2.1 Technical Setup

The first step in getting teachers and students online relates to connectivity and the setup of the computer workstation or lab where they will be accessing the online courses via the Internet. You need to be aware that a firewall can sometimes cause problems in connectivity.

Recommended requirements
Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS (new OS)
RAM requirement of 256MB (or better)
Processor: Pentium 1.3 GHz (or better) or MAC G3 or Mac G4

Internet connection
A high-speed internet connection is recommended.

Web Browsers required for WebCT/Blackboard software version 8.X (Campus Edition)
WebCT officially supported Web Browsers and browser configuration information can be found at www.webct.com/tuneup/. For questions about WebCT or WebCT software, please see the many helpful resources at www.webct.com. The version number of the current WebCT/Blackboard can be found by visiting bb.etc.bc.ca and clicking on the Browser Checker link in the top-right corner.

Firewall related information:

1. Your network must allow outbound connection requests as well as bidirectional established/related communication with IP 142.36.21.134 (bb.etc.bc.ca) and with IP 142.36.154.139 (online.openschool.bc.ca)
   
   
2. Access ports:
   1. port 80 for basic http communication
   2. source and destination:
      • 443 (tcp) secure SSL
      • 2304 (tcp) for chat
3. Java (JVM) and JavaScript are required for WebCT functionality.
   
   
4. Cookies are required for authentication.
   
   
5. Popups are required for WebCT functionality.

WebCT officially supported Web Browsers and browser configuration information can be found at www.webct.com/tuneup/

Plug-ins
Some WebCT courses use browser plug-ins, so you may need one or more plug-ins. Browsers will generally automatically download any plug-in required by a particular page. However, if a plug-in is required go to www.webct.com/tuneup/ to download the software.

Browser requirements for Online Administrative Tools
The browser needs to have support for JavaScript, SSL, Cookies, and Stylesheets.

Microsoft IE 6 or 7, Mozilla Firefox 2 or 3, and Safari 2, 3, or 3.1.

Other browsers may work depending on their support for JavaScript, SSL, Cookies and Stylesheets.

Browser Checker
The browser checker will ensure your browser is configured so the complete functionality of this application is available to you. To access the browser checker go to the Online Course Access at http://bb.etc.bc.ca/, the link is on the top navigation bar.

Digital Media
If you have large digital media presented in your online course that will expand your course size beyond average course limits, please contact us to discuss placement on our Media Server. Generally this service is included in the hosting service to ensure faster performance for Media access. Please note that very large media may require additional fees to cover bandwidth and storage (refer to section 1.1 for average course size).

Contact online@openschool.bc.ca for more information.