Parkland College

Make Sure You're Ready

Learn about online and hybrid courses
Learn about our online systems
Take the Self-Assessment Quiz
Test your browser
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All distance learning courses can be challenging, enriching and convenient, but they are not for everyone. They should not be seen as an easy way to earn credits. In fact, these learning environments require as much or more time and energy than traditional classroom learning.

Read the Computer Requirements section and then take the Self-Assessment Quiz to see how well-prepared you are for online learning.

Computer Requirements

Your computer should be able to run Firefox or Internet Explorer.

If your computer can run the latest version of Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer, it's powerful enough for a Parkland online course. If online streaming movie sites and interactive websites work correctly, then our courses will too.

Internet Connection

Broadband highly recommended, Dial-up is ok.

Parkland online courses often use video or other interactive material that is best viewed over a broadband Internet connection like DSL or Cable. However, you can complete most Parkland online courses with only a 56k dial-up modem connection.

Wireless Connections

We do not recommend using a wireless connection when taking a test online. Your signal can be lost during the test which could result in loss of data.

Web Browser

Firefox is highly recommended, Internet Explorer is fine.

A current version of Firefox is the best browser for the Angel system, although Internet Explorer 7 also works fine.

Browsers NOT to use:

• Safari
• Chrome
• Opera

These browsers seem fine, but a few key functions in Angel will not work correctly, including some that can affect your grade.

Browser Plug-ins

Flash, Java Runtime, Acrobat Reader, Quicktime, Real Player

You can download these and other free plug-in on our software downloads page.

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