Susan Manning - Online Learning For Dummies

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Identify the best online program for you Get organized to succeed at learning at a distance Be the best learner you can be
Whether you're a college student, adult learner, or professional in continuing education, some—and sometimes all—of your learning will happen in a virtual classroom. This book is your friendly guide to the fast-growing possibilities of this world, from choosing the right course and mastering the software to polishing up your online communication and study skills. Whatever you want from your study experience—school success, professional development, or just pursuing your passion—this is your road map to online educational success!
Find the right course for you Prep successfully for classes Manage time online Apply for study funding Transfer credits Master the software Get the right hardware Develop online etiquette

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This is where the asynchronous nature of online learning is a real advantage, too. If John writes something that is borderline offensive on Thursday evening, Kelly can wait until Friday to see whether others have noticed and diplomatically said something. If not, she can then respond with a cooler head.

Chapter 3

The Equipment and Skills You Need to Succeed

IN THIS CHAPTER

картинка 48 Making sure you have the right equipment

картинка 49 Confirming your technological abilities

картинка 50 Being safe online

When it comes to technology tools and taking online courses, two components are essential to being successful: equipment and technological competencies.

Your equipment includes things like your actual computer and attached devices that help you interact online, such as your webcam, headset, and microphone. Equipment also includes the programs and applications that you use to surf the Internet, write documents, and perform other digital tasks.

Technological competencies refers to the basic skills you need when learning online.

Don’t let these words scare you. Knowing what is expected up front helps you be more successful later. We explain in this chapter what you need for online learning success.

Checking Your Technological Readiness

The first thing you need in order to take an online course is a reliable computer that meets the minimum standards of your course or program. Most new computers meet many institutions’ minimum standards for hardware and software out of the box. For programs and courses that require you to meet in real time over the Internet, you may also be asked to have a speaker, a microphone, and, sometimes, a webcam. Few programs require a camera, but having one can contribute to feeling more connected to your instructor and peers when meeting in real time. Additionally, more technical courses, such as those focusing on video creation, may require you to purchase more specific hardware and software. And, of course, you need a dependable connection to the Internet.

In the following sections, we explain what you need to meet minimum hardware and software requirements for most online classes, and we describe the importance of a fast, reliable Internet connection. With the rise of mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, we would be remiss not to also talk about the use, pros, and cons of these devices for learning online.

Meeting minimum hardware requirements

Each online course has minimum hardware requirements. These standards are determined by the technology used to deliver course content. Courses using a lot of audio and video materials require better hardware than those relying solely on text-based materials.

Most institutions have a web page where they display the minimum and recommended hardware requirements. If, after a few minutes of searching, you’re unable to find the computer requirements page on an institution’s or organization’s website, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call them to ask. A good program also provides a list of minimum requirements and a list of additional hardware and software you might encounter when learning from them. Otherwise, once you start a course, your instructor will provide you with a list of any additional requirements that go above and beyond the organization’s advertised list.

Table 3-1shows an example of what you might see on an institution’s computer requirements page. The columns note different types of hardware and the requirements for both PCs and Macs. Most computers two years old or newer meet these requirements.

TABLE 3-1An Example of Hardware Requirements

Hardware PCs — Windows Macs Chromebook
Processor 2 or more GHz Dual-core Intel i5 or better Intel Core m3 processor or better
RAM (random access memory) 4–8GB 4–8GB 4–8GB
Hard drive 256GB 256GB 32GB minimum
Monitor resolution 1024 x 768 1024 x 768 1024 x 768
Speakers Sound card with headphones or external speakers Sound card with headphones or external speakers Sound card with headphones or external speakers
Microphone Required in order to attend instructors’ virtual office hours; a headset with microphone is highly recommended. Required in order to attend instructors’ virtual office hours; a headset with microphone is highly recommended. Required in order to attend instructors’ virtual office hours; a headset with microphone is highly recommended.
Webcam (optional) 720p 720p 720p

As we introduce different hardware components in the following sections, keep in mind that this information is simply an overview. Each operating system uses its own navigation method to find information, so as we talk about whether your computer meets certain requirements, you may need to reference your computer’s manual or an additional resource to help you determine how to locate needed information. We suggest looking into other For Dummies books specific to your computer — you can peruse available titles at www.dummies.com/store.html .

Online Learning For Dummies - изображение 51If you plan on purchasing a new computer in order to take an online class, check with the institution to see whether you can purchase the computer at a discounted price. Many institutions have deals with computer manufacturers to provide their students with discounted hardware and software. For example, several schools use Microsoft 365, which is an online version of Microsoft Office Suite. As a part of this arrangement, students can often download a free, desktop version of the software to their personal computer while they are enrolled. If the institution doesn’t offer discounts, you should still find out its minimum requirements before making a purchase. It’s a good idea to print out the minimum requirements and take the printout with you to the retail store of your choice. Doing so can help the salesperson guarantee that you purchase a computer to meet your educational needs. If you have a student ID, take it with you and ask whether the store offers a student discount as well.

Processor speed

The processor speed refers to how fast your computer is able to process information and provide you, the user, with the output result; it’s measured in gigahertz (GHz). The more complicated the task, the longer it takes the computer to provide you with output. Online courses that use more complicated materials, such as audio and video files, require a faster processor speed — in other words, more gigahertz.

Computers purchased within the past two years should have no problem meeting the processor speed requirements. If your computer is an older model, you should double-check to be sure its processor is fast enough.

Online Learning For Dummies - изображение 52Most computers have a screen that summarizes its physical makeup:

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