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Orientation to Online Learning What
is Online Learning?
Is Online Learning
for You?
Computer Equipment
Requirements
Technical Skills
Requirements
Tips for Success
Assistance/Tech
Support
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Technical Skills Requirements
You do not have to be a computer expert
to take an online course. However, you must be
comfortable using a computer and
working on the Internet. Most importantly, you must be willing to
troubleshoot and attempt to resolve any technical problems that may arise.
It is a fact of life that hardware and software breaks down when you least
desire or expect it.
Successful online students are individuals who recognize this
inevitability and plan for it.
To do well in an online course, you should be
very comfortable with the following:
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Using a Web browser (Internet Explorer
or Netscape Navigator). Note that these popular browsers perform
differently. It is recommended that you be able to use Netscape
and Internet Explorer because occasionally there is a need to use both
browsers in order to work effectively on the Web.
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Using a standard word processor
(for example, Microsoft
Word, WordPad, or Word Perfect).
- Reading, composing, and sending email,
including sending email with attachments.
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Understanding and respecting netiquette and email
etiquette.
- Managing computer files. You will need to save and locate files on your hard drive,
floppy disks, and possibly on the Internet.
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Downloading software and
installing software on your computer.
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Finding information on the Web
by using search engines and
bookmarking useful web
sites.
You will need all of the
technical skills mentioned above in online courses. Lack of technical knowledge can greatly interfere with your
success in learning online.
If you do not
have the above skills, consider taking a computer
literacy course prior to enrolling in an online
course.
To continue the orientation,
read about the Tips for Success. |
