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Rochester Community and Technical College - Rochester, Minnesota

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Learn about RCTC Distance Education

 

Information About RCTC Online

Students taking Internet courses complete weekly assignments at their own computers and communicate with their instructor by electronic mail and by using Desire2Learn. Students complete assignments, take tests, and complete all other coursework just as they would in an on-campus class.

Online Program Offerings

Students that have never taken an online class using Desire2Learn, are required to take a short course that introduces them to that learning environment. Read below to learn about this prerequsite.

Prerequisite

All online students will need to fulfill the prerequisite course BTEC 1001 - Orientation to Online Learning & Computing or take the D2L Online Tutorial

BTEC 1001
This 1 credit Pass/Fail course is centered on student readiness and success. It will allow students to discover the technical and learning skills and strategies required for successful online learning. Individuals with previous online experience can complete the requirement through Credit By Exam or with the Instructor's permission. Take note that this class does not measure your computer knowledge, but rather teaches you the basics of using Desire2Learn.

D2L Online Tutorial
This D2L Online Tutorial will help students develop skills that are needed to be successful in online classes at RCTC. This tutorial must be completed before you start your online classes and you must print out a certificate of completion at the end of the tutorial.

Here is how you get started with the D2L Online Tutorial:

Any technical questions should be directed to the Educational Technology department:

NOTE: Some courses DO NOT use Desire2Learn, therefore DO NOT require you to take this course. Please check the "More Info" screen when registering for class to see if there are any other instructions.

Course Delivery

Desire2Learn is a way to deliver interactive courses or course components over the Web at RCTC. It provides students with static content (e.g. syllabi, schedules, announcements, and lecture notes) as well as access to interactive tools (e.g. discussions, whiteboard, chat) Students may connect to their class from anywhere they have computer access. The secure environment allows students and instructors to communicate and exchange course materials and grades.

Minimum System/Browser Requirements

In order to have efficient use of the D2L system, your computer must meet some minimum specifications. The entries in bold are recommended configurations. If you are not sure of your computer's capabilities or configurations, please consult your local computer service outlet.

Please keep in mind these important points:

  1. If your computer is more than 3 years old, it might not be able to efficiently run the programs required for your online class.
  2. Online courses require substantial writing and word-processing skills. If you are not comfortable with using Microsoft Word (or a word-processor that can save in a Word format), then you might wish to improve your basic computer skills.
  3. Courses in D2L may require media (audio, video, simulations, animations). You might need broadband (DSL or cable-modem) Internet access for these course materials.
Component
Windows
Mac
Internet Browser (Windows)
Operating System
System Memory
  • 1GB (Vista)
  • 512 MB or higher (XP, Me, NT, 2000)
  • 512MB or higher (OS X)
Internet Connection
  • Broadband DSL or Cable-Modem strongly recommended
  • 56kbs dial-up modem - may work for some classes
  • Broadband DSL or Cable-Modem strongly recommended
  • 56kbs dial-up modem - may work for some classes
Audio
  • Sound Card and Speakers
  • Also Recommended: Computer headphones with microphone
  • Sound Card and Speakers
  • Also Recommended: Computer headphones with microphone
Video
  • SVGA or XVGA monitor capable of displaying 800x600 resolution in thousands of colors
  • SVGA or XVGA monitor capable of displaying 800x600 resolution in thousands of colors
Software
  • Microsoft Word (Office Suite available in Bookstore for around $8 - includes PowerPoint and Excel)
    or OpenOffice.Org Writer
  • You need to make sure your files are compatible with your instructor's computer -
  • If you have Office 2003 - here is a converter to open up document that have been saved in Office 2007:
    Compatibility pack for 2007 formats
    If you have Office 2007, you may need to save your documents in the 2003 format. Use the menus choices: FILE>SAVE AS>SAVE AS TYPE: Word 97-2003 Document
  • Microsoft Word - (Office Suite available in Bookstore for around $8 - includes PowerPoint and Excel)
    or OpenOffice.Org Writer
  • You need to make sure your files are compatible with your instructor's computer
  • If you have Office 2003 - here is a converter to open up document that have been saved in Office 2007:
    Compatibility pack for 2007 formats
    If you have Office 2007, you may need to save your documents in the 2003 format. Use the menus choices: FILE>SAVE AS>SAVE AS TYPE: Word 97-2003 Document
JavaScript
Cookies
  • Enabled
  • Internet Explorer, choose
    TOOLS > INTERNET OPTIONS > PRIVACY
    and set the slider to MEDIUM.
  • Netscape Navigator, choose
    TOOLS > OPTIONS > PRIVACY and in the section for Cookies, checkmark both [X] Accept Cookies From Sites, [X] For the Originating Site Only, and then also choose KEEP UNTIL: I CLOSE NAVIGATOR.
  • Enabled
  • Netscape Navigator, choose
    TOOLS > OPTIONS > PRIVACY and in the section for Cookies, checkmark both [X] Accept Cookies From Sites, [X] For the Originating Site Only, and then also choose KEEP UNTIL: I CLOSE NAVIGATOR.
Popup Blocker
  • set "Popup Blocker > Allowed Sites" to include:
    • mnscu.edu
    • sctc.edu
    • d2l.custhelp.com
  • Internet Explorer, choose
    TOOLS > POPUP BLOCKER > POPUP BLOCKER SETTINGS
    and then enter each address above separately (enter the site, then press ADD, then repeat for other sites).
  • set "Popup Blocker > Allowed Sites" to include:
    • mnscu.edu
    • sctc.edu
    • d2l.custhelp.com
  • Netscape Navigator, choose
    TOOLS > OPTIONS > CONTENT and checkmark the option [X] Block Pop-Up Windows, and then press the associated EXCEPTIONS button to include the addresses above

 

 

 

 

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