Home Course Information General Information Community Technical Requirements Contact Us
Course Information Graduation Requirements Senior Project Testing Schedule
Community Tutoring Meet Our Students After High School Newsletter Calendar Vail High School
Contact Us Meet the Staff Tech Support Directions
General Information Mission FAQs Dress Code Get Started

Technical Requirements


Students need a computer, Internet access, and an e-mail address to complete courses through the Vail Distance Learning Program.


Technical Support

Technical Support for the Vail Distance Learning Program is available Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Call (602) 402-8451 directly or (800)826-3386 and ask for "distance learning".
Our Technical Support can assist with minor computer related issues, problems with the webpage, links, downloading information, on-line testing issues, email control issues, viruses, hacking, etc.
You may also e-mail Technical Support at support@mdlp.org

Computer Skills

Students should have a working knowledge of computers, basic word-processing skills and experience using the Internet.

Internet Service Provider (access to the Internet)

Students/parents are responsible for obtaining a computer and an Internet Service Provider to connect to the Internet. Public computers located in libraries are not good solutions for distance learning courses because students cannot load software and plugins to view movies, hands-on interactivities, quizzes, and tests. A computer in good working condition that meets the following requirements is required to take online distance learning courses.

Note: VDLP Technical support is limited to specific issues regarding our courses and website. Any issues arising from the use of ISPs or browsers not recommended by MDLP must be addressed by the student's Internet Service Provider. VDLP technical support is not able to provide support for user installed software that may cause compatibility issues.

Computer Requirements

Windows XP or Vista: Macintosh OSX (PowerPC or Intel):
Internet connection (Cable or DSL connection preferred) Internet connection (Cable or DSL connection preferred)
Monitor - 256 colors Monitor - 256 colors
CD ROM CD ROM
512mb RAM 512mb RAM
Internet Explorer 7 Browser Safari Browser
Current system updates installed Current system updates installed
QuickTime 7 for Windows QuickTime 7 for Macintosh
Word Processing software such as Microsoft Word or ThinkFree Office Word Processing software such as Microsoft Word or ThinkFree Office
MDLP installation CD to install web player and additional software MDLP installation CD to install web player and additional software


Please be aware that using AOL and MSN browsers will cause problems with distance learning quizzes, tests. If you use AOL or MSN to access the Internet, please minimize the AOL or MSN browser then open the Internet Explorer (Windows) browser or the Safari (Macintosh) browser for distance learning courses. AOL users need to allow the MDLP website in order to receive email communication from us.

Software Requirements

A CD that contains the plugins and software needed to for our courses is provided when you register. Please read and follow the instructions, then install the necessary software from the installation CD before beginning your coursework. Download the instructions for the installation CD here.

If you no longer have the installation CD, you may download the necessary software below. (If you are using dial-up (56 kps) to connect to the Internet, contact our office for an installation CD. Trying to download the web player from the Internet when using a dial up connection, may cause the download to quit before the installation is complete.)

Necessary Software

Windows - the default Microsoft Internet Explorer browser is recommended for Windows computers. Click on the link for information about using Mozilla's Firefox browser on a Windows computer.

Macintosh - the default Safari browser is recommended for Macintosh computers.

Authorware Web Player and plugins
(needed to access quizzes, tests, and interactivities)

Windows

Windows Vista Operating System - Click here before installing plugins on a Vista computer.

Windows XP - Click on the link below to install Authorware web player.
Run 'Diagnostic' page to install web player and plugins for all Windows computers

Macintosh OSX (Check processor in 'About This Mac')

Intel-based Macintosh OSX - Click here before installing the web player and plugins.
Follow the instructions for Intel-based Macintosh computers.

  1. Check Rosetta mode in Safari.
  2. Download and install web player for Macintosh
  3. Open Safari and uncheck 'Block Pop-Up Windows.'
  4. Run 'Diagnostic' page to install additional plugins required for all Macintosh computers

Macintosh OSX (Power PC) - Click here for detailed instructions

  1. Download and install web player for Macintosh
  2. Open Safari and uncheck 'Block Pop-Up Windows.'
  3. Run 'Diagnostic' page to install additional plugins required for all Macintosh computers
All Macintosh users should read the 'Mac Tips' page before beginning distance learning courses.

QuickTime Player
(download to view online movies)

QuickTime (7.0) for Windows 2000, XP, and above

QuickTime for Macintosh (10.3.9 or later)

QuickTime Player for Macintosh (10.2.8 to 10.3.9)

Additional Software

Adaware
(free antispyware software by Lavasoft) Scroll to the bottom of the page for the free download

Picasa
(free photo editing software from Google)