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How do I download and install ProDoc?

Posted by Eric Happe on Fri, May 31, 2013 @ 11:00 PM
 

Students at Center for Advanced Legal Studies can download and install ProDoc to their personal Windows based computer.  The instructions for this process are provided within the PDF file provided below.  Follow these instructions very carefully or you may experience difficulties with the installation.

Please DO NOT contact ProDoc directly if you experience problems with your installation.  Please come by our offices for assistance or open a trouble ticket at http://support.paralegal.edu.

Thank you.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you have previously installed ProDoc you will need to download and extract (unzip) the new installation files that are associated with the new registration key by following the link in Step 1 of the instructions.  You can't just enter in the new registration code.  You do not need to uninstall the previous version of ProDoc. 

Please note:  the installation files will be extracted to a folder on your C:\ drive during installation.

ProDoc Summer 2013 download link and installation key code

Step-by-step installation instructions

Core Certification Student Manual - Texas

 

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How do I get my computer ready for online paralegal classes?

Posted by Eric Happe on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 @ 12:42 AM
 
online paralegal classes

Online courses offered at Center for Advanced Legal Studies utilize two leading course management platforms; Blackboard Learn 9.1 and Blackboard Collaborate.

These technologies require an initial configuration of your computer to work properly.  Since these courses are presented in a live interactive format, participants are required to have a webcam and microphone, with a headset being preferred.

Follow these steps to configure your Windows based computer.  (If using a company or corporate computer, it is recommended you seek the assistance of your local IT professional)

  • Launch Firefox (preferred) or another compatible Internet browser.

  • Install the latest version of Java

  • Access Blackboard at http://distance.paralegal.edu

  • Log into Blackboard

    • Your username is your last name followed by the last 4 digits of your SSN in lower case with no spaces, i.e. Steve Sample's username would be sample1234 if his SSN was xxx-xx-1234

    • Your initial password is the last 4 digits of your SSN.  You will want to change your password after logging into Blackboard by selecting 'Personal Information' from the 'Tools' area of the 'My Organization' page in Blackboard.

  • Blackboard sometimes uses small browser windows to deliver requested content. Some pop-up blockers incorrectly interpret these small windows as pop-ups and block them. If you have installed a pop-up blocker in your Internet browser, turn it off while using Blackboard, or allow pop-ups for this site.

  • After logging into Blackboard you will see your courses listed in the 'My Courses' area of your 'My Organization' page.  Click the title of the course to enter.  Initially, you may only see a course titled Online Orientation.

  • Once you have entered the Online Orientation course you will see a link to a Bb Collaborate session.  This session will not be available until 1 hour prior to your scheduled Online Orientation (generally 7:00PM Thursday prior to your first day of class)

  • You will also see two folders: System Requirements and Configuration and Internet Connection Speed and Quality Tests.  Please review the content of these folder thoroughly prior to your Online Orientation. They contain information to help you test your Internet connection and configure your computer and Internet browser.

If you have any questions or run into any difficulties, please reply to the email you received from the Director of Distance Education for assistance.  We look forward to meeting you in Orientation and working with you during your time at the Center.

 

 

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How can I test the quality of my Internet connection?

Posted by Eric Happe on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 @ 01:00 AM
 
The better your Internet connection, the better your experience will be using Blackboard Learn and other online resources such as Blackboard Collaborate.  The opposite is also true.  If your Internet connection is slow and/or has poor line quality, your experience will be diminished or certain features will fail to run.
 
online paralegal classes
The following tools can help determine the speed quality of your Internet connection.
www.speedtest.net 
(measures Internet connection speed)
www.pingtest.net 
(measures Internet connection quality)

Most features of Blackboard only require a 'fast' (broadband) Internet connection, which means the test should indicate your download/upload speed to be at least 4Mbs/1Mbs.
 
Please be aware that cellular or satellite based Internet services do not generally meet these requirements.  Also, wireless Internet connections are often of poorer quality that hard wired connections.
 
