Distance education classes are delivered in a variety of formats: Internet, e-mail, videotape, Lotus Notes, Blackboard, interactive TV, videoconferencing, CD-ROM, workshop and independent study. Each UNL course may be delivered using one of these formats, such as the Internet, or may use a combination of formats, such as the Internet, Lotus Notes and e-mail.
Some distance classes meet at regular times, including those that are delivered via interactive TV or through desktop videoconferencing. These courses, called synchronous, require that students are able to meet at least once a week. Other distances classes do not have a regular meeting time. These courses are called asynchronous and include such formats as online, e-mail, Blackboard and Lotus Notes. Even though these courses do not have regular meeting schedules, students are still required to meet deadlines as outlined by the instructor.
Arranged Contact professor for details.
Blackboard
Blackboard is one of UNL’s online teaching and learning portals. It enables instructors to add an online component to a class or host an entire course on the Web. Students may also access materials and take tests online. Other features include: discussion boards, real-time chats, grade access and online file exchange. To access the My.UNL Academic Portal (Blackboard), go to http://my.unl.edu and enter your username and password. See chart below for browser compatability.
Internet Explorer
Netscape
Safari
Firefox
5.2
5.5
6.0
7.0
7.1
8.0
1.0
1.1
1.2
2.0
1.0
Windows® Operating Systems
Windows 2000
N
N
C
N
C
C
N
N
N
N
C
Windows XP
N
N
X
P
C
X
N
N
N
N
X
Mac® Operating Systems
Mac OS 10.2
N
N
N
N
C
N
C
N
N
N
C
Mac OS 10.3
N
N
N
N
C
N
N
C
X
N
X
Mac OS 10.4
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
X
X
Key:
X - Recommended configuration
C - Compatable but not all features available
N - Not tested; browser not supported
P - Provisional; will test on Beta versions. Certification is dependant on release by 3rd parties.
Other platforms and browsers may be compatible but are not officially supported. Revised 9/07.
Web Browsers
Javascript and cookies must be enabled. Some content or features may require additional software. Pop-up blockers should be disabled for My.UNL. The browsers below are officially supported.
• Internet Explorer: 6.0 or higher (Windows) (no Internet Explorer is supported on the Mac platform)
• Netscape: Version 7.1 or higher (Windows); Version 7.1 only on a Mac
• Safari
•Firefox 1.0
Older versions of the above or alternative browsers (such as Mozilla and Opera) may be compatible, but some features might not be available. To download the latest browsers, click the “help” button in My.UNL and access the downloads area.
Operating Systems
Windows 2000 and up or MacOS X 10.2 and up are strongly recommended. Older operating systems (Windows 98SE/ME, MacOS 8/9) or alternative platforms (Linux) are all compatible but may not have full functionality. My.UNL is not currently compatible with handheld devices or web-enabled phones.
CD-ROM
Some faculty choose to distribute course information using CD-ROMs, which are mailed directly to students as needed. The CD-ROM might include entire lectures or video excerpts of the instructor teaching in the classroom, demonstrating a point or working examples of problems. Computer requirements for courses utilizing CD-ROMs are listed with the course.
DVD DVDs of class lectures are used in some courses and are mailed directly to students. Distance learners can watch the DVDs at their convenience, within the structure of the course.
E-mail
Most distance courses require at a minimum access to an e-mail account. All students enrolled in classes at UNL receive a free e-mail account. Specific information about your e-mail account is available online at wam.unl.edu or you can call (866) 472-3970.
Internet
Some courses are delivered completely online and require access to the Internet. Students will use a designated Web site for course information and interaction.
Most courses will recommend a minimum modem speed of 56 kbps and Internet browser software (Netscape 7.1 or later or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or later). Use of AOL as an Internet provider is not recommended.
Videoconference
Videoconferences will require student attendance at a designated public site at particular times and dates. Typically the use of videoconferences during a course will be reserved for occasions when it is important to have two-way audio and video, such as the demonstration of a technique. This includes the Polycom system.
