Technical Preparedness
Desire2Learn, the web application that Inver Hills uses to administer classes, has minimal demands that most computers will meet easily. If your computer passes the Desire2Learn system checkAn external link, your computer is able to use Desire2Learn. Depending on your course, you may need to install additional software used to complete assignments or access certain multimedia.
While possible, it will be more difficult to succeed online if you expect to use a work computer or a lab computer on campus. One of the benefits of an online class is that scheduling your participation is up to you. However, your freedom in scheduling will be quite limited if you cannot access a computer when it's needed. If this is your situation, it is important to try to block out a few specific times when you know you'll be able to log on.
In addition, you will need to be prepared to learn online using your computer. Expect to log in to a course at least three to four times a week in order to keep up with the rapidly changing content, participate in and follow online discussions, and complete assignments. Much of online learning is a collaborative effort where your participation is needed, and it is important to ensure that you will be comfortable contributing in this environment.
Computer skills needed for online courses
To achieve success in an online course, you need to have basic computer and Internet skills. These skills include:
- The ability to perform everyday computer tasks, such
as:
- using a keyboard and mouse
- manipulating files and folders, such as creating a new file, saving a file, copying or moving a file, and deleting a file
- using simple application techniques, such as copying and pasting, formatting, checking the spelling, and saving files in different formats
- navigating websites
- downloading attachments from a e-mail message and downloading files from websites
- uploading files to a website in a specific format
- installing new software or browser plug-ins/add-ons
- securing your computer, by using virus and spyware protection
- Communicating effectively on the Internet, primarly with e-mail and online discussion boards (post and read messages, quoting others in your replies, and using tools to search messages).
- Able to use search engines and library databases to perform online research
