Distance Learning Technical Information

Recommended Computer Specifications

*Macintosh owners may not be able to make use of all capabilities of "Blackboard"; certain math courses are not accessible from Macintosh computers.

Browser, Email and Plugin Requirements

Every student needs Internet access and their own e-mail account prior to starting the class. If an email account is not provided through your Internet Provider you may sign up for a free web-based e-mail account at somewhere like Hotmail or Yahoo. A web-based email account will be necessary if you are accessing your course from a site other than your home computer. Email addresses should include your last name.

The Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center Learning Resources Centers (libraries) provide student access to the Internet on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who are using a home computer to complete an online class must have access to the required software for the class, ie., Access 2003. The college does not provide the software for home use. The student is also responsible for ensuring that the home computer is able to run the required software, ie., XP slows down a computer with only 128mb of RAM. The following is a list of browsers, Email providers, plugins, viewers, etc. that you may or may not need. Install at your own risk!

Useful Downloads:

Blackboard

"Blackboard" is the mechanism used by most instructors for online instructional activities. To access class pages via "Blackboard", students may go to the AHC home page at http://www.hancockcollege.edu and follow the link to Blackboard. Instructors will provide more information concerning access to "Blackboard", such as login name and password, at orientations.