Online skills and computer requirements
Massey University is committed to exploiting the potential of the internet and new digital media to enhance the learning experience. However, we know that many of our students feel anxious about their level of computer and online skills when they think about study through Massey University by distance learning.
The following list helps to indicate the basic skills and requirements expected of our distance students when the programme of study is supported by online learning.
- Online technical skills
- Online equipment requirements
- Commonly used applications
- Important considerations
Online technical skills
- Know the procedures for accessing the Internet through your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Know how to operate the basic search and navigation features of a Web browser
- Know how to use e-mail to send and receive messages and attachments
- Know how to download and open PDF documents
- Know how to store and retrieve electronic documents for future use
- Be comfortable reading and contributing to online discussion groups
- Be comfortable writing papers using a word processing application
- Be comfortable using your computer with several windows open at the same time
Back to topOnline equipment requirements
Minimum specifications
- Your own Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other means to access the Internet
- A modem that can maintain a connection speed of 56.6bits per second* or higher (see note below)
- A computer installed with Microsoft Windows XP or later, or
- A Macintosh with OS 10.3 or later
- A CD ROM with at least 48X speed (optional)
- A source to print course documents (optional, but recommended)
- A sound card and speakers (PC only)
Recommended specifications
- Intel Core i3 2.8 GHz Processor
- 250 Gigabyte hard drive
- 2 Gigabytes of RAM
- DVD-ROM/Writer Optical drive
- 56 Kbps modem*
- Sound card and speakers
- 19-inch SVGA colour LCD monitor
- Windows XP (or later)
- printer
Mac/Apple
- Most new Mac computers would meet these requirements, however, please confirm with the retail agent before purchasing.
*Internet speed: Please note that this is a minimum for papers with an online component. If the paper you are enrolled in has a "Required" component, you may need a faster speed. You should check with your paper coordinator to identify the type of activities you will be expected to complete. A broadband connection, if broadband is available in your
area, will give you the fastest access.
Commonly used applications
- An internet browser such as Firefox 3.6, Internet Explorer 8.0
- An e-mail programme like Microsoft's Outlook, Entourage, or Gmail
- A word processing application like Microsoft Word or Open Office
- Adobe's free Adobe Reader
- Presentation software like PowerPoint or Keynote (optional, but recommended)
- Video playing software like Quicktime, Media Player or Adobe Flash Player
Important considerations
Some papers make use of PC-only software. You should take this into account if you are planning to purchase an Apple Macintosh computer. Apple retailers can offer advice on Mac/PC compatibility.
If you need further advice on the computing requirements for a particular paper please contact the relevant department or paper coordinator. If you want more general guidance on computers in distance learning, contact the Online Teaching Support Consultant by phoning 0800 MASSEY or e-mail contact@massey.ac.nz.