Blackboard Collaborate (used in Online Interactive Instruction sessions) requires not only a fast Internet connection, but also very good line quality.  The line quality, ping, jitter and packet loss results reflected in the www.pingtest.net test can help determine the quality of your Internet connection.  If your line quality is poor, you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to get the issue resolved.
 
 
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How can I troubleshoot problems with my Windows computer?

Posted by Eric Happe on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 @ 12:00 AM
 

In order to access Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate and other resources at Center for Advanced Legal Studies, your computer must be configured correctly and in good working condition.  Also, your Internet connection must be fast, stable and reliable.  If you are experiencing difficulties connecting to Blackboard Learn or Blackboard Collaborate, or are experiencing problems accessing content, the following are some of the troubleshooting procedures we use to correct common issues.

  1. Make sure you are using a supported Internet browser.  We recommend Mozilla Firefox, but other browsers are supported.  Google Chrome is an option, but our courses do not go through rigorous Google Chrome testing.  Please see Blackboard Learn SP 11 Supported Browsers
  2. Make sure your Windows Operating System is up-to-date and patched with the latest service packs and updates. Please see Windows Update
  3. Update your anti-virus application's virus signatures and run a complete scan of your computer. Also, be sure that you are only running one real-time anti-virus application.  Running more than one can lead to problems.
  4. If you do not have anti-virus software installed on your computer, you can download Microsoft Security Essentials for free and it is effective.
  5. If you suspect your computer might be infected with malware, we suggest Malwarebytes which is also free and very effective.
  6. Another great utility to try, especially after removing malware from your computer, is CCleaner. We usually also run the registry cleaner which is included.

Following these steps will usually resolve most common problems.  If you still experience problems with computer, we suggest you have it services by a computer professional.

 

 

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Best practices for taking online quizzes in Blackboard Learn.

Posted by Eric Happe on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 @ 12:05 AM
 
Before Taking an Online Test:

1.  Use only supported browser versions when taking online tests. Supported browsers are listed on the Center's Blackboard login page under system announcements. Please see the following link for more details. Blackboard Learn SP11 Supported Internet Browsers

2.  Before starting an online test, close all other software programs on your computer, including the browser that you plan to use to take the test. Re-start your browser and log in first to Blackboard without logging into any other sites. This will help identify your test session in the system logs if you encounter technical issues.
 
3.  Disable all pop-up blockers. For detailed instructions, “Google” for help.  i.e., Google “disable pop-up blocker Internet Explorer”
 
4.   It is preferable to use a hardwired connection rather than your wireless connection to the internet to take an online test. Make sure that when you connect your network cable to your computer you also disable the wireless receiver so that it does not override or interfere with the wired connection.
 
5.  If your computer is connected to the Internet through an ISP cable modem that is shared among a number of users (such as at an apartment complex), you will likely experience problems with online tests. Questions may be slow to display and your connection may be lost briefly, which will cut off your test session. You should try to find a computer for your online tests that is on a more stable connection.
 
6.  Make sure you do not have more than one browser window opened to Blackboard; this can cause problems submitting your exam.
 
7.  Make sure your computer is up-to-date on Windows patches and that it is virus and spyware free. If you are not sure of the reliability of your PC or are having problems, please see How can I troubleshoot problems with my Windows computer?
 
8.   Know your mouse skills: Double-clicking may cause Blackboard to think you are trying to access the test twice.  Do not use the scroll wheel on your mouse while taking the exam. Using the scroll wheel might change your answer.
 
9.   Do not use the back, forward, delete keys or refresh buttons during the test.  Blackboard interprets this as an attempt to leave the test, potentially with unsaved answers. This results in a warning that you have not submitted the test. It may kick you out of the test and depending on the test settings, you may not be able to get back in to finish.
 
10. Blackboard Outages: Please be mindful (and wary) of taking the exams at times that are susceptible to Blackboard outages. Scheduled outages are posted on the Blackboard login page.
 
11. The Center also recommends clearing the cache on your computer before starting a test to mitigate potential problems. Please see http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser%27s-Cache for information on clearing your Internet cache and/or temporary files.
 
