Title: Technology in this Course
Course: ASTRON103: The Evolving Universe: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (001) DHH SU18 > Section: Course Orientation Module

Make sure you're ready for your online course!

1. Perform a system check on your computer's settings.

Although this system check resource was originally created for use with Desire2Learn (another learning management system within Learn@UW), it is also reliable for use with Canvas.

2. Secure your computer.

3. Learn about the course-specific tools we will use.

Canvas

- Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) for this course.
- Canvas has a number of tools that will facilitate your learning, communication, and activity within this course. Visit the Canvas Student Guide to learn more about each of them.
- If you are new to Canvas, learn about Getting Started with Canvas as a Student.
- You can also read about the Accessibility within Canvas.

Additional Learning Tools

<In this section include details on other technologies used in this course such that are external to the LMS (e.g., Padlet, Google Docs). Note: Technologies required in the course must be readily obtainable and current.>

- EXTERNAL TOOL #1 NAME
  - <Describe purpose and capability of tool>
  - Privacy Policy <Link to this technology’s privacy policy>
  - Accessibility Statement <Link to this technology’s accessibility statement/information>

- EXTERNAL TOOL #2 NAME
  - <Describe purpose and capability of tool>
  - Privacy Policy <Link to this technology’s privacy policy>
  - Accessibility Statement <Link to this technology’s accessibility statement/information>

4. Verify your computing system meets minimum technology requirements.

The newest versions of both Windows and Mac OS are fully supported by the DoIT Help Desk. See the Windows OS and Mac OS service descriptions for other DoIT supported versions, and review the list of hardware supported by DoIT (Division of Information Technology).

Chrome is the recommended web browser for Canvas, and it is best to always have the latest version installed for security reasons and to experience full functionality of the course. You are welcome to visit the Canvas Community to learn more about which browsers Canvas supports.

Settings: Regardless of the web browser you use, the following settings should be selected in most cases.

- Enable JavaScript: in multiple web browsers.
- Enable cookies: in Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
- Clear cache and cookies: in Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer.

You may also want to periodically restore your browser to its default state in order to clear your personal settings and website data, disable your add-ons, etc. Feel free to seek additional support for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer.

Other Software

- Adobe Reader: Download the latest version of Adobe Reader to view PDF (portable document format) files. Note: Do not select the optional offer for McAfee Security Scan Plus.
- Adobe Flash Player: Download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player (a browser plug-in) to view any Flash-based media that may be posted in this course.
- Multimedia Player: Choose from the following audio & video player downloads:
  - VLC Media Player for PC; VLC Media Player for Mac (OS X)
  - QuickTime Player (for Mac or PC)
- Word Processor, Presentation, and Spreadsheet Software: Choose from the following options:
  - Microsoft Office (free for UW-Madison students through Office 365 portal; for PC or Mac)
  - Google Docs (free cloud service; web browser-based)
  - OpenOffice (free download; for PC or Mac)

5. Review some guidelines for network etiquette, or "netiquette."

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