E-MAIL

Students must have a personal, working e-mail account and be comfortable with sending and receiving e-mail messages. All official Moody communications will be communicated through Blackboard or sent to your Moody e-mail address.
 

INTERNET

Students must have a working Internet connection and an Internet browser installed on their computer. The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Firefox are both acceptable. Students should be comfortable navigating the Internet for research.
 

WORD PROCESSOR

Most of our online courses require students to submit papers electronically. For this reason, all papers must be submitted in Microsoft Word format. After grading, the papers will be returned electronically in the same file format, often with annotations added by the instructor. Your word processor must be capable of reading/writing Microsoft Word 97 or newer files. Apache OpenOffice Writer, Corel Word Perfect, Zoho Writer, LibreOffice Writer, WPS Office Writer, Google Docs, Microsoft Office Word Online, or Apple’s Pages word processor cannot adequately format papers to APA, MLA, or Turabian writing styles used at Moody. You may wish to purchase a full version of Microsoft Office for your computer. Steep education discounts to students are available through many retailers if your school’s email address is used in the purchase.

Software Requirements

To participate in Moody's online studies, your web browser (the program you're using to view this page right now) and its helper programs must pass some minimum requirements. The most popular Web browsers meet these criteria, but a few do not.

We intend to make the content dynamic, exciting, and visually attractive to as many people as possible. The trade-off, however, is that certain browsers used to access the Internet do not have the full range of technologies required to handle modern web content. Courses often include media objects (images, audio/video, etc.) that require the student’s computer have the following software installed:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Adobe Flash Player
• Windows Media Player (Mac users will need the latest QuickTime or the Windows Media Components from Microsoft)—Windows Media playback is required only for some courses
• Word processor capable of reading/writing Microsoft Word 97 or newer files
   

JAVASCRIPT, JAVA, AND COOKIES ENABLED

JavaScript, Java, and "cookies" are standard features of most Web browsers. JavaScript, Java, and "cookies" are enabled by default, meaning that they are on when the program is installed for the first time. However, it's possible to turn these features off.

JavaScript is a scripting language designed for Web browsers. It enables things like changing images when the mouse hovers over the image, setting pop-up boxes, setting or retrieving cookies, and handling special things on your browser window. JavaScript alone cannot create files on your hard drive or pass viruses to you. It should normally be enabled under most circumstances.

Java is a programming language created by Sun Microsystems. It is not related to JavaScript, and it doesn't do the same things—for instance, JavaScript cannot draw graphics or do networking; Java can do both. The versions of Java that come with your web browser are designed to forbid actions that might harm your computer or read your personal files. Java should normally be enabled under most circumstances.

Cookies are a way for websites to track your actions when you visit their website. A cookie is a tiny data item stored on your computer when you click on a link, select an option, choose a color scheme, or pick an answer to a question. If you have "cookies" enabled on your computer, then that website can keep a record of what pages you have seen (or have not seen) and other choices you made.

Cookies are designed to be read-only by the website that made them in the first place. Other websites cannot read cookies created by Moody, and Moody cannot read cookies created by any other web servers.

Cookies are a practical way of keeping a record of your likes and preferences, and most users permit cookies to be stored and kept on the system. A few users believe cookies are an invasion of privacy, and we understand that. We use cookies for particular courses to verify that a particular user enrolled in that course, and thus is authorized to view the page. Simply put, it reduces the opportunity for cheating. For this reason, you must enable "cookies" to participate in the curriculum.

Hardware Requirements

In order to get the most out of the online learning experience, we recommend the following computer requirements. Any computer made within the last two years should meet all requirements.

• Broadband Internet connection, DSL or cable (56.0 kbs Modem will work, but will be slow)
• Printer
• Sound card and speakers/headphones for audio playback*

* Only required for some courses.
 

MODEMS AND / OR INTERNET CONNECTIONS

You must have your own internet service provider or have access to the Internet through a public hot spot, your local public library, or other means. All of your coursework will be done online. You do, however, have the option of printing out the lesson material to reduce the amount of time spent online.
 

SCREEN SIZE OF AT LEAST 800 x 600 PIXELS

You should have your screen resolution set at 800 x 600 pixels or higher. Viewing our web pages at 640 x 480 pixels (a common setting) will probably be a frustrating experience.