OS and Browser requirements:
Windows 98 SE, 2000, XP, Vista
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
• Mozilla Firefox 1.5
• Netscape Navigator 7.1
• Cookies Enabled
Mac OS X 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5
• Safari 1.1 or higher
• Mozilla Firefox 1.5
Additional requirements:
• Adobe’s Macromedia Flash Player 9 or higher (Go to: http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash to download the free Flash Player)
• Minimum bandwidth requirement: 56 kb/sec or higher (DSL/Cable/Lan, dial-up not recommended)
• Minimum 1 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM recommended
• A USB headset/microphone (See “Getting Ready” for brand/model recommendations)
Supportive Systems
This program has been designed with strong focus on providing a highly interactive, engaging experience with the flexibility of online courses. We will use three primary support technologies to manage our activities, interactions, and learning: BlackBoard, Adobe Connect, and the SHRM Learning System. Each of these technologies has a specific role to play in this program and are discussed below. It is important that not to be overwhelmed by these systems, we will introduce them carefully as they are important and provide technical support to ensure all students a quality experience.
Systems Logins
You will receive an NIU username and initial password at least 10 days prior to our first synchronous online meeting. This username (a######) will be your login name for each of the three systems, though you will be given a unique password for the SHRM Learning System. You will also be contacted for optional participation in one of several “Getting Ready” online meetings prior to that first required meeting during which a live technical support person can answer your questions, help you configure your computer, and help you log into the various systems.
Blackboard
Blackboard is NIU’s learning management system (LMS). We will use Blackboard as the center of our online experience including posting announcements and assignment guides, participating on discussion boards, submitting assignments, viewing audio slideshows, launching Adobe Connect meetings, and providing grade information. You will log into Blackboard (http://webcourses.niu.edu) with your NIU ID number (a######) and NIU password.
Adobe Connect
As part of this course, you will participate in eight 90-minute synchronous web-based meetings via Adobe Connect. Adobe Connect will allow you to see and hear your instructor, communicate via chat with your instructor and your classmates, collectively view materials, ask questions, and share documents. You will launch the Adobe Connect meetings by simply clicking a link in Blackboard at the time the meeting is scheduled, logging in with the same NIU user name and NIU password.
You must have a USB headset/microphone to participate in the Adobe Connect sessions. If you do not already have one, you must purchase one, see the “Getting Ready” section for purchase recommendations. This will allow you to communicate with your instructor and your peers. SHRM Technical Support will assist you in configuring your headset in the optional 1-on-1 support sessions if necessary
To ensure that your computer and network connections are properly configured for Adobe Connect, go to http://connect.niunt.niu.edu/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm.
SHRM Website
As part of this course, you will use the SHRM Learning System (http://www.learnhrm.com) to access supplemental online study aids and activities that will help you prepare for the certification exams. Features include pre and post tests, e-flashcards, a glossary of key terms, and a resource center. You will log into the SHRM Learning System with your NIU login name and a separate (non-NIU) password that will be provided to you.
After you register for the course, you will be sent an NIU username (a######) and initial password (Your DOB YYYYMMDD), and a username and password for the SHRM Learning System website.
You will also be invited to schedule a 1-on-1 technical support session during which our support staff will assist you with technical issues related to your participation in this course including login and password issues, accessing Adobe Connect, and installing and using your headset.
Please follow these steps before our first meeting to ensure you are ready to participate.
1. If you do not yet have one, purchase a USB headset/microphone. This will allow you to communicate you’re your instructor and colleagues during the Adobe Connect sessions. Any quality USB headset/microphone will work fine, two good examples include:
http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/computer/multi-use-headsets/audio-650-usb
2. Log into Blackboard at http://webcourses.niu.edu. You will be prompted to change your password. Follow the stated conventions to create a secure password.
a. Click the Communities tab at the top of the page
b. Click on the link titled “Professional Human Resource Management Certification Prep Program”
c. Click the “Email Instructor” button
d. Complete the form to generate an email with your last name in the subject line to let the instructor know you have access to Blackboard.
2. Check your computer’s readiness for Adobe Connect by clicking http://connect.niunt.niu.edu/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm.
a. Install any plugins required by this readiness check.
3. Log into the SHRM Learning System at http://www.learnhrm.com with your NIU username and the group password you were assigned (NOT your NIU password).
4. (Optional) Respond to the invitation for the 1-on-1 technical support sessions for assistance with any problems or to answer any questions.