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Required SkillsÌý

AreÌýYou Ready for Online Learning?Ìý

Before youÌýapply to anÌýonlineÌýdegree program at ÏãåúÖ±²¥,Ìýyou should consider the following areas in relation to your potential success.Ìý

AreÌýYouÌýAble to Make a Time Commitment?Ìý

OnlineÌýcoursesÌýtake as much,Ìýif not more time,ÌýthanÌýaÌýtraditionalÌýface to face course.ÌýFor every 3-credit course you takeÌýyouÌýwill be expected to spend 12 hours a week on that course.ÌýWill youÌýbe able toÌýset aside sufficient time for study, homework, assignments and tests?Ìý

Although youÌýwillÌýnot have toÌýdrive to campus, you still have to follow the course schedule provided by your instructor. Online students have to actively participateÌýand regularly log into Brightspace. It’s recommendedÌýthat you log into your course every day of the weekÌýin order toÌýstay on track.Ìý

If possible, never wait until the last minute to complete yourÌýassignments. TechnicalÌýdifficultiesÌýcan arise at the most inconvenient times.ÌýOne of the main reasons students are not successful in online learning is procrastination.ÌýIt’s a good rule of thumb to set aside a specific time to log into your course each day.Ìý Scheduling time for homework and assignments will make you a more successful student.ÌýÌý

AreÌýYou Comfortable with aÌýComputer?Ìý

Everyone enrolled in an online degree programÌýneedsÌýto have a basic knowledge of computer and Internet skills. Here are some specific areas you shouldÌýbe familiar with:Ìý

• Browser, application, software, etc.ÌýÌý

• Basic computer hardware and softwareÌý

• Using keyboard and mouseÌý

• InstallingÌýsoftwareÌýÌý

• Maintaining updated virus protectionÌý

• Creating documents inÌýMicrosoft WordÌýