UOW
Excellence - Innovation - Diversity
University of Wollongong
Site Search
Advanced Search  
eLearning @ UOW
Skip navigation
Technologies and Services
Being an eLearner@UOW
eLearning Guides
Examples of eLearning@UOW
How do I get connected?
 
 
 

eLearning Space Support

Compatible Browsers and Software

The University of Wollongong eLearning Space is driven by Blackboard Vista 4.1. This can be accessed from anywhere in the world using a web browser on a computer connected to the Internet. If you wish to access your eLearning Space from your own computer and/or from an off-campus location, you should first make sure you have a compatible browser and software. Click here now to check your browser compatibility.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Blackboard advise that the following browsers have been validated for use with this version:

  • Validated: These browsers have been tested extensively and have been validated for use with your eLearning Space.
  • Unsupported: These browsers are known to have significant issues in operation with your eLearning Space and are not supported.
  • Browsers not listed: Browsers not shown on this table have not been tested. They may or may not work. It is strongly recommended that you use a Validated browser.
Browsers for Windows
eLearning Space Version Browsers Browser Versions
Validated Unsupported
Vista 4.1 Microsoft IE 6 SP1; 6 SP2; 7
Netscape 7.2 8
AOL 9.0 --
Mozilla 1.7.x 1.5, 1.6
Firefox 1.0.x, 1.5.x, 2.0 (SP1 Hotfix 2) --

 

Browsers for Mac
eLearning Space Version Browsers Browser Versions
Validated Unsupported
Vista 4.1 Mozilla 1.7.x (OS X only) Browsers running under Mac OS9 and earlier; Firefox 1.5, Mozilla 1.5 and 1.6
Firefox 1.0.x (OS X only) --
Safari 1.2, 1.3, 2.x; and 2.x for Intel x86 platform

Java Versions

Typical java-related problems with your eLearning Space, include problems with or computer errors/crashes when trying to:

1. Upload or download files from the Vista File Manager
2. Attach documents to discussion postings or assignments
3. Use the html editor, equation editor or Chat/Whiteboard tool

Recommended solution
If you experience any of these issues, we recommend that you:

1. update to version 1.5.0_07 of java (Mac and PC)
2. turn off the ‘auto-update’ options so later versions of java won’t be installed without you knowing.

The only exception to this is for Staff Kronos users, as Kronos has particular Java requirements.

For staff users please call X3002 (Managed Desktop clients only) or your local IT support staff to arrange the upgrade.

Note: Blackboard advises that the following ranges of java are supported for use with eLearning Space (Vista 4):

  • 1.3.1 (Mac Only)
  • 1.4.2_x to 1.4.2_06 (Mac & PC)
  • 1.5.0_04 to 1.5.0_07 (Mac & PC)
However, due to the complexities of java and how it interacts with Browsers some users may still experience difficulties, hence the recommendation to move to 1.5.0_07 if you experience problems.

Additional Software for PCs

The following plug-ins may be necessary if movies and animations have been used as part of your online subject. Your lecturer will advise if these plug-ins are necessary.

  • PDF file reader such as Adobe Acrobat
  • Windows Media Player
  • Real Player
  • Quick Time
  • Shockwave
  • Flash Player

Links to the above plug-ins are available on the UOW Software Downloads page.

Important Settings - Summary

  • Enable Cookies & Popup Windows
  • Don't Cache webpages
  • Don't use a Download manager
  • Install a pdf file reader such as Acrobat Reader
  • Install Java (Mac users, run a Software Update)

For more detail on these settings, see Additional settings eLearning Space

Minimum Requirements

Windows PC:

Platform: Windows XP/Win 2000
CPU: Pentium 3
Memory: 256Mb RAM

Macintosh:

Platform: OS10.1 up
CPU: G3
Memory: 256Mb RAM

Technical Support

If you are having technical problems with the eLearning Space, or strange error messages that you can't decipher are being displayed:

 
   

Last reviewed: 15 April, 2008 

 
   
 
University of Wollongong
Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
UOW Switchboard: +61 2 4221 3555
Prospective Student Enquiries
Australia: 1300 367 869
International:  +61 2 4221 3218  

CRICOS Provider No: 00102E
Privacy, Disclaimer & Copyright Info
Feedback: webmasters@uow.edu.au