Why take an online course?
How does it work?
What computer skills do I need?
What are the Techonoly requirements?
How do I find the right course?
How do I register?
How are course materials delivered?
How do I buy textbooks?
How do I communicate with the instructor, program staff, and other students?
How do I find and log on to the course?
How do I get help?
Why take an online course?
Distance education is perfect for the adult learner; learning occurs at your own pace, place and time. Online coursework can better meet your needs if your schedule or location makes it difficult to come to campus.
Back to top
How does it work?
For most online courses, Hamline uses a course delivery system called Blackboard. Courses are accessed by connecting to the internet. Each course has a designated start and end date. Lessons are posted by the course instructor each week. Students select the week’s lesson and work on the assignments. Assignments, whole class and small group discussions are conducted using an internet-based discussion tool. Online course participants are expected to contribute to discussions two to three times each week. Students may log on to the course anytime during day or night. We ask students to plan adequate time for studying and interacting with the course site. Expect to spend at least 10 – 15 per week.
Back to top
Is online learning right for me?
Successful online learners are self-motivated, responsible, and able to manage their time well.
Back to top
What computer skills do I need?
Hamline courses are user-friendly. Students should be successful if they have basic computer skills, including working within a Windows or Macintosh system environment, navigating the internet using a standard browser, and familiarity with standard email and word-processing programs.
Back to top
What are the technology requirements?
Supported Desktop Operating Systems:
The ITS Helpdesk will provide basic troubleshooting and diagnostic support for anyone experiencing problems connecting with the Hamline computer network who is running one of the following supported desktop operating systems:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Home and Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional
Apple Macintosh OS-X 10.2.8, OS-X 10.3, or newer
Hamline ITS will only guarantee basic network connectivity and support through the ITS Helpdesk for the above mentioned supported operating systems. Please be prepared to present your operating system installation media/restore disk and license if requesting support through the ITS Helpdesk.
Minimum Software Requirements:
Hamline ITS is in the process of implementing a system that will verify that any device attempting to gain access to the Hamline computer network meets a set of minimum software requirements. Systems that do not meet these minimum software requirements may be denied access to the Hamline computer network and Internet.
Operating System Updates and Security Patches
If you are running a Microsoft desktop operating system, it must have the latest available service pack installed and be up-to-date on all security patches released by Microsoft through Windows Update.
If running an Apple Macintosh desktop operating system, it must have the latest available patch set installed and be up-to-date on all security patches released by Apple.
Anti-Virus and Personal Firewall Software
Hamline ITS now requires all systems running a Microsoft desktop operating system to have installed, running, and up-to-date a commercial anti-virus and personal firewall software product before being granted access to the Hamline computer network and Internet. As a result of this policy, Hamline ITS will provide, at no cost, a copy of Symantec Client Security Suite 2.0 to all faculty, staff, CLA Undergraduate students, and law students running one of the supported desktop operating systems mentioned above via the Piperline Software Download page beginning the first week of September.
If you are living on campus in one of the Student Residence Halls or the Apartments, and are running one of the supported desktop operating systems mentioned above, you will be required to run the Symantec Client Security Suite 2.0 provided by Hamline ITS before being granted full access to the Hamline computer network and Internet. You can retrieve your copy from the Piperline Software Download[1] page or by visiting the ITS Helpdesk and asking for a CD-ROM copy.
WARNING: You are not allowed to place any system running a dedicated server operating system, such as those from Microsoft, or device running a publicly accessible network service, such as DHCP/NAT from a wireless access point, on the Hamline computer network. If found to be in violation of this policy Hamline ITS may terminate network connectivity without any advance warning.
Minimum Computer Requirements:
Due to the severity of security risks that have emerged this past year as a result of the ever increasing complexity of computer viruses and their use by criminals to gain control of compromised systems, and the active countermeasures that are now required to combat them, the following minimum system requirements must be met to ensure basic connectivity on the Hamline computer network. These minimum system requirements are designed to ensure that your system is able to meet all software requirements that may be placed on it during the 2004-05 academic school year.
Windows-based machine:
· 800 MHz or better AMD/Intel Pentium Class Processor
· 128 MB of System RAM (256MB highly recommended)
· 10 GB or larger hard drive
· Multi-session CD-ROM
· Mouse/Trackball (desktop systems only)
· Keyboard (desktop systems only)
· SVGA Monitor (desktop systems only)
· 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network card
· A supported Microsoft Desktop Operating System (see page 1)
Apple Macintosh-based machine:
· G3 500 MHz PowerPC Processor
· 256 MB of RAM (required for OS X)
· 10 GB or larger hard drive
· Multi-session CD-ROM
· Built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network card
· Mouse/Trackball (desktop systems only)
· Keyboard (desktop systems only)
· A supported Apple Macintosh Desktop Operating System (see page 1)
Please keep in mind that the system configurations noted above are the minimum system requirements expected to be viable for the current academic school year only and are meant as a guide to those bringing an existing system to Hamline. If you are planning on purchasing a new system, please review the ‘Ideal System Recommendations’ section for configurations expected to be viable for the next 4 consecutive academic school years.
Back to top
How do I find the right course?
All students can search for classes in Hamline’s Piperline system. Select the appropriate program and term, click the “Submit” button, and a list of courses will be displayed. Under each discipline or topic, online courses are designated by the word “ONLINE” in the title.
Graduate School of Education (GSE) students can search the online catalog.Select “ONLINE” under the Course Location pull-down menu and click the Search button.
Graduate Liberal Studies (GLS) students can browse listings of available courses at the GLS page.
Back to top
How do I register?
Graduate School of Education (GSE): Continuing studies students in GSE may register using the form found in the Professional Development for Educators catalog. Mail and fax instructions are included. For a printable copy of the registration form, click here.Degree-seeking students may register online through Piperline.
Graduate School of Public Administration and Management (GPAM): For information about registration for GPAM courses, click here.
Graduate Liberal Studies (GLS): GLS students may register using the printable registration form. Degree-seeking students may register online through Piperline.
Back to top
How are course materials delivered?
Most course materials are delivered online through the course website. In some cases, a separate course packet or video may be mailed to your address by program staff.
Back to top
How do I buy textbooks?
If a textbook is required, the instructor will provide instructions about how to purchase it.
Back to top
How do I communicate with the instructor, program staff, and other students?
Most communication before and during the course will take place by email. Hamline’s course software has an email function that allows you to easily send messages to instructors, support staff, and other students without having to keep track of individual addresses.
Back to top
How do I find and log on to the course?
Before the course start date, program staff will send detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for finding and accessing the course. These will include the course website address, and username & password information.
Back to top
How do I find my way around inside the course?
Hamline’s online course software is easy to use. Course functions are organized intuitively; tools are arranged in an easy-to-use button interface.
Back to top
How do I get help?
There are a number of resources you can access for help. For help with Blackboard courses, contact Hamline's Software Support Services at (651) 523.2782; sss@gw.hamline.edu.
GSE students can also contact Annette McNamara at (651) 523.2175 or amcnamara@gw.hamline.edu.
Back to top
