For an optimal experience when participating in the MOOC, please follow these easy steps to set up your computer correctly.
Check your browser
You use a browser to visit webpages. There are many types of browsers (Internet Explorer is particularly common, as are Firefox, Chrome and Safari), and there are many settings within these that can affect the way the MOOC is displayed and behaves.
You can check whether the browser you're using right now is suitable for participating in the MOOC by visiting the System Check page. If you're not sure of which browser you're using, this page will help.
Important: We recommend that you use the following browsers for the best experience: the latest Firefox, the latest Chrome, or version 5.1 of Safari. Refer to the system requirements page for detailed information about which browsers are supported. (Note that this page refers to a system called MyLO, which is equivalent to the Understanding Dementia MOOC system.)
Tablets (such as iPads) and smartphones (such as iPhones) are not the ideal platform to undertake Understanding Dementia, although you certainly can still participate.
Ensure that JavaScript is enabled
JavaScript is used to make the MOOC interactive. If your system check reported that JavaScript is not enabled in your browser, then you need to set it up so that it is. How to enable it depends on the browser you are using.
Refer to these instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your web browser for assistance.
Ensure that cookies are enabled
Cookies are used by browsers to remember information for the next time you visit.
Again, the way to enable these depends on the browser you are using. If your system check reported that cookies were not enabled, please refer to these instructions to assist you in setting up.
Ensure that pop-ups are allowed
Some browsers feature the ability to block pop-ups, those (usually annoying) small windows that appear in front (and sometimes behind) your main window. For the MOOC, however, pop-ups are essential when you want to compose a discussion message.
The setting for allowing pop-ups in your browser depends, again, on which browser you're using. You can usually disable pop-up blockers for all sites, or for particular sites. Refer to these instructions for how to disable your pop-up blocker.
Ensure that you have a Flash plug-in installed
Flash is used by browsers to display video and animations.
You may not have an appropriate version of the Flash plug-in installed. There are detailed instructions for Windows users and for Mac users about how to download and install the relevant plug-in for your browser. Please take the time to read these instructions carefully if you want a rich, multimedia MOOC experience.
Flash is not supported on iPads and iPhones, however, we tested videos on an iPad2 and it played. We offer a link to YouTube and a text alternative in any case.
Ensure that your screen resolution is appropriate
There are many screen sizes, with many resolutions (how many pixels are squished into the space). It's not vital, but you may find using the MOOC easier if you can see the whole page on your screen.
Adjusting your screen's resolution depends on the operating system you are using (most commonly, a Windows or a Mac). There is plenty of help online about adjusting these settings, so feel free to Google a solution.
Java and rich text editors
Your system check would have reported whether or not your browser supports Java and rich text editing.
Java is used by the system to assist in creating mathematical equations. The good news is, you're not expected to do this.
Most modern browsers support rich text editing. If yours does, then you will be able to compose discussion posts with a what-you-see-is-what-you-get interface (as opposed to just text).