The technology requirements for students to be able to complete this online law program successfully revolve around five things: High Speed Internet Connection, Computer Hardware, Software, Computer Skills, Legal Research Capability.
(A) High Speed Internet Connection: Although a “broadband connection” is not required, you will need access to at least ADSL or DSL connection, or other high speed connection. You will not be able to complete this program with only a dial-up connection because you will not be able to download and move around large files. In addition, please do not attempt to undertake this program with only a mobile phone, it may not be possible.
(B) Computer Hardware: You will need a computer with adequate storage capability to download and manipulate large text book files. The best test for whether your computer hardware is sufficient is that you should be able to run one or more of the latest versions of Web Browsers (Safari, Firefox, or Google Chrome). If you are able to run the latest browsers, then your hardware will be sufficient for downloading web applications, viewing video lectures, and the like.
(C) Software: Your available software should include one of more of the latest versions of a web browser. You will need PDF conversion software, which is many times included in various word processing applications. Because you must present and deliver all your work in PDF format (portable document format), you need to have software that can convert or save your work in pdf. You should be able to download video lectures, which many times can be done through a video downloader which may be offered as a web browser extension, or using such apps as ant.com, or RealPlayer Video Downloader. You should have some sort of image enhancer and manipulator. Many times you will need to add images to your reports or exams. Low quality images appear blurry when converted and submitted in pdf form. You will therefore need software that can sharpen, brighten, and otherwise enhance images for submission. Images less than 100KB rarely present well.
(D) Basic Computer Skills: You should have basic computer skill such as to send and receive email, prepare documents with a word processor, and be able to move around and manipulate large file types.
As has been stated many times in our materials, ONLY PDF files (.pdf portable document file) are acceptable for any material you transmit to the College. PDF files are the global standard for collaborating and for transmitting material over various computer platforms and browsers.
Large files: Over the course of the program, you will have occasion to send or download very large files. Large files can be a problem in that many email services limit file sizes to 10 MB, although the trend is toward larger attachment sizes. Proton Mail only allows 25MB, while Google Gmail permits up to 50MB. You as the student should understand the file size limitations of your email service, and think about how you would transmit large file sizes, or think about obtaining an email service that allows larger files.
File Names: When transferring any type of file, please pay careful attention to file names. It is always best that a file name be in all small letters with no spaces or punctuation. For example, “samplefilename.pdf” is better than “sample file name.pdf”, the latter one may be incapable of opening on some systems.
(E) Legal Research Capability: We know how expensive legal texts are and we try to eliminate that cost as best we can. Virtually every course will include the study materials for free, thereby eliminating this major cost of education, particularly for our international students. However, it is essential that be able to access the law. Most if not all law libraries are open to the public. Which means that “case law” may be available to you, as well as the laws and regulations for your local jurisdiction. In addition, most public library reference sections have some high quality legal sources, if not the more complete collections available in the local law school libraries. The ability to find the law online is also a great skill to have, and one that we will help you learn. The ability to find the law on a point is essential, and students are expected to do some legal research on various topics.
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Blue Marble University Law School 