Computer Requirements for Students taking an English Gateways Course

To study Gateways courses online, you need a computer with at least 64 Mbytes of RAM, and the necessary software for Internet access.

English Gateways courses use WebCT, an educational computer program which runs on the Internet. WebCT is compatible with either Windows or Mac operating systems.

The following Internet browsers support English Gateways’ version of WebCT:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Netscape
  • AOL
  • Mozilla

Other browsers, such as Opera and Safari, are not supported for use with WebCT.

For best results in WebCT with a Windows operating system, use Netscape 6.2.x, 7, or 7.1, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5, or 6.

With a Mac operating system, use Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 or 5.2, or Netscape 6.2.x, 7, or 7.1.

Listening and speaking online

You will need a headset with a microphone, to be able to listen to and record information, and to speak with your teachers online.

Important!

To use WebCT, you need a browser, which is Java and JavaScript enabled. You must set up this option in your browser.

Information about which browsers are supported by WebCT, and how to adjust them if required, is available at http://www.webct.com/drc_vista/viewpage?name=ask_drc_browser_zone

For a FREE download of Java, go to:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html
Click on download J2SE JRE, accept agreement and follow the online instructions.

Viruses

Viruses can cause many problems with your computer. If your computer is infected with a virus, you may have trouble with using WebCT. Check that your anti-virus software is updated and any viruses are eliminated.

Software Information

For all its English language courses, Gateways uses Web Class Tools (WebCT), an educational software platform, which provides online teaching and learning facilities around the world.

Easy to use and well supported by the software maker, WebCT is available in 14 major languages, and is used in universities and other centres of learning in more than 80 countries. The program’s versatility allows course designers to use a full range of teaching tools to help you learn.

Wimba for WebCT

Gateways uses Wimba state-of-the-art technology to allow students and teachers to conduct real time conversations. Through Wimba for WebCT, students and teachers can listen to, record, and post voice messages to each other. Wimba technology allows teaching and learning to take place online in a more personal and dynamic way!