Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s online courses are equal to traditional courses in academic rigor and student requirements. Students should be aware that online courses may require more time than face-to-face classes and should not be considered easier that traditional courses. Self-motivation, good study, organization and time management skills, as well as self-discipline are needed for success in online courses. Students will also need to be proficient in the use of computers and technology.

As you consider whether or not to enroll in an online course, the distance learning staff recommends that you consider the following:

• You are prepared for college-level work. If you require remedial classes in math, English or reading, you may need to take on-campus developmental classes before entering the online program.

• You have access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection.

• You are able to download and use Mozilla Firefox (strongly recommended) and/or Google Chrome web browsers. The use of these browsers is required for online courses.

• You are comfortable and have a working knowledge of the Internet and email.

• You are able to create, save, locate, upload, download and attach electronic files.

• You are familiar with Microsoft Office, Google Docs and other programs.

• You can download various tools and software for use in your courses. Some items may need to be purchased. You are aware of what is required in each online course and willing to purchase as needed (this may also include a webcam).

• You are committed to spending the required time in order to successfully complete your assignments, readings, quizzes, discussion forums, projects and any other activities in the course.

• You are willing to communicate with the instructor and ask for help when needed.

If you have the skills listed above, then online learning may be the right choice for you. We encourage you to complete the new online Moodle orientation to better determine your preparedness for online learning.

Supported Operating Systems

Windows 7 (recommended), Windows XP (service pack 3 for 32-bit, service pack 2 for 64-bit) is also supported.

MAC OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and higher is supported for most online course materials, but there may be applications that require a supported Windows Operating System.

Supported Internet Browsers

• Mozilla Firefox: 25.0 (minimum version); Latest (recommended)—it is strongly recommended that students use Firefox to complete coursework in Moodle
• Google Chrome: 30.0 (minimum version); Latest (recommended)

Screen reader support

• Mozilla Firefox (browser): NVDA (screen reader), 2014.1 (minimum version); Latest (recommended)

We highly recommend that you have administrative rights to the computer used for online coursework. If you must use a computer over which you do not have administrative rights (such as a library computer or a workplace computer), you may experience difficulties with needed functions such as installing plug-ins. Students using library or workplace computers will have limited support options due to access limitations on such networks. Check with your workplace IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company’s network. 

Productivity Tools
Microsoft Office 2010 (minimum requirements), but prefer the latest version of Microsoft Office 2013 (MAC or Windows)

Major releases of browsers are generally supported within 60-90 days of their public release date. Due to the rapid release cycles of some supported Internet browsers, the two latest releases of each browser are supported. When using older versions of a browser, users risk running into problems with the course software. The following are supported browsers:

Windows Users

• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome

Mac OS Users

• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome

Internet browsers not mentioned above are not currently supported and may not meet all requirements of your coursework.

Internet Browser Settings
Please refer to your browser’s Help features to check these settings:

• Pop-Up Blocker should be disabled
• Java Script should be enabled
• Java should be enabled
• Cookies should be enabled

Plug-ins
The most recent version of the following plug-ins is required for many of the resources available in your online courses:

• Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• RealPlayer (Basic)
• Apple QuickTime Player
• Java v7 or higher
• Citrix Online Plug-in/Receiver

All plug-ins needed to participate in components of your online classes are available at no additional cost. It is recommended that you review the list of plug-ins and install them prior to beginning your coursework.

Minimum Hardware Specifications

• Intel Core 2 Duo – or AMD – 3 GHz processor
• 3 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
• CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive – note that some software may require a DVD drive for installation
• Hard drive: 160 GB minimum
• Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024×768 display
• Stereo sound card, speakers and/or headset, microphone
• A webcam may be required in courses in some programs. Check with your academic advisor.

Additional requirements for online coursework

• USB 2.0 port(s), min USB 3.0 preferred
• A webcam with still camera capabilities
• Video/graphics – Open GL® capable 3D graphics card recommended (SVGA resolution video adapter with 1024×768)

Internet Access
Internet access is required to participate in online components of your college courses at Roanoke-Chowan Community College. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the Internet in order of preference:

• Broadband (LAN, Cable, or DSL) connection is highly recommended for optimal student experience and is required for all technical programs.
• Satellite and/or Cellular (3G/4G) may also be used

If you connect to the Internet through your company, you may need to ensure that appropriate plug-ins and access rights are available to you. Check with your IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company’s network.

Computer and Internet Security
The ease and convenience of accessing educational materials through the Internet brings with it the need to ensure that our computers do not become targets of unwanted and often malicious attacks and intrusions by computer viruses and/or hackers. To prevent this, we recommend using an anti-virus package and a firewall. Your computer is subject to virus attacks whether you’re surfing the Internet or getting information from USB drives, DVDs or a network.