Instructional Design

Software for the Course

To take this Internet-based course, you will need to have an up-to-date computer with good access to the Internet, either at home or at work. I will meet online with the class at the regularly scheduled time, so you should have a computer available then. Here is the software you will need:

To do this:

You will need this:

Read the materials on the course Web site, take the interactive self-quizzes, use the discussion board for online discussions, etc.

A recent version of one of the two top Web browsers:

	Microsoft Internet Explorer
	Netscape Navigator
	Firefox

These are available as free downloads by clicking on the above links.

Instructions for Discussion Board

Communicate directly with the instructor, submit assignments, etc.

A capable email client program and an email service. Email client programs include Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, and others. Nowadays, of course, you may use a Web-based email system (including Flashline), so you may need just a good browser.

Join in online classes ("chats"), ask questions at office hours, etc.

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and, possibly, The Palace.

More information about AIM (downloading and using)

More information about Palace (downloading and using)

Create the documents needed to complete the assignments.

A capable word processor, such as Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, and others. It must be able to deal with RTF (Rich Text Format) files (almost all of them can).

Create graphical parts of documents needed to complete the assignments.

Various graphics and diagramming programs. One that you might find useful is SmartDraw. There is a 30-day free trial. Inspiration is also good and has a free trial.