Chapter 3 The Role of the Computer in Distance Learning

Checklists

• QUESTIONS TO ASK DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE PROVIDERS
• PURCHASING A NEW COMPUTER
• SELECTING AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)

QUESTIONS TO ASK DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE PROVIDERS

Required information is in bold

What version of Microsoft Windows, or Apple Macintosh operating system do you recommend?____________________________ (such as Windows 95 and Mac OS 8)

What is the minimum and preferred processor type and speed? _______________/_____________

(usually stated as Gigahertz-GHz, such as 2.33 GHz Pentium IV)

What is the minimum and preferred memory capacity, or RAM? _______________/_____________(usually stated as Megabytes/MB, such as 512 MB)

How much, if any, hard disk space is required? _________________________

(usually stated in Gigabytes/GB)

Is a CD-ROM or DVD needed? ____________________ (usually expressed as 8x, 16x, etc.,)

What is the minimum and preferred speed of Internet access? _______________/_____________(such as modem/dialup or high speed DSL or cable)

What software do you require?

Office suite ________________________________________

(such as Microsoft Office)

E-mail ___________________________Browser _________________________________

(such as Eudora) (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape)

Browser plug-ins ______________ (such as RealPlayer)

Do the courses require specialized software? ________ How do I get the specialized software? _________

(They may send you a disk or CD, or you may need to download the software.)

(If you have a Mac computer) Is the software available for the Macintosh computer? ______________

Do I need a microphone or video camera? ______________

Do you provide access to the Internet through local or toll-free numbers? ______________

(If no to the last question) Do you have discounts with any Internet Service Providers (ISPs)? _________

Will I turn in assignments by: Printing out and mailing? ______________ ; or

Faxing in assignments? ______________ ; or E-mail attachment? ______________ ; or

FTP? ______________ ; or Posting to the course Web site? ______________

How many years will the minimum and preferred computer configurations you recommend be capable of being used for your courses? _______________/_____________

If the acceptable use period of the computer is less than the time it will take you to complete the courses or degree you desire, factor part of the cost of a computer upgrade or replacement in the cost of the instruction. But also remember that you use or will use your computer for other lifestyle purposes, so don’t think of the total cost as part of your studies.

Do you have any special programs through which I can purchase or lease a computer? ______________

Remember that if you are working on a degree with one institution, you may complete it with another. Check out the computer requirements of more than one college or university. And remember that the Web has only been in use for a few years so requirements may change from semester to semester.

PURCHASING A NEW COMPUTER

Type _________________ (desktop or notebook, your preference)

Brand _________________ (brand name or generic)

Operating system and version _________________ (software included in cost or extra)

Preferred type and speed of processor _________________ megahertz

(if within your budget, a faster processor will run new programs for a longer period of time)

Preferred memory capacity, or RAM _________________ megabytes

Size of hard drive _________________ (bigger is better)

CD-ROM or DVD minimum speed _________________

Preferred modem speed _________________ (Kilobits/second, or Kbps, the higher the number the better,for example, 56 Kbps is better than 28.8 Kbps)

Software included ____________________________________________ (desirable for distance learning: word processor, spreadsheet, database, and presentation package, or suite of all four; and a Web browser; other software may be valuable for your personal use)

Monitor (if included) _________________ (15 inch minimum, larger is better, .28 dot pitch maximum, smaller is better; if you already have a computer, you may be able to use your existing monitor)

(If needed) Printer _________________ (included or extra cost)

(If needed) Microphone _________________ (included or extra cost)

(If needed) Video camera _________________ (included or extra cost)

Warranty __________________ (months or years)

Total Cost of Package _____________________

SELECTING AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Write down the name and phone number of a discount ISP if your institution has one and call them first ( see checklist Questions To Ask Distance Learning Course Providers ):

____________________________________________________________________________

Ask friends what ISP they use and if they’re satisfied with the service, call them:

_____________________________________________________________________________

Questions to Ask a Potential ISP

For a phone/modem connection :

What is the monthly cost of your flat rate unlimited hours plan? ____________________

What monthly rates do you have for limited hours?

__________ hours/week for $________ ; __________ hours/week for $________ ;

__________ hours/week for $________

( see checklist Questions To Ask Distance Learning Course Providers on page 1 for number of

hours of computer use per week per course )

How often will I get a busy signal? ________________________________

( Ask the following question if you have a notebook computer and will be traveling )

Do you have local numbers only, or do you provide dial in numbers in most metropolitan areas?

______________________________________________________________________________

For DSL and cable high speed ISPs :

What is the charge per month?_____________________________________

For all ISPs :

What hours is your phone technical support available? ____________________________

( 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or 24X7, is best )

Do you have technical support available on the Web or by e-mail? ___________________

Do you provide an e-mail account? _________________

(I f applies: Will you provide multiple e-mail accounts for my family at no cost? _________)

( Ask the following question if you have an Apple Macintosh computer )

How many of your users use Mac computers, and do you have technical support that understands

Macs?_______________________________________________________________________