Technical Requirements

In order to communicate effectively with other students, faculty, and staff, applicants must have the following technical capabilities by the time class begins in February, 2010.

All students, attending or distance, must have:

• A computer with hi-speed Internet access (broadband strongly encouraged)
• A printer (all assignments must be typewritten)
• A personal email account (for privacy reasons, it is inappropriate to use the email of a friend or family member)
• Working knowledge of computers: especially the ability to access websites, download files, and send, receive and manage email.

Class recordings are distributed through digital files in the m4b audiobook format. Every month, students download the audiobooks to their computers for listening at their convenience. The m4b audiobook format can be played on a computer using iTunes as well as some portable digital audio devices such as recent generations of the iPod. The m4b audiobook format may be converted to mp3 or m4a audio formats for playback on other devices and systems.

Audiobook Technical Requirements

• A Multimedia-ready computer that is capable of displaying graphics, animation, audio and video. Almost all computers sold today have that capability.
• Broadband access to the Internet (Cable, Satellite or “DSL” or comparable) through an account with an Internet Service Provider “ISP”
• Ample available hard disc space to receive audio files (500MB minimum, 2 GB recommended)
• iTunes - Free software available for download from apple.com

* Please note - while other software packages might be able to play the m4b audiobook format, OSLA staff can offer technical support for the iTunes system only.

Audio on MP3-CD Alternative

• Students who live in rural areas and are unable to subscribe to broadband Internet access may elect to receive audio recordings in the MP3-CD format via Priority Mail for an additional fee of $95 per school year to cover manufacturing and shipping expenses. 
• Many CD-players, DVD players and most computers’ systems manufactured in the last ten years are able to play the MP3-CD format.
• With a computer, MP3 files may be transferred from CD to an MP3-player.
  

Next Page : How to Apply - More Information