To participate in a Principia Lifelong Learning online course, you need a good computer, a headset/microphone, a reliable and robust broadband connection to the Internet, and an up-to-date Web browser.
Here are our recommended requirements:
COMPUTER
PC with:
- Windows XP, Vista, or 7
- 4GB RAM is preferred, 2GB minimum
- 5GB free hard disk space recommended
Mac with:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later (Mac OS 10.3 is NOT effective with Principia’s online courses.)
- 4 GB RAM is preferred, 2GB minimum
- 5GB free hard disk space recommended
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
High speed broadband Internet connection
HEADSET/MICROPHONE
In order to fully participate in your weekly live class sessions, you will need a headset with an attached microphone that can be adjusted to fit closely to your mouth (so that you'll be heard clearly when you speak or ask questions). You can find an inexpensive, good-quality headset with a microphone at most any office supply or mass merchandise store (i.e. Walmart, Office Depot, Best Buy).
UP-TO-DATE BROWSER
It is very important that you use a compatible Web browser when viewing and working in Principia’s online courses so that information and course tools display correctly. Use these tables to ensure your current browser is compatible:
Windows
- Explorer version 8 or later
- Firefox Version 4.0 or later
- Chrome works but is not supported by Blackboard
Mac
- Safari 4.0 or later
- Firefox 4.0 or later
Other Browser Considerations
- Principia’s online courses are not compatible with the AOL browser. If you use the AOL service to connect to the Internet, download and install a compatible browser listed in the above matrix. Once connected to the Internet, minimize your AOL browser and then open the other browser to access your course.
- Note: Safari and Chrome are not officially supported by Blackboard; however it will run in them. If you experience issues, you will be asked to use a supported browser.
- Turn off pop-up blockers when using your Principia online course, or provide an exception for Principia’s Blackboard Web site (URL). Often, you will have two pop-up blockers: one within your browser and one within a search toolbar like Google or Yahoo.
- JavaScript and Cookies must be enabled on any browser.
- Be sure to review the recommended plug-in information below and download as appropriate.
Plug-in Information
Sometimes you may need additional software to view and listen to instructional content within your course. For instance, your instructor may upload an audio file for you to listen to or a video clip for you to watch. The browser you currently use may not always have the required software, or "plug-in", to properly play audio and video files in your course.
Here are the most commonly used plug-ins; they are all free to download:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to view and print PDF (Portable Document Format) files, which will be available in your course. Click on the link to begin the download and install process. A new browser window will open. Be sure to uncheck any unwanted tool bars or other add-ons before you download the plug-in.
- Java (for both Windows and Mac OS) is required for the use of Blackboard and Adobe Connect. Click the link to choose the appropriate plug-in for your computer and to begin the download and install process. A new browser window will open.
