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Online Faculty Expectations

Hardware and Software Requirements

  • Operating system: Windows 2000/XP or Mac OS 10.1 or higher. Required for Mac users due to Blackboard's collaboration tool requirements and tech support requirements.
  • Installed (or the ability to install) “readers” for various file types, i.e., Adobe, Word, Excel, etc.
  • Word processing software (preferably Microsoft Word 2000 or higher).
  • Access to the Internet (Faculty and students are responsible for securing their own accounts with an Internet Service Provider and these communication charges are not compensated by Central Michigan University).
  • Installed and up-to-date anti-virus protection software. Note that Central Michigan University faculty are licensed for McAfee VirusScan Enterprise anti-virus package. Contact the help desk at (989) 774-3662 for instructions to obtain this software. Although this software can be provided, CMU is not responsible for any viruses or other computer issues that instructors might face.
  • Mandatory use of an e-mail account provided by Central Michigan University for all instructors (global ID). To activate your global ID, contact the help desk at (989) 774-3662.
  • IE 6.0 (or higher), Firefox 2.0 (or higher), Safari 2.0 (or higher) installed as your Web browser software.

Required Computer and Online Teaching Skills

  • Proficiency in creating basic word processing documents, preferably using Microsoft Word 2000 or higher.
  • Proficient keyboard skills (at least 50 words per minute to work effectively in Chat sessions).
  • Working knowledge of sending and retrieving files via e-mail (i.e. attachments / downloading various assignments (files) from the students).
  • Working knowledge of file management (i.e. Spreadsheet).
  • Working knowledge of currently adopted Course Management System by Central Michigan University (Blackboard). Face-to-face / online workshops are available through CMU Online.
  • Required attendance in online teaching workshops prior to first course contract.
  • At least two (2) semesters of online teaching experience from institutions or industry.
  • Understanding of adult and / or non-traditional student needs.
  • Working knowledge of online course content development / instructional design.

Additional Notes

  • If you have other equipment or skills, such as a scanner, knowledge of graphic manipulation or other software such as Photoshop or Acrobat, this will be to your advantage.