Guide to Online Education Requirements

Personal Requirements

In order to be successful in the online education environments, there are certain attributes and behaviors you will have to have or adopt. Online learning is largely a self-study endeavor, so if you are not prepared with the proper motivations and skills, you will find it difficult to keep pace with your classes.

• Basic Computer Familiarity: While you don't have to be a computer expert in order to excel in online courses, you should have at least a basic familiarity with computers and Internet software such as knowing the difference between a Web browser and a download. If you are something of a technophobe who only uses computers to communicate via e-mail once per week, then the online environment may not be well suited for you unless you have a desire to change that.
• Self-Motivation: Unlike traditional courses where a schedule of classes will motivate you to attend and do the work assigned by the teachers, online education is largely a self-educating environment. You will be assigned recommended readings and postings to a discussion board usually, but if you always find yourself procrastinating, you may miss vital information or the deadlines set by the instructor to prove your proficiency in an area.
• Self-Organization: Like self-motivation, being able to organize your classes and schedule for completing the coursework in each is essential. There are electronic organizers available for just this purpose or, if pen and paper is more your style, you can buy an organizer at your local stationery store to help you stay on track.
• Good Written Communication: In an online class, more than 95% of everything that transpires between you and a professor and your classmates is going to be in the written form, whether it be through e-mail or postings on a discussion board or in chat. You should feel comfortable expressing yourself and have reasonable typing skills, (or again, be willing to see them improve over time).

Technical Requirements

In addition to the personal requirements to succeed in online education, there are a few technical requirements as well, though these are actually more flexible, with a wide array of options for supporting any deficiency.

• High Speed Internet: While not an absolute requirement, having a high-speed connection to the internet such as through DSL, Cable or Satellite is extremely helpful.
• Sufficient Memory & Video capability: If thinking about RAM, memory and storage space makes your head start to spin, don't worry. As was mentioned earlier, you do not need to be a technical guru in order to do well in online classes. In general, however, you should have a computer that was purchased (or built) within the last five years or so using technology available at that time.
• Internet Familiarity: You should be comfortable with sending and receiving e-mails, posting to message boards and the concept of streaming video, as all of these may be used in your classes. Additionally, you should know how to surf the Internet well and follow a URL (web address) to its destination, or input one when required. If you have any questions about this, please visit our FAQ page.