The Illinois Online Network makes use of the Moodle course management system, and thus, the bulk of our resources concerning CMS center on this technology. ION provides a tutorial on the use of Moodle. You WILL be expected to know the basics of the Moodle CMS before beginning your first MVCR course.
To access the Moodle tutorial you must first be registered for a course. Once you register for a course, you will automatically be registered in the MVCR Orientation course, which includes the Moodle Tutorial. If you already have an account, you can follow the link below to go to our Moodle Server. For beginners, you can start with our Pointer and Clicker article on Moodle.
 Moodle Server
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The handicaps in place that can disadvantage those with a disability from attending a face-to-face classroom, can often be overcome with an online course. Many programs exist to help make the use of a computer more rewarding and accessible. Several accessible Web Browsers are linked within ION Resources. In addition ION has an entire resource section on accessibility within which you can find articles, tools, and tips for making your Web experience more accessible to all.
Accessibility Resources
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Most Web educational experience will require the use of several additional browser plug-ins. The following links will take you to some of the most commonly used tools, including those used within the MVCR program. For those in the MVCR program, you are required to have antivirus software on your computer. Moodle accounts that post viruses (even unintentionally) are suspended until the student involved contacts the MVCR offices. Students at many institutions may have the ability to download and install one of these programs for free from your institution. You will also need Adobe Acrobat for several readings, a multimedia player such as Windows Media Player, and the Shockwave (Flash) Player.
| The MINIMUM Software Requirements: |
Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or another word processing program capable of saving files in RTF (Rich Text Format). |
Web Browser -- Netscape 4.0 or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher version (these are free downloadable programs) - If you plan on using a browser supplied by your Internet service provider (for example, AOL or WebTV) make sure it is the most recent version. We cannot guarantee that all course features will function in all non-Netscape or Internet Explorer browsers. |
E-mail software or a Web browser capable of supporting e-mail activity, including sending/receiving attached files. |
Your course may require special (free) plug-ins to access Streaming Media, PDF files, or other web components. If this is the case, you will learn more about these special requirements during your Course Orientation. |
| Antivirus software |
Software Links
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Since MVCR courses are entirely online, participants are expected to have at least an elementary knowledge of their microcomputer operating system and basic knowledge of software and tools such as a word processor, e-mail, an Internet browser, and search engines.
| The MINIMUM Technical Requirements for MVCR courses are the following: |
| Access to an IBM compatible or Macintosh
system (see below for details). For other operating systems, contact
ION for questions. |
| Internet access either via modem
and phone line or a direct network connection (highly recommended
to have high speed access) |
| Internet service provider for home access and/or access from work (must have prior to start of the course). |
| Access to the online environment for a minimum of 10 hrs/week. |
| An e-mail account for sending and receiving electronic mail via the Internet |
| PC Hardware Requirements: |
Macintosh Hardware Requirements: |
- IBM compatible Pentium II 500 MHz PCs
and above
- Windows 98 Operating System or better (Win 98 may not work with all course software)
- 128 MB RAM (or more)
- 56.6 or better
- Sound card and speakers
- Microphone (preferred)
- At least 40 MB free disk space
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Power PC, G3 233 MHz machines
or better
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- Microphone (preferred)
- At least 40 MB free disk space
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What They're
Saying
"The guest lecturer made a highly positive addition to the course. It got me thinking about ways to incorporate collaborative TEACHING as well as collaborative learning in my online classes."
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