Platform: Macintosh
Supportive Systems
This program has been designed with strong focus on providing a highly interactive, engaging experience with the flexibility of online courses. You will use three primary support technologies to manage your activities, interactions, and learning: Blackboard, the SHRM Learning System and Adobe Connect. Each of these technologies has a specific role to play in this program. It is important not to be overwhelmed by these systems. We will introduce them carefully and technical support will be available to ensure all students have a quality experience.
Systems Logins
You will receive usernames and passwords for both the Blackboard and SHRM Learning System. You will be required to change your Blackboard password, but your SHRM Learning System password will remain the same. You will not need a username and password for the Adobe Connect system. If you have any problems with your IDs and passwords, you can email Barbara Coulter at bcoulter@niu.edu.
Blackboard
Blackboard is NIU’s learning management system (LMS). You will use Blackboard to view announcements and assignment guides, participate on discussion boards, review audio slideshows, launch the Adobe Connect meeting, and access grade information. Your Blackboard password is temporary. Prior to accessing Blackboard, you will need to change your password. Once you have set your security questions and changed your password, you can log into Blackboard with your Blackboard username and new password.
SHRM Website
As part of this course, you will use the SHRM Learning System 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 the username and password that was provided to you.
Adobe Connect
As part of this course, you will participate in real-time 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 and logging in as a Guest.
You must have a USB headset to participate in the Adobe Connect sessions. If you do not already have one, you must purchase one. Any quality USB headset/microphone will work fine, two good examples include the Plantronics Audio 650 USB Multimedia Stereo Headseat and the Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset.
After you register for the course, you will be sent an NIU username (a######) and initial password (Your DOB YYYYMMDD) for Blackboard, and a username and password for the SHRM Learning System website.
You will also be invited to schedule a one-on-one technical support session during which our support staff will assist you with technical issues related to your participation in this course. Topics covered during this session include the following:
BEFORE the first day of class, please make sure:
If you are unable to schedule a technical support session, you can make sure you’re ready to go by completing the following steps:
