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Online Course Requirements

Background Knowledge

To take online courses through Mayville State, you should be familiar with the following:

Basic operation of a computer.
An Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Sending and receiving e-mails.
Microsoft Word.

Access to Computers and the Internet

To complete online courses, you will need regular access to a computer and internet access. High speed internet access is highly recomended and required for some courses.

Computer Requirements

Computer Monitor or Display - Online courses will display best at a screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels and a color depth of Hi Color (16 bit) or greater. The minimum display resolution and color depth are 640 x 480 and a color depth of 256 colors.
Processor and Memory - A Pentium speed PC or Mac with at least 32Mb.
Audio - A sound card, with speakers or headphones may be required for some courses.

Software

PC with Windows 95, NT or better operating system; Macintosh System 7.5 or higher.
Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Microsoft Office Suite 2007, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point. Microsoft Access may also be required for some CIS and Business classes.
Firefox. Download here

Individual Requirements

Willingness to interact with instructors and other students via e-mail.
Ability to work from written directions.
A time commitment equivalent to taking an on-campus course.
Capability of expressing yourself in writing.

Many online instructors require proctored exams and/or quizzes. If required, you will be notified of the need to submit a proctor for approval prior to the start of the semester.

Proctor Criteria

In order to be approved as a proctor, a proctor must be a disinterested professional with a valid business office, business telephone, and email address. Some examples are:

A superintendent, principal or counselor at a public school
A high school or elementary teacher
A college or university administrator, dean, department chair, registrar or faculty member
A professional staff member at a college or university
A certified librarian
A civil service examiner
A judge of a court of law
A human resource director or employee development coordinator
A military officer or non-commissioned officer of a higher rank
A law enforcement officer

A proctor must NOT be:

A friend or relative of the student
Someone enrolled in the course
Someone living at the same address as the student

Your proctor must have reliable internet access. You may use your personal laptop computer to take an exam at your proctor’s place of business. Please note you are not allowed to take your exams in your home or your proctor’s private home or residence. You must take your exam at a professional office; school, college or university; library; or other business or public institution.