Taking Online Courses

The Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center's programs are normally conducted online in a synchronous ("live") format that can be accessed via the Internet from any location students choose. Live audio lectures are delivered using VoIP technology. During the live class sessions, students view lecture slides while listening to a professor speak in real-time. Interactivity is encouraged and is made possible through chat and audio discussions. Similar to a traditional classroom, students can raise their hands simply by using interface icons and ask questions using a microphone or headset. The questions and the answers are heard by everyone logged into the class

A typical online course includes both synchronous lectures and asynchronous learning. Asynchronous sessions supplement topics discussed during live lectures and allow professors to administer timed practice examinations. For students unable to attend in real-time, sessions are recorded for later playback and review. Live attendance, although encouraged, is optional.

Students who successfully complete review programs but do not pass the exam can retake the program one additional time for free. (They are still responsible for any texts or other materials that may have changed, as well as the cost to retake the exam).

The online courses require access to a PC or laptop equipped with the following minimum requirements:

• Pentium III (350 MHz or more) with 128 MB RAM and 40 MB free space
• Microsoft 2000 or XP
• Internet Explorer 5.01 SP1+, 6.x +, Firefox 1.0+ or Netscape 7.2
• Internet connection with a 56K modem or broadband Internet connectivity such as DSL and cable modem service
• A full-duplex sound card (Sound Blaster-compatible) with microphone and speakers or a headset