Is your system up to speed for the program?
You may be ready to start your online education, but before any classwork may begin an orientation and evaluation are required.
Prior to the start of the quarter, all first quarter online students must participate in a mandatory orientation with the Online Coordinator. This will consist of a synchronized meeting in GoTo Meeting format, possibly with video and audio components, during which the Online Coordinator will review school policies and procedures and navigation through the online environment.
The Online Coordinator will also review with each student the system requirements and appropriate settings for Internet Explorer before accessing Blackboard and their course site.
System Requirements:
Peripherals/Ports: Monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, and appropriate port required in order to operate Case CATalyst 12™ or higher. Serial port (built‐in or USB serial port adapter) required for most courses. Check course description.
Processor: 2GHz (equivalent) or higher processor
RAM: 2Gb RAM for Windows XP & Vista, 3 Gb for Windows 7 or better required for steno speedbuilding testing, virtual‐classroom, Performance eValuator, and Case CATalyst.
Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 (32‐Bit or 64‐Bit versions)
Sound: Sound card and speakers (headphones may be required in classroom or other venues)
Drive: CD‐ROM or DVD‐ROM drive
Hard Space Drive: Adequate drive space for downloads in selected courses (varies by course).
Browser: Java, Flash, and and cookies enabled Internet browser (Microsoft™
Internet Explorer 8.0 for Windows XP, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher for Vista or Windows 7).
Additional Required Browser Settings: http://stenograph.blackboard.com and http://theessentialpiece.com must be added as trusted sites. Pop‐up blockers must be disabled. “Active X” controls must be set to “enable.” Privacy section must be set to “Accept All Cookies.”
E-mail: Unique personal Gmail e‐mail address
Software: Windows word processor software such as Microsoft Word™ or WordPad™
Internet Connection: A high‐speed Internet connection is required for access to StenoU and Performance eValuator. A high‐speed connection is either a cable Internet or DSL connection. Networked systems must be programmed to allow access to third party applications, and must have ports 8080 & 8011 opened to use virtual classroom tools and receive streaming media. Certain firewall features are not compatible with platform access and must be disabled to allow student participation. Contact Stenograph technical support for more details.
Video: Video Graphics Accelerator Card
Writing Machine and CAT Software: Machine Shorthand and CAT students are required to have the following: a Wave, Protégé, élan Cybra or Stentura 400SRT, or comparable realtime‐capable writing machine (programmed with the SmartWriter Stentura software protocol). Student version Case CATalyst 12™ or higher. (Output to StenoKeys is required to input text directly into the virtual classroom, discussion boards, test, and Performance eValuator text areas.)
Other: Tape recorder and metronome may be required for shorthand theory training. Power cord and surge protector are needed for computer station. Voice Chat Plug‐in such as Yahoo Messenger or Skype is required for speedbuilding live readback and voice chat in Virtual Classroom areas. Sound recording software program such as Goldwave may be required by your teacher for readback file creation and must be purchased separately. Specific port configurations may be required if accessing course through local area networks, wireless networks, or other configurations.
While America Online (AOL) Internet connection service is acceptable, be advised that AOL and WebTV browsers are not supported and cannot be used to access courses. You should also have technical support from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) in place before beginning your online course of study. This support should include a toll free number you can call immediately should you have difficulties in connection, reception, or hardware/software operation.
Shorthand writing machines which do not have the Stentura/SmartWriter communications software protocol are not suitable.
Your Internet service should not time out, it should not allow pop-ups while you are in your course site, or prevent the receipt of audio, video, or streaming media.
The student’s local conditions may affect the quality of materials received, speed of downloads or transmissions, accessibility, and processing time. Prince Institute cannot guarantee the quality of the student’s transmission regardless of equipment used.
Technical Assistance
Your Online Coordinator is available Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST for technical assistance. If your issue is unable to be resolved at our campus, you may be directed to our Technical Support department. Please contact your Online Coordinator prior to contacting Technical Support.
Technical Support
For Writer, Case CATalyst, Connectivity, and StenoU (SUO) issues please call 800-323-4247, press 2 for tech support, then select your particular option. Please mention that you are a Prince Institute student when your tech assists you. You may also email stenou@stenograph.com. Fax at 630-279-2319.
Standard Hours Are Central Time
Case CATalyst: Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
CaseView II: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Writers: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.