Skills You Need and System Requirements

If you have spent very much time around computers and the Internet, you probably have what it takes to do well in classes that use web-based resources. If you enroll in online classes, your technical skills will be important and you also will need to be disciplined in your learning skills.

Technical Skills

There are several technical skills or prerequisites that are very helpful for you to have before beginning an online class.

Keyboarding or Typing — Nearly all communication for your classes is done this way.

Computer Literacy — Know how to create files, save files and upload files.

Cutting and Pasting Text — Moving or copying blocks of text to create documents is common in your coursework.

Navigating Web Pages — Know how to use links or buttons to move through Web sites.

E-mail — The ability to send and receive e-mail messages is usually your link with the instructor.

Downloading and Installing Software — Some classes may require software you don't have. You will want to be able to download it from the Internet or this CD.

Learning Skills

One of the beauties of online classes is allowing you the freedom to work more independently. That can also be a challenge for some people. Here are some of the learning skills that seem to help online students succeed.

Self-starter — You should be able to get things done without a lot of handholding. There is no voice of authority at the front of the room telling you what to do.

Time Management — Be able to allocate enough time to "do your class." In reality your online class may actually require more time than a face-to-face class.

Patience — The technology doesn't always allow you to get an immediate answer. It may be a day or two before you get a response. This is not unusual with online classes.

Early Bird — Don't wait until the last day to hand something in or take a test. When a large class has a deadline for an assignment or test, that is often when traffic will be heaviest. Don't get caught in it.

Stay Calm — Always have some extra time in case of technical trouble. If the problem is on the college servers, your instructor will make allowances for due dates.

System Requirements

It is important to use a computer system that is well maintained, up to date, and compatible with the current Web technology. Currently, over ninety percent of users coming to Chemeketa websites use version 5 or higher of Microsoft Internet Explorer. The remaining seven percent use Netscape Navigator. Many users install both browsers to take advantage of the unique aspects of each.