Frequently Asked Questions

2. Why Should I Take a MercerOnline Course?

• You can learn in the comfort of your own home.
• You can access class materials at any time, 24/7, and work according to your own schedule, eliminating conflicts with work, family or other obligations.
• Internet-based courses offer the unique opportunity to interact with your instructor and fellow students while at the same time exploring an exciting new medium and cutting-edge technology.
• Learning via the Internet helps improve written and computer-based communication skills.

3. Do I have the Hardware and Software I Need to Take an Online Course?

Basically, you need two essential things in order to take a MercerOnline Internet-based course:

• A computer that meets the requirements outlined below.
• Reliable Internet service which includes your own email address and unlimited web access.

Your Computer

Your computer should meet or exceed the following MINIMUM requirements. If you have any questions about your computer's specifications (memory, processor speed, etc.) refer to your owner's manual.

PC

• Windows 95
• 486dx or faster processor (Pentium STRONGLY encouraged)
• 8MB or more of RAM (32MB RAM encouraged)
• A 28.8 kbps or faster modem

Mac

• MacOs 7.5.1 or higher
• 68040 processor or higher (Power PC is best)
• 16 MB of RAM
• 28.8 kbps modem (56.6 STRONGLY encouraged)

Software (both Mac and PC platforms)

• You must have a java-enabled web browser, such as Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher OR MS Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. The AOL browser may not work propoerly with WebCT.
• Word-processing software: a recent version of MS Word or WordPerfect is STRONGLY recommended.

Internet Service

You MUST have your own internet service in order to enroll in a MercerOnline course. This means you must be a subscriber to an ISP or "Internet Service Provider," such as Concentric, Erols, AOL, MSN, ATT WorldNet, your cable TV provider or Prodigy, and you must have your own reliable email account and address. While you needn't be a seasoned "Netizen," you should be comfortable using (or "surfing") the web, and with how to read, send, and attach documents to email messages.

If you have never "surfed" the Web and you don't have Internet access, you shouldn't consider a MercerOnline course.

4. How Do Online Courses Work?

MCCC's Internet-based courses are taught entirely via the World Wide Web. MercerOnline courses are constructed with the help of WebCT, a teaching tools system which allows for the creation of a dynamic, highly-interactive learning environment where students and instructors communicate via email, synchronous (or real time) chat and interactive "Forums" or bulletin boards. Because of the WebCT system, students don't have to worry about downloading special software. Learning begins the moment a student accesses the "homepage" for his/her class.