Frequently Asked Questions
What are the computer requirements for KUMC
courses?
Will I need any other software to complete Web-based
courses?
How do I use a Web browser?
How do I navigate a course?
How do I get the textbooks?
How do I complete the assignments?
How do I access the journal articles/supplemental
readings?
How do I contact the instructor?
Where can I get technical support for the course?
What are the computer requirements for KUMC courses?
The requirements can be located at the KU School of Nursing web site. View the requirements.
Will I need any other software to complete the course?
Yes, you will need Adobe Acrobat and RealPlayer, plug-ins that work with Netscape and Internet Explorer. If you do not have these you can down load them by clicking below.
You may also download these from the KU Software Download site if you use KUMC On-line remote access as your Internet Service Provider. The Student Computing CD, available from the ITC/ERC, also contains all the software needed for distance education courses. The Student Computing CD is also available through the School of Nursing. Contact Kim Rock at 1-800-588-1696.
How do I use a Web browser?
Exploring the web can be a more satisfying experience if you know more about the features of your web browser. This information will focus on using the web browsers Netscape and Internet Explorer. Other browsers may or may not incorporate all of the same functions.
Tool Bars
Located across the top of a Web browser are tool bars. Toolbars contain options that help you navigate the Web.
Netscape Tool bars
Internet Explorer Tool bars
Frequently Used browser options include:
More information on these functions can be found in the Help menu of your browser.
The pages in a course will have hyperlinks to help you move about or navigate the site. The links will be in the same location throughout a course. Hyperlinks may be indicated by underlined text. You may visit a link as often as you like.
Some images may also contain links. The cursor changes from a pointer to a hand as you move the cursor over an image that has links.
The courses are layed out in a hierarchical manner. The home page is at the top of the hierarchy and less important, lower level pages at the bottom. The links will take you up and down the structure as well as across. See the Sample Course to explore course navigation.
You may order your books online at KU Med Books or visit the bookstore in person. The bookstore is located in the Orr-Major building on the KUMC campus. Bookstore address and phone number:
KU Med Books
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, KS 66160-7809
913-588-2537
How do I complete the assignments?
Written Assignments
It is recommended that you type any written assignment in a word processing program first and save the file on your computer. You may then copy and paste or attach the assignment per your instructors directions.
Threaded Discussion
Threaded discussions allow you to have asynchronous conversations with your classmates and instructor via the web.
Detailed information on how to log on to and use the threaded discussion can be found by reading the following:
Logging in to WebBoard | Using WebBoard
It is highly recommended that you read both of these before participating in the threaded discussion. It would also be helpful to print both of these to keep on hand as a quick reference.
As with the written papers, it is best to type your answers in a word processing program first and then copy and paste the responses into the threaded discussion.
How do I access journal articles/supplemental readings?
Journal articles and supplemental readings are password protected due to copyright law. What this means is, you must enter a user name and password to view the readings. The user name and password will be provided to you by your instructor.
The journal articles and supplemental readings are in PDF format. You must have Adobe Acrobat to view PDF files. More information about Adobe Acrobat can be seen above.
How do I contact the instructor?
You may contact the instructor by phone or email. If the instructor is not available to answer the phone you may leave a voice mail message.
Where can I get technical support for the course?
You can call the KUMC IT Customer Support Help Desk at 913-588-7995. This number is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Select option 1 from the menu.
A Network Specialist or Remote Access Specialist will take your call Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM through 11:30 PM. Calls outside of these hours will be taken by the Computer Room personnel. They will either resolve your problem or page the appropriate on-call technician.
You may also contact us 24 hours per day by sending an e-mail to helpdesk@kumc.edu. Your email will be answered during normal working hours.
When sending an email to the Customer Support Help Desk be sure to include the following: your name, your phone number, a detailed description of the problem, any error messages, and the date and time the problem occurred.