Technical Support

What are the technology and time requirements for students enrolled in ACCESS Virtual Learning Web-based Instruction (WBI) courses?

To participate in ACCESS Virtual Learning WBI courses, students must have regular and consistent access to a computer with reliable internet during the school day. This access should be for the length of a class period—at least 90 minutes per day for block courses and 55 minutes per day for traditional semester courses. Headphones with microphones are strongly recommended.

As with traditional face-to-face classes, some coursework may need to be completed at home. If a student does not have access to a home computer, they should inform their WBI teacher and consider using resources at their local public library.

What are the technology and time requirements for students enrolled in ACCESS Virtual Learning Interactive Videoconferencing (IVC) courses?

To participate in ACCESS Virtual Learning IVC courses, students must use the designated ACCESS IVC equipment. In addition, the course schedule must closely align with an available period in the student's class schedule. As with ACCESS WBI courses, students should be scheduled for a full class period—at least 90 minutes per day for block courses or 55 minutes per day for traditional semester courses.

To receive or send ACCESS Virtual Learning IVC courses, a school must have a virtual learning lab with videoconferencing equipment, the ability to connect to multiple sites, and adequate bandwidth to handle the transmissions. To receive an online course, students must have a computer and high-speed access to the Internet

What is the difference between WBI and IVC?

Online or Web-based courses are asynchronous (do not need to be taught in “real time”). They utilize a Website portal, multimedia content, and an instructor (e-teacher). Participating schools may offer these courses at any time during the normal school day. In these courses, students work individually at computers during the school day, and the e-teachers grade assignments, check emails, and send correspondence to students via technology at night. Students send their assignments to their teachers to be graded and communicate with their teachers via the ACCESS learning management system, email, telephone, videoconference, or Web conference. Schools must provide each student with a school-based, reliable, Internet-connected computer.

IVC courses are synchronous courses (taught at a designated time established by the sending school). These include real-time (two-way audio/two-way video) instruction and an Alabama-certified e-teacher. Students in these courses receive instruction (at a distance) from a teacher who is teaching the course to his or her face-to-face students. The IVC students are enrolled in the teacher’s class, but they receive instruction via technology. To participate, schools must provide access to an IVC-equipped, H.323 standard school lab and a reliable Internet-connected computer.

Web-Based Instruction Courses

To ensure a smooth and successful experience in ACCESS courses, devices should meet the following minimum technology requirements:

• ACCESS courses are compatible with a wide range of modern devices. However, for optimal performance and ease of use, students are strongly encouraged to complete their coursework using a desktop or laptop-style device, such as a Windows PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

• ACCESS supports the current versions of all major web browsers, including:

  • 1. • Microsoft Edge

       • Mozilla Firefox

       • Apple Safari

       • Google Chrome

Using an up-to-date browser will help ensure that all course features function correctly and securely.

Interactive Videoconferencing Courses

IVC courses utilize Zoom to host live courses. If you are having trouble joining or participating in a meeting, please check the following:

• Make sure your internet connection is functioning correctly

• Make sure your host computer is connected properly

  • • If using a computer connected to a screen or projector, check your connections to the device

    • If using a webcam, make sure it is connected properly

    • If using external speakers, make sure they are connected and powered on

• Check to ensure your computer and the Zoom application are both up to date

• Check with your IT support person to ensure the computer and other equipment are functioning properly

• If these tips do not solve the issue, visit the Zoom support page for more options.

• Ensure that you have the correct link and/or meeting code to join the meeting sent by the IVC teacher or regional support center

• Ensure that you are joining on the set day/time for the session sent by the IVC teacher or regional support center