Studying Online
To ensure success in your study, we have provided the following information.
Minimum System Configuration
Basically you need a computer that is able to access the internet, download files (we use PDF format files), and be able to create word processing documents. We have students that use much less advanced computers, but at a minimum, we recommend the following.
PC Configuration
- 400 Megahertz Intel Pentium III Processor
- 64 Megabytes RAM (128 or more preferred)
- 6-Gigabyte Hard Drive
- 15” Monitor
- 56.6 kbps Modem (or Cable modem / DSL if available)
Mac Configuration
- 400 Megahertz iMac
- 64 MB RAM (128 or more preferred)
- 6 Gigabyte Hard Drive
- 56.6 K Modem (or Cable Modem / DSL if available)
- 15” Monitor
Additional Software / Plugins
You should have the following installed on your computer (minimum):
- Internet Explorer 5.5 OR Firefox 1.5
- Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or newer
- Shockwave Flash plugin
- Windows Media Player, iTunes, Real Player, WinAmp or some similar player used for listening to sound files and watching video files
- A word processing program (for creating assignment files)
MS Office (Word), or OpenOffice.org (Free) or equivalent
Guide for an Online Student
- Accessing Materials – You will access your course materials online, where you can download and read from your computer, or print for reading on paper.
- Submitting Assessments – You will need to be online where you will answer questions online, or submit files that you may have completed offline.
- Communicating with instructors and other students – Be willing to share your educational and professional experience as part of your learning process. The online environment is open and friendly, and you will benefit from communicating and sharing your experience with your fellow students. As the online forum means that you cannot see the other students, this can make it easer to communicate for some individuals who have trouble expressing themselves – it can work well for both introverts and extroverts. In addition, you have time to reflect on the information before responding, which is often easier than having to respond in a traditional, in-person discussion group.
- Asking questions and completing assessments – you should be willing and proficient at written communication. Nearly all communication is written in the virtual classroom, so you will be writing quickly and often. If you have limited writing abilities or are uncomfortable expressing yourself in writing, work on improving these skills before or as part of your online experience.
- Self-motivation and self-discipline – there is freedom and flexibility in the online environment that doesn’t exists to such a great extent in a traditional classroom, you need to be particularly responsible and self-disciplined. The online process requires a commitment. Schedule regular study and log-in times for your online courses.
- Difficulties – Let your instructor know about problems. Instructors who teach online courses can’t see if you are having problems, such as confusion, frustration, boredom, or absence. If you are experiencing difficulties on any level – either with course content or the technology, communicate this to your instructor immediately. If you don’t, your instructor will never know what kind of problems you maybe experiencing.
- Time – You will need to spend as much time per week as the course requires – usually 6 to 8 hours per week per course (online and offline). Online courses are not easier than traditional classroom courses. You may find that they require more time, commitment, and discipline.
- Work as hard as you would offline – You need to be able to meet the requirements. Your online programme will have the same requirements as any quality educational programme. If you want to succeed in your online programme, you must view it as a more convenient way to receive your education, not an easier way.
Frequently Asked Questions: