Computer & Network Requirements for Classes

A computer, with online access (DSL or cable connection preferred), is now a standard learning tool. Most college classes, even those which do not involve any direct delivery of course material online, will expect students to access information electronically and to use computers for word processing and, possibly, other computer applications. Many textbooks also now include electronic material which may be required for class use.

While computers for student use are available throughout campus, students are strongly encouraged to purchase computers or otherwise arrange for computer use and Internet access off-campus--particularly if they are enrolling in courses identified as Web30 or above. When choosing between a laptop computer and a desktop computer it should also be noted that use of personal computers within the classroom is becoming more common and, in certain upper level courses, may become a requirement. Wireless access to the Web is increasingly available, both on-campus and off- campus. Students may find, therefore, that the utility and portability of a laptop computer is preferable.

As more classes make use of the Web, a system has been developed to describe the amount of Web content for particular classes using the following key (abbreviated forms of these designations appear in the class schedule online):

Web100: 100% online class. Students enrolled and accepted in Web100 classes are NOT required to come to campus at all in order to complete the work for that course. Students taking a Web100 course must have reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection (DSL or cable connection preferred) to take the course because the entire grade will depend on work that can only be completed by using the course WebCT site.

(Schedule description: Web100 -- class entirely on-line; no classroom meetings)

Web80: No more than three (3) scheduled on-campus sessions; rest of course is delivered online. Students enrolled and accepted in a Web80 class must be able to attend 1-3 mandatory on-campus sessions—usually an introductory session and often also midterm and final exams taken on-campus in a computer lab--and must have reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection (DSL or cable connection preferred) because all or most of the course grade will depend on work that can only be completed by using the course WebCT site.

(Schedule description: Web 80 – class primarily on-line; 1-3 classroom meetings)

Web50: Four (4) or more scheduled on-campus class sessions; more than 50% online class delivery. Students enrolled and accepted in a Web50 class will be required to come to campus for 4 or more class meetings. Normally, a Web50 class trades at least 50% of its traditional campus contact hours for online work with WebCT. Students must have reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection (DSL or cable connection preferred) because 50% or more of the grade will depend on work that can only be completed by using the course WebCT site.

(Schedule description: Web50 – 50% on-line; 50% classroom meetings)

Web30: Scheduled on-campus class where up to 30% of graded class activities may be done online. Course face-to-face contact time may be reduced up to 30%, depending on how much graded course work is done solely online. Students will not need full time access to a computer with an Internet connection to succeed in a Web30 course. But since a significant minority of the class grade depends on work that can only be completed on the course WebCT site, it will be necessary to have dependable access to a computer with an Internet connection.

(Schedule description: Web30 – primarily in-class meetings; some on-line work)

Web10: Scheduled on-campus class with syllabus and/or other course materials accessible on line. A Web10 class uses its companion WebCT site to provide students with class information of various sorts. The WebCT site is not used for graded assignments. The course itself is delivered in a traditional face-to-face setting with no reduction in the usual face-to-face meeting time or number of meetings. Access to a computer with a dependable Internet connection is not as critical for a Web10 course, as it is for the other four classifications because graded work is not done on the site. However, a Web10 site usually quickly becomes such an important source of timely information about what is going on in the course that students should be strongly advised to have the same dependable access to a computer and the Internet that is required in the other categories.

(Schedule description: Web10 – all in-class meetings; some on-line information)

Each class with Web content should be appropriately designated in the comments line below the course title. More specific details about particular classes with one of these Web designations can be obtained at www.CIT.wvstateu.edu/online.html.