Making Sure Your Computer is Ready for a blendedschools.net Class

In order to fully participate in your Blackboard class, make sure that your computer, internet access, and software meets the following requirements:

A standard, Internet-capable computer.
High Speed Internet Access (1MB/s per user if possible)
Windows XP / Mac OS 10.3 rated computer or newer
Java installed and enabled (download from http://java.com)
Adobe FlashPlayer installed (download from http://adobe.com)
Windows Media Player or Quicktime installed
Productivity Software available (Microsoft Office or equivalent)
Speakers, Microphone available

Follow each of the technical requirements below to test your computer settings to make sure it is ready for your blendedschools.net class. Contact the BSN Help Desk if you cannot work through any of these steps.

1) Find out what web browser you are using. Get that browser ready.

A web browser is the program you use to access the Internet. It is important for you to know which browser you are using for your online classes. Visit this link to learn more about the browser you are using.

It is recommended that you use Firefox but if you cannot, then you may need to make some adjustment to security settings in Internet Explorer.

2) Disable pop-up blockers.

You will need to allow pop-up windows in order to fully participate in this course. Follow the steps in the following video to adjust the settings in your browser to allow pop-ups. Try clicking this link; it should open up the blendedschools.net website in a new window. If you do not see the blendedschools.net website, you should check on your popup blockers.

Here are some links to help you configure common popup blocker tool bars:
|Google Toolbar | AOL Toolbar | Windows Explorer | Firefox | Safari | Yahoo Toolbar | How To Disable Popup Blockers Help Page|

3) Install Adobe Flash©.

Flash will be needed for many of the activities in your class. Listen to the recording below to see if you have Flash installed properly.

As long as you can hear the recording, you have Flash© installed correctly. If you cannot hear the recording, contact your school's tech department or go to the Adobe Flash© Download Website and follow the download directions.

4) Install Java.

Java will be needed throughout your course. Use this link from Java© to make sure that you have an updated version of Java© installed correctly. The website will provide you with the necessary file download information if it detects that you computer needs Java© installed or updated. Contact your school's tech department if you need help with this installation.

5) Run the Blackboard Collaborate Wizard.

Blackboard Collaborate is a tool your teacher may use in your class. Click this link to test your computer settings needed for Bb Collaborate tool to work properly.

If you had trouble running the setup wizard, please access the support portal at http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com

6) Run the Voice Tools Setup Wizard.

You may need to use voice recording tools in your class. Click this link to test your computer settings needed for the Voice Tools. It will also allow you to test your microphone, speakers and/or headset. The wizard will guide you through any fixes or solutions that are necessary. Be sure to read each screen of the wizard carefully before clicking "Next."

7) Install Blackboard Instant Messenger Software

Blackboard IM (formerly called Pronto) is an instant messaging tool that you can use to communicate with your instructor or fellow students. It is a program that needs to be downloaded and installed for you to use it. The directions provided in this video below will help you do that.

8) Stop blocking file downloads.

If you are using Internet Explorer, you may find that you aren't able to download files from your course. Follow the steps in this video to change some settings in Internet Explorer to allow files to download from your courses.

9) Find out if YouTube is blocked.

If you can play the video below, then you will be able to view any YouTube videos that are in your course. If you do not see a video below, then YouTube is probably blocked in your school and you will need to let your teacher know. Your teacher should then contact the district's tech department. This is only an adjustment that your school district can make.