e-Learning Support Services

E-Learning System

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E-Learning is the centrally supported course management system at UF. E-Learning provides instructors and teaching assistants with several tools to facilitate teaching and learning.

New instructors or teaching assistants looking to put their course on E-Learning can request an account here.

E-Learning at UF: An Introduction for Students

What is the E-Learning system?

Originally developed by WebCT and now known as the Blackboard Learning System Vista Enterprise License, the E-Learning system is a course management system: a collection of online tools to support teaching and learning. To learn how to do common tasks that your instructors may require of you in the system, click the Student Demos link above.

What hardware and software are required to use the E-Learning system?

You must have a computer with Internet access and a supported web browser. Supported browsers include: Microsoft IE 6.0+, Netscape 7.0+, and Mozilla 1.6+. Browser settings must be configured to allow cookies, Java, and Javascript. Likewise, browser security settings should not be higher than “medium”. You must also have Sun Java on your computer (Apple on Macs); Microsoft Java will not work properly.

To check whether or not you have a supported browser and if your browser settings are properly configured, use the Browser Tune-up link on the left. To check your version of Java, navigate to the LSS home page and look for the Java Checker in the upper portion of the page. If updating is needed, follow the instructions below the checker. Likewise, a UF Computing HelpDesk consultant (see below) can assist you making sure your computer and browser are ready for Vista.

Depending on the course, you may also need additional software to view materials posted in the course (e.g. Acrobat Reader, PowerPoint, etc.). Occasionally, an instructor may require a class to use specific software which must be purchased; much like buying a book for a class.

Note: The following software plug-ins are available as free downloads. Plug-ins are software programs that add functionality to your web browser (e.g., run movies or view animations) or allow you to view special content (e.g., view PowerPoint or Word files). Your courses may require any or all of the software listed below. Check with your instructor for additional software requirements within your courses.

Click on the icons in the table below to download the corresponding plug-in. Follow the download instructions provided on that web site.

Adobe Reader

Get Adobe Reader Instructions can be found on the Adobe web page.

Adobe Reader allows you to view, search, and print documents saved as PDFs (Portable Document Format). [.pdf]

Macromedia Flash

Get Flash Player Click the "Install Now" button on their web page.

The Flash Player allows you to view content, such as graphics and animations, created with the Adobe Flash software. [.swf]

RealPlayer

Get RealPlayer Click the "Download Free RealPlayer" link on their web page.

RealPlayer allows you to view streaming content, such as audio, video, animations, and media presentations, created with the RealMedia software. [.rm .ra .ram .avi .aif .mpg .mp3 .wav]

Apple QuickTime

Get QuickTime Player After selecting your operating system, click the "Download Quicktime" button on their web page.

QuickTime allows you to view content, such as audio, video, animations, and panoramas, created with the Apple QuickTime software. [.mov .avi .aif .mpg .mp3 .wav]

Windows Media Player

Get Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player allows you to view content, such as audio and video created using Windows Media software. [.wmp .wma .asf .asx .avi .aif .mpg .mp3 .wav]

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer

Get Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer Click the "Download" button.

If you don't have the full Microsoft PowerPoint or Office application installed on your computer, you can view and print PowerPoint slides and presentations with this viewer. [.ppt .pps]

Microsoft Word Viewer

Get Microsoft Word Viewer Click the "Download" button.

If you don't have the full Microsoft Word or Office application installed on your computer, you can view, print, and copy/paste text from Word documents with this viewer. [.doc]

Microsoft Excel Viewer

Get Microsoft Excel Viewer Click the "Download" button.

If you don't have the full Microsoft Excel or Office application installed on your computer, you can view and print Excel spreadsheets with this viewer. [.xls]

How do I login to the E-Learning system?

Assuming that you are enrolled in a course using the system, you can login by using the form fields located to the left or, if you are already logged in for this browser session, by clicking the linked provided to enter the system.

Are pop-up blockers a problem with the E-Learning system?

The E-Learning system utilizes pop-up windows; so pop-up blockers can be a problem. As a result, if you plan to use a pop-up blocker on your computer, you must learn to override popup blocking or disable the popup blocker while using the system. Note that a pop-up blocker is automatically included in Windows XP SP2. You can find more information about pop-up blockers and the E-Learning system here.

How do I get support if I run into a problem?

First check with your instructor to make sure you are registered for and listed in the online course. Then contact the UF Computing HelpDesk: HUB, 352-392-4357, helpdesk@ufl.edu.

If you get a message that the server is unavailable, first check this web site for notices of service outages. If there are no outage notices and it is M-F, 8-5 contact the UF Computing HelpDesk to report the problem. If it is after hours or on the weekend, contact Computing and Networking Services at 392-2291 or click here to report a problem.