Online Faculty Expectations
Hardware and Software Requirements
- Operating system: Windows 98/2000/XP or Mac OS 9.X/10 or higher (Required for the 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 for Windows 98 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)
- 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
- Netscape 4.7 and IE 5.0 (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 for Windows 98 or higher
- Good 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 6.0 – face-to-face / online workshops are available through CMU Online)
- Required attendance in online teaching workshops program prior to online teaching (this includes, but is not limited to, Blackboard training and the online mentor program).
- At least two (2) semesters of online teaching experience from institutions or industry
- Understanding of adult and / or non-traditional students’ need
- Working knowledge of online course content development / instructional design.
Additional Notes
- All virus protection is your responsibility.
- 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.