Getting the right browser setup and running is critical to your success with online coursework. Mozilla Firefox is the browser of choice and is at the top of our recommended list for Clark’s Moodle as it presents the fewest issues for our users. Firefox installs easily and comes setup for access to your online courses. You can still use another browser as your default choice for surfing, but to go to class, just fire up Firefox and access Moodle with that instead.
If your instructor requires you to use Internet Explorer for your class, you could use Internet Explorer 8 after clicking the “Compatibility View” button. By placing the IE 8 browser in compatibility mode you will force the browser to behave as an IE 7 version while working in Moodle. This is important so you can view all content, assignments, forum text boxes, etc. Moodle users have been reporting multiple incompatibility issues with Internet Explorer 9, so we are advising that users switch to Firefox instead.
You should also be aware that two other popular browsers, Safari and Chrome, are not recommended for use with our current version of Moodle. Users have reported multiple issues with forum editor tools, Wiris equation editor, display errors, and quizzes. Once again, Firefox for Windows or Mac should be the browser of choice. Click the Firefox logo above to download and install.
Clark’s online math courses have upgraded to the WIRIS Equation Editor for your use in forums in our Moodle joule. You’ll notice a yellow button in the forums text editor toolbar with a square root symbol on it. Clicking that button will bring up the WIRIS editor window where you can use the symbol and operator palettes to automatically create nice looking math expressions in your forum discussions. This makes taking an online math course at Clark much easier and more enjoyable. In fact, WIRIS is pretty fun to use, so play around with it if you like, and check out our 
One of the keys to success with Moodle is being aware of your server activity and session timeout. Whenever you log in, Moodle starts a session for you and tracks your time. After three hours of no server activity, Moodle will automatically logout for you and close the idle session. Server activity would consist of making requests of Moodle, such as clicking on an assignment or forum thread and saving or submitting your response in a forum or test, but not reading or typing. So even if you have been typing a long forum reply or essay, you could click to save and receive the dreaded sesskey (timeout) error and lose your work if you’re not careful.
Today’s learning is different from traditional face-to-face learning in many respects. Some individuals feel more comfortable learning in an online or web-enhanced environment than others. Are you a good fit for online or web-enhanced learning? Find out by completing the SmarterMeasure assessment. It will take you about 35 minutes from start to finish, but you can log out and complete it later if necessary. After you login, you will receive an email from SmarterMeasure with a PIN number that will allow you to log back in later or review your results.
If you’ve recently registered for classes and are trying to 