What kind of computer equipment do I need to be an online student?

Many students find that the computer they have will work just fine for their online learning experience. Check minimum technology requirements to be sure that your current system will be sufficient. Contact the Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns.

How much technical knowledge and skill do I need to take an online course? 

To participate in an Missouri State online course, you need to have basic computer knowledge. This would include using your e-mail or bearmail, saving and retrieving files, using a word-processing program such as Microsoft Word, and being able to use the internet. You will also need:

• Access to computer equipment, on a regular basis, for your course work.
• An Internet connection
• An Internet web browser that is compatible with the Blackboard Course Management System. 
• A Missouri State University Computer account with a Personal ID and private PIN or M number.
• Access to a telephone, TV/VCR/DVD, and audiotape player
• You will need a phone if your internet provider uses dial-up access for the Missouri State University network connection.
• Not all online courses will require a TV/VCR/DVD or audiotape equipment.

Before your class begins, please check with the instructor of your online course to ascertain the appropriate technology resources within the course materials. 

Is there technical computer support and training available?

It's frustrating when you have a question and can only get a recorded message. That's why Missouri State Online provides a trained staff with whom you can speak about your education. See our Help Desk for information regarding how and when you can reach us. Missouri State Online has a technical staff devoted solely to helping every student resolve his or her computer problems and become proficient technology users. Missouri State Online Help Desk services provides:

• Help Desk staff to answer your technology questions by phone: (417) 836-6119
• email at msonlinehd@missouristate.edu
• FAX: (417) 836-6494
• Hours
  Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Monday - Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (on-call)
  Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Missouri State Online Help Desk staff will be available to provide assistance during the hours posted above. Requests that come in after hours and during "on call" hours, will be forwarded to an answering service and then handled by the help desk staff the next business day.

• Access to University websites and resources

If Help Desk staff are unable to provide an answer or resolve a technical service, they will point you to a resource that can. 

Can I get help learning to use my course websites (electronic classroom?)

Missouri State Online and Blackboard support staff continually update and expand instruction in navigating course websites, including:

• Blackboard training classes through the Instructional Technology Center

• Professional development opportunities to assist faculty and staff

The University maintains a devoted staff, and resources on the web, devoted solely to helping online learning students navigate and resolve course websites and resolve technology problems.

How will I access the University’s online resources?

After you have been accepted as a student, you will need to go through orientation in order to receive your ID and M number. You can then register for your University computing / email account.  The Computer Account Management System (CAMS) account provides access to all online resources and websites available to students, including:

• E-mail
• Research (e.g., access to hundreds of databases and many online journals)
• Personal web pages
• Courses
• Administrative announcements

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