12. Do not wait until last minute to take exams!  Technical Support will not reset an exam after its due date.
 
If you do experience technical difficulties during an exam please open a trouble ticket by following this link.  http://support.paralegal.edu  You will need to create a username and password; this will allow you to track your issue to its resolution.
 
13. Timed Exams: There is sometimes confusion with the wording within Blackboard prior to starting a timed exam. Please bear in mind that when you begin a timed exam, the timer starts running.  You are allowed to leave the exam and return, but the timer does not stop running.  When you start the test, plan accordingly to be able to complete it in one seating.
 
14. If your instructor provided a self test/practice test, take it!
 
 

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Quick tips for online testing in Blackboard Learn!

Posted by Eric Happe on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 @ 12:04 AM
 
  • Know ahead of time the deadline and the timeline of the exam you need to follow.
  • Designate a time to take exams and try to avoid all interruptions.
  • Read all test instructions carefully before starting your exams!
  • When you start the test, plan accordingly to be able to complete it in one seating.
  • Do not have multiple browser windows or tabs open when taking the exam.
  • Do not browse away from the exam once you have opened it.
  • Unless it is necessary for test taking, close all other applications when taking the exam.
  • Single-click when selecting your answers, don't double-click
  • Avoid using the back, forward, delete keys or refresh buttons during the test.
  • Do not use scroll wheel.
  • Click “Save” on each question answered.
  • Do not repeatedly click the save button when the “saving” notification is showing and active. This may result in being locked out of the exam. Do not wander away from your computer, or allow the computer to go to screensaver, sleep, or standby when taking the exam.
  • Know the “time out” period for your computer, and manipulate the mouse or the keyboard to avoid exceeding that time limit.
  • Be absolutely sure to click “Save and Submit”, then “OK” to submit the test for grading.
  • Ensure that you see a response from Blackboard that your test was successfully submitted

 

 

 

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How do I print to the library printer? (campus-based students only)

Posted by Eric Happe on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 @ 12:00 AM
 
Students can print to the HP LaserJet 4200 located in the law library.  If you are running Windows 7 or Windows XP follow the following steps:
 
Windows 7
  1. Make sure you are connected to the Center's Wireless network.  This will not work if you are using a laptop connect card from Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc.
  2. Click the start button
  3. Click ‘Control Panel’
  4. Go to Hardware and Sound
  5. Click ‘View devices and printers’
  6. Click ‘Add a Printer’ You should see ‘What type of printer do you want to install?’
  7. Select ‘Add a local printer’
  8. Select Create a new port and from the drop down box select Standard TCP/IP Port
  9. Click Next for the ‘Type a printer hostname or IP address’ page to load
  10. Key in the Library Printer Hostname or IP address as 192.168.1.58
  11. Click next
  12. Which version of the driver do you want to use? Select ‘Use the driver that is currently installed (recommended)’
  13. Add – Library to the name of the printer to distinguish it from your local printers
  14. Click next
  15. Select ‘Do not share this printer’
  16. Click Next
  17. Do NOT select ‘Set as the default printer’
  18. Click Finish to complete
Windows XP
  1. Make sure you are connected to the Center's Wireless network.  This will not work if you are using a laptop connect card from Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc.
  2. Click the start button
  3. Click 'Printers and Faxes'
  4. Click 'Add a Printer'.  You should see the 'Welcome to the Add Printer Wizard'
  5. Click Next
  6. Select Local Printer and deselect 'Automatically detect and install...'
  7. You must install the Library Printer on a TCP/IP port
  8. Select Create new port and from the drop down box select Standard TCP/IP Port
  9. Click next on the following screen to continue
  10. Key in the Library Printer address as 192.168.1.58
  11. Click next and next again to assign Parallel 1 as the Device Port
  12. Click next to complete the TCP/IP Port setup Wizard
  13. Install the printer drive for the Library Printer.  Select either
    • HP LaserJet 4100 Series PCL
    • HP LaserJet 4200 Series PCL
  14. Click next to continue
  15. Add - Library to the name of the printer to distinguish it from your local printers
  16. Chose 'NO' when asked if you want to use the printer as your default printer.
  17. Click Next to continue
  18. Click Finish to complete

 

 

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What are the minimum computer/laptop requirements for students?

