Technology Requirements
For courses with an Internet-based component, you need an IBM or IBM-Compatible PC Pentium II or greater processor OR Macintosh Power PC-68040 or greater processor PLUS:
·
256 Megabytes of RAM (512 Megabytes recommended)
·
500 Megabytes of free hard disk space
·
Graphics-based web browser that must be Java-enabled
(Examples include MS Internet Explorer 6 or later, Netscape 7.1 or later,
Firefox 1.5 or later.)
·
Broadband Internet connection
·
E-mail account provided to registered USI students
through MyUSI.
·
CD-ROM
·
Sound card and speakers
NOTES: 1) Some courses may require
the use of technologies such as streaming audio and video or large file
downloads requiring more processor power, more computer memory, and/or a
high-speed internet connection for good performance. 2) Check with
the instructor regarding software preferences before making a software
purchase. 3) Please also review USI's Data Communication and Computer Use
Policy at http://www.usi.edu/compctr/policy.asp.
It is possible that you will need to download
software called plug-ins to access online course materials. The following is a
listing of common FREE plug-ins and the Internet sites where they can be downloaded.
- Adobe Acrobat
Reader (.pdf files) - http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
- PowerPoint 97, 2000, or 2002 Viewer (.ppt
files) - may be needed if you do not
have Microsoft PowerPoint http://office.microsoft.com/downloads/2000/Ppview97.aspx
- Real Player for Video and Audio Files http://www.real.com/player/selection.html?src=000522IPM01W.000522choice_2a
- Flash (.swf files) http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/alternates/
For
courses with a videotape component, you need access to a VHS video cassette
player.
MyUSI
MyUSI is
USI's web portal system that lets you access your Blackboard Course Sites
as well as many other online school services that you may use frequently. Both
on-campus and distance education students registered at USI can use MyUSI. Both a username and password (PIN) are
required.
Username: This is your official USI username. Your USI email address at MyUSI is your
username followed by @usieagles.org.
If you already use a personal e-mail account, you should forward your
USI email by following instructions on the MyUSI Website at http://www.usieagles.org.
Password
(PIN): This is a randomly generated 6-digit number assigned to you
by USI. If you need assistance with
your PIN, contact the
A MyUSI
function called Self Service allows you to:
- View and/or update your addresses, phone numbers, e-mail
addresses, next-of-kin information, and marital status.
- Access information regarding name and SSN changes.
- Display your class schedule, holds, grades,
transcripts, and degree audit.
- Review your account summary. Review personal and
general financial aid information.
- Pay your bill online.
Note: MyUSI is not available to non-USI
students taking USI distance education courses via the ICN partnership.
Blackboard Software
Many
distance education courses at USI utilize Blackboard, an Internet-based course
management software. You can access your
Blackboard course sites by logging in to MyUSI and clicking on the Blackboard
link.
If you
need assistance from Blackboard Support, send an email message to online@usi.edu or call Instructional Technology Services at
812/461-5389 or 800/813-4238 (outside
