Do I need to own a computer to attend?

It depends, as some school districts are offering a computer as part of the program and others are not.

For those programs offering a computer, each family will be loaned a computer system (including computer, printer, software, and Internet connection) to support the learning process. These computer systems are instructional property and must be returned when the student leaves the Florida Virtual Program. Technical support and troubleshooting for these systems will be arranged for families on an as-needed basis.

For those programs not offering a computer, families will be required to have a computer that meets the minimum specifications necessary to access the K¹² Online School (OLS). The minimum computer requirements/technical specifications are listed below. Families must also have reliable high-speed Internet access in order to participate in the school.

What computer skills are required?

The learning coach needs to have at least basic computer skills. Use of the computer is an important part of the program, but in the early grades, it is mostly the parent (or other responsible adult) who interacts with the computer. The program is user-friendly.

The following minimum hardware and software requirements are required to be able to access the curriculum:

Minimum Hardware Specs:
OS Windows XP or OS X 10.4
Processor Pentium 3 500 MHz
RAM 256 MB
Hard Drive 40 GB
Audio Speakers and a microphone, or headset with a microphone
Video 1024x768 resolution at 256-bit color
CD-Rom 12x
Browser: IE 6.0 or greater (highly recommended), Netscape 7.1, Safari 2.0, or Firefox 1.5
Internet Broadband (recommended, as the content was designed for high-speed.
(The user experience may be diminished on dial-up.)

Minimum Peripheral Specs:
Printer Color compatible
Scanner 8 bit / 200 DPI
Fax Required
Copy Required
Monitor 1024x768 resolution

Minimum Software Required (Free):
Java 2
Flash 9
Acrobat Reader
Shockwave 10
Windows Media Player 10
QuickTime 4
Math Player (IE; necessary for Virtual Sage courses only)
Multi-page TIF image viewer
E-mail client with working e-mail address

Minimum Other Software Required:
Microsoft Office Suite: Word and Excel
Antivirus Required

Browser Settings:
Pop-ups Enabled
JavaScript Enabled
Cookies Enabled