Required Computer Skills

Required Computer Skills

Students in the School of Nursing are required to have a computer, printer, and certain minimum computer competencies. Minimum competency is defined as basic familiarity with computers (e.g., keyboarding, mouse use, CD ROMs), use of the Internet, e-mail, and word processing. Course assignments may require the use of spreadsheet, data management, or presentation software. The School of Nursing requires that all students have regular email and Internet access for communication and coursework. Many nursing courses are web-based or web-enhanced and use WebCT Vista.

Specific technology recommendations are as follows:

Hardware

Software

If your PC uses a Microsoft Windows Operating System, the Microsoft Office Small Business or Professional package is recommended. Do not buy Microsoft Works. If you use a Macintosh computer, Office 2004 is now available. Software is available to enrolled University of Minnesota students at a significant discount. See the University Computer Stores for further information: http://www1.umn.edu/ucs/Microsoft/AcadStudentSelect.php.

Ethernet Connection or an Internet Service Provider

A high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable is highly recommended. School of Nursing, students find that accessing the Internet with a dial-up modem is cumbersome at best. Student discounts on cable access may be available. See the U of M Techmart web site: http://www.techmart.umn.edu/HTML/connection/.

Wireless Internet Access

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus has widespread wireless Internet access. A wireless card is highly recommended. See http://www1.umn.edu/wireless/.

Consistent with the University policy, your university-assigned student email account (umn.edu account) is the official means of communication from the University and School of Nursing. Check your University-assigned account regularly. Failure to do so may result in missing information vital to your success in the nursing program. You can continue to access and use your e-mail account over the summer, even if you are away from campus. You can access your umn.edu email account through the Internet via www.mail.umn.edu. Even after graduation, if you use your umn.edu account it will remain active for at least five years.