FAQ > e-Learning

We have a specific web page devoted to answering this question.  Follow this link, how does it work, to read more.

Classes are self-paced via our online learning system. When you are ready to begin a course, follow the registration instructions on the course product page, and you will then be granted access as soon as we process your registration. Your enrollment into the course is indefinite, and you are welcome to complete the course at your own pace.

All online classes are accessible 24 hours a day. There is no need to be online at the same time as other learners or faculty.  All discussions take place via discussion forums within the online learning environment. Discussion forums provides a useful resource for learners, since it includes discussions with faculty and other learners who share their experience.

E-learning courses offered by the GHG Management Institute are available online through our Learning Management System (LMS). The GHG Management Institute utilizes an e-learning format to keep costs down and enable us to have a global reach as large as the internet itself. E-learning allows you to take a course according to your personal schedule, without traveling and as your personal schedule permits. It also dramatically reduces the carbon footprint for both learners and the Institute compared to traditional classroom formats.

There is no need to be online at any fixed time.

The Learning Management System (LMS), where we host our courses, provides a discussion forum where you can post messages and questions as well as help respond to questions posed by other learners. However, this feature is not real-time (i.e., it is asynchronous) so you may experience a delay in responses. Our learners come from all over the world, so it would is very difficult to schedule an appropriate or convenient time to engage in a live discussion.

Hardware

Computers purchased within five years will generally have the processor speed and memory capacity to effectively access course materials on this website.

Learners will also need the following:

• Video card (minimum of 256 colors at 800 x 600 resolution
• Mouse
• Sound card
• Speakers
• Internet connection (slow connections will work, higher speed connections will just work faster)

Operating Systems

Most major single-user and multiple-user operating systems are supported – Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X. The main requirement is to have working web browser.

Browsers and Settings

For Windows-based users, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is recommended; Macintosh users are encouraged to use Google Chrome or Firefox, though Safari should work as well. Regardless of your choice in browsers, make sure your settings match those listed below:

Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE)

• Temporary internet files (every visit to the page)
• Default settings for security and privacy
• Medium security setting for the Internet zone
• Content advisor disabled

Mozilla Firefox

• Cookies enabled
• Cache enabled
• JavaScript enabled

Applications and Plug-ins

The following applications and plug-ins are required: Adobe Flash Player (7 or later) and Adobe Reader (7 or later).

Account with Username and Password

Users must have a GHGMI account to access online courses.

Pop-up Window Blockers

Pop-up window blockers should be disabled (or at least allow pop-ups for site – http://member.ghginstitute.org).

Firewall Settings

Firewall settings must allow streaming media from this website through Port 80.

Internet Connection Speeds and Data Transfer Rates

For users with dial-up modems (56k or faster), Internet connection speeds are affected by the quality of telephone lines and the variable connection speeds of modems.
If a broadband connection is used, there shouldn’t be any issues accessing course materials. There are no requirements for a high-speed connection, but a minimum of 768.0 Kbps download speed is recommended.