Posted by Eric Happe on Sun, Apr 07, 2013 @ 01:00 AM
 
All students entering the Center for Advanced Legal Studies morning program are required to have their own laptop. Students taking classes online may opt for a laptop or desktop computer.  Both laptops and desktops should meet or exceed certain minimum requirements as listed below.

 

Configuration item
Minimum specifications
Computer Type
Windows 7 or 8 based laptop or notebook
(netbooks not recommended)
Mac users must have access to a Windows based PC to run certain proprietary applications
Screen Size
13.3"
Native Screen Resolution
1024 x 768
Processor Speed
1.6 GHz
Minimum RAM
2 GB
Minimum Hard Disk Size
120 GB
Minimum Battery Life
4 hours
Ethernet
10/100/1000 Integrated
Wireless
802.11 a/b/g/n (N preferred)
Optical Drive
DVD/CD-RW
Sound
Integrated, with speakers, earphone and mic jack
USB slots
Two (2) - powered
Video Graphic Card
Discrete graphics preferred but not required
Modem
Not Required
Webcam
Required (Integrated preferred)
  

 

Minimum software requirements  
Operating system:
   Windows 7 or 8, Mac OS (see note above)
Windows XP and Windows Vista are not recommended.
Microsoft Office:
   Provided to all incoming students
Security software:
   Internet firewall / antivirus / anti-malware with active subscription to updates

 

Internet Connection Requirements 
Broadband Internet at 768 kb/sec is the minimum recommended. Most subscribers to telecom DSL or cable company Internet service should meet or exceed this requirement.
Cellular Internet (Verizon, Clear, etc.) and satellite service can suffice for limited use but aren’t recommended as a primary connections.

You can test your current Internet speed and quality by following the recommendations found at How can I test the quality of my Internet connection?
 
Note:  wired connections (RJ45) to the router are preferred to wireless connections.
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What if I have a Macintosh computer?

Posted by Eric Happe on Sat, Apr 06, 2013 @ 01:00 AM
 
Since many law related software products are available only for the Windows platform, students at Center for Advanced Legal Studies must have access to a Windows based computer.  ProDoc is an example of such software.
 
Advanced Macintosh users may be able to run certain Windows based software using software solutions.  Please see How do I run Windows or Windows applications on a Mac?
 
Center for Advanced Legal Studies offers no technical support for these solutions and recommends that all students maintain ready access to a Windows based computer. 

Our recommendation for students desiring to purchase a new computer for the purpose of attending the Center is to purchase a Windows 7 or 8 laptop as described at What are the minimum laptop/computer requirements for students?
 
 
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How do I run Windows or Windows applications on a Mac?

Posted by Eric Happe on Fri, Apr 05, 2013 @ 12:00 AM
 

Center for Advanced Legal Studies does not recommend these options as a solution to running Windows based software such as ProDoc.  The Center's official recommendation is that all students own or have access to a Windows based computer or laptop as described in What are the minimum laptop/computer requirements for students?

Students who wish to investigate these options may find the following information helpful.

On a Macintosh computer, users can install software that allows them to run Windows and Windows applications.

Newer Macintosh computers utilize Intel processors and are able to run Windows and Windows applications faster and more easily than older Macs. 

Several methods are available for running Windows on Intel Macs. To dual-boot between Mac OS X and Windows, you can use Apple's Boot Camp. This approach provides the most compatibility with Windows software and peripherals, but it does not allow users to run Windows and Mac OS X applications at the same time.

A second method is to run Windows in a virtual machine within OS X. Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox use this method, and although they don't support as much Windows functionality as a dual-boot configuration, they allow you to run Mac and Windows applications concurrently.

Center for Advanced Legal Studies offers no technical support for these solutions and recommends that all students maintain ready access to a Windows based computer.

 

 


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