Server Software for Your Online Course

LInC Course Requirements

To run an online LInC course you will need the following server software or access to similar services.  It is critical to have assynchronous and synchronous communication tools, the ability for instructors and participants to post and download files, and a place to post web pages.  Many school districts already have these services available and they may be available for your use.  There are also many free services available on the web.  You will need to determine just what is the best option for you at the current time.

Keep in mind that the "cost" of free services may be the limited customization, the ever present ads, or the limited privacy and security. 

Whatever you choose to do make sure that the tool is both user friendly and relaible.  If the tool is unreliable or confusing don't be surprised to see participants drop out.

  1. Web Server
    • directory for Web pages for your course (home page, assignment sheet, chat/meeting schedule, chat logs, . . .) that facilitators have permissions to add to and modify at any time
    • directory for project Web pages for your participants that participants and facilitators have permissions to add to and modify at any time
    • about 10M disk space for Web pages for your course
    • about 2M disk space per participant for projects
    • Do not copy LInC materials; just link to them as needed.
  2. FTP Server
    • with permissions needed for facilitators and participants to upload pages onto the Web server; you may choose to have all participants use one account, or have all participants use separate accounts.
  3. Two Electronic Mailing Lists
    • one with all facilitator e-mail addresses
    • one with all participant and all facilitator e-mail addresses
  4. Chat Server
  5. Web Bulletin Board/Discussion Tool
    • with accounts for all facilitators and participants

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