IT Requirements & Downloads

Technical Support for eLearning Services

Download a Word version of these guidelines.

This information has been prepared for UNSW IT Managers, academic and support staff, and students who use the UNSW eLearning systems. It outlines the computing requirements for the following services:

• the My eLearning learning management system (LMS),
• Lectopia (digitally recorded lectures streamed over the web or as Podcasts),
• Turnitin similarity detection service
• Wimba Voice Boards (vocal messages with accompanying text posted in voice-based message boards) and the
• myMedia streaming service for staff.

Technical support for these services is available in the first instance from the IT at UNSW Service Desk.

ITS Service Desk Contact Details

Web page for current opening hours:

            http://www.its.unsw.edu.au/support/servdesk/servicedesk_home.html

Assistance via telephone:

            +61-2-9385-1333

Assistance via email:

            servicedesk@unsw.edu.au

In Person:

            IT Service Desk Counter, Library level 2.

Issues requiring further investigation and certain service requests are referred through to the Service Desk in Learning & Teaching @ UNSW.

By implementing the guidelines given here, and on the listed Web sites below, most eLearning users should be able to set up their computer systems for eLearning access without the need to contact the Service Desk.

The eLearning technical requirements include:

• Using a recommended web browser
• Configuring web browsers correctly
• Installing the correct Java plug-in and uninstalling unsupported versions
• Disabling pop-up and ad blocking software
• Installing appropriate media players and browser extensions.

The latest configuration information for browsers and plug-ins plus troubleshooting advice is available from blackboard.com and the UNSW eLearning support sites. The relevant links are listed below.

Version of LMS used at UNSW

To ensure that users have the best possible eLearning experience it is essential that web browsers are configured correctly to support the "Blackboard Learning Systemâ„¢ - Vista Enterprise Licence" version 3.x. This application was previously known as WebCT Vista.

Other Services

Other services deployed by Learning & Teaching @ UNSW include extension tools to add functionality to My eLearning, such as Turnitin, as well as standalone services including Lectopia, and streaming media services via the myMedia service.

The browser and Java plug-in requirements of these services are kept in line with what is required for the My eLearning service.

In addition, these services require media players to be installed to playback the audio, video or interface/package content. The media formats that are required to be supported by these services are:

• Flash Player
• Media Player
• A Portable Document Format (PDF) reader
• Any application capable of subscribing to Podcasts.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

My eLearning courses can be accessed on any computer system that is capable of supporting the recommended browsers and Java plug-in. Current recommended client operating systems are:

• Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Mac OS X v10.4, 10.5 (Macintosh computers operating on any version of OS 9 or earlier will not work with My eLearning or Wimba)

Software Requirements

Browsers

The following web browsers are recommended as working best with My eLearning:

• Internet Explorer 5.5 (SP2), 6.0, 7.0 (Windows)
• Internet Explorer 5.1 (Mac OS X v10.1)
• Firefox 1.5, 2.0 (Windows)
• Firefox 1.0, 2.0 (Mac OS X)
• Netscape 7.0, 7.1 and 7.2 (Windows and Mac OS X)
• AOL 8.0 and 9.0 (Windows)
• AOL OS X (Mac OS X)
• Mozilla 1.5 and 1.7 (Windows and Mac OS X)
• Safari 3.0.4 (Windows)
• Safari 2.0.1 and higher (Mac OS X)

Browser Configuration

It is essential to configure the following browser settings:
1. Enable Java
2. Enable JavaScript
3. Switch to the Sun Java Runtime Environment
4. Set Browser Cache
5. Enable Cookies
6. Disable Pop-Up Blocking for My eLearning.

Complete step-by-step instructions for browser settings are available from the browser tune-up site at the Browser Tuneup page. Follow the link for the relevant operating system, select your browser and scroll down to the Prepare Your Browser Settings section.

Note: My eLearning includes a browser checker that automatically detects whether or not a browser is validated but it will not confirm whether or not all your settings are correctly configured.

Plug-ins

JRE Plug-in

Some features in My eLearning require the browser to be configured to use a supported Java plug-in. The Java Runtime Environment can be downloaded from Sun's Java website.

My eLearning supports the Sun Microsystems Java Runtime Environment 5 (1.5) and 6 (1.6). Ensure that all earlier Sun Java versions and any Microsoft versions of Java are uninstalled.

Do not allow Java to automatically update as new versions may not be supported by My eLearning.

Media Plug-ins

eLearning users may require any of the following plug-ins:

• Windows Media Player
• QuickTime
• Macromedia (Adobe) Flash
• Shockwave
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• iTunes

Downloads

The Browser Tune Up Information page includes links to download the recommended plug-ins.

Further Information

More detailed information can be obtained from Learning & Teaching @ UNSW by requesting information or consultation services via servicedesk@unsw.edu.au or by phoning x51333.

This eLearning portal links to all the eLearning services supported by Learning & Teaching @ UNSW and the support sites for those services. Detailed system requirements and FAQs for My eLearning are outlined in the support site under the System Requirements tab.

> Return to the eLearning Services Portal