Some common problems can be dealt with before they appear. Having the correct software and settings can go a long way in helping make a smooth semester. The following is a list of helpful activities with instructions for common supported browsers.
Check the Technical Requirements
To make sure your system will be compatible with SAGU Online Learning, please visit our Technology Requirements page.
Install the Java Plug-in
The Java Runtime Environment is a browser plug-in used in many Blackboard features. It can be downloaded at www.java.com and installed with the instructions given by the program.
Allow Pop-ups from SAGU sites
Internet Explorer
Open the Tools menu and choose Internet Options from the list. Now click on the Privacy tab. Here, look for the Pop-up Blocker section. Click on the Settings button, then type *.sagu.edu in the box next to Add. Click Add , and you shouldn’t have any pop-ups blocked from SAGU sites.
Chrome
Click the “wrench” button in the top-right corner of the window. Next, select the Options item in that list. On the left of the Options page is an Under the Hood link, which will bring up a list containing the Privacy heading. Click the Content Settings button, then the Manage Exceptions button under the Pop-ups heading. On that page, type *.sagu.edu into the box and click the Allow button.
Firefox
Click the Firefox button in the top-left corner of the browser window. Select the Options menu , then the Options item on that menu. On the Options screen that comes up, click the Content button, then the Exceptions button that lines up with the “Block pop-up windows” option. Enter *.sagu.edu into the Address bar and click the Allow button.
Safari
Safari does not have a pop-up exceptions menu.
Disabling Toolbars
Many users find that they have installed third-party toolbars to their browsers in the course of their internet use. Some of these toolbars add security settings, pop-up blockers, and other programming that can interfere with online courses. Examples include the Alot, Yahoo, and AOL toolbars, but there are too many available to give a definitive list. Most can be removed by right-clicking the toolbar area and unchecking the added toolbar. If you believe you have a toolbar added to your browser and cannot remove it, the SDE Tech Support group may be able to help. You can submit a ticket and we will research the toolbar and how to remove it.
Download other programs:
- Microsoft Silverlight – This program is needed for Mac users when watching Tegrity lectures and helpful for other systems.
- iTunes – iTunes is required to get podcasts for lectures.
- Adobe Reader – This program is needed to access some instructional material.
- Respondus LockDown Browser – This program is a separate browser from Internet Explorer or Safari that makes online tests more secure. Some instructors require this browser for quizzes and tests.
- For Firefox only – Download and install the Windows Media Player plug-in .
Change Security Settings (Internet Explorer only)
In Internet Explorer, open the Tools menu and select Internet Options from the list. On the Internet Options screen, click the Security tab , then the Trusted Sites icon (the green circle with the check mark). Click on the Sites button underneath it. Make sure the box next to ” Require server verification …” is not checked. Then enter *.sagu.edu in the write-in box. Click Add , then enter *.tegr.it and click Add again. Click OK to exit that screen. Next, click on the Custom Level button. On this screen, set your Security level to Medium-Low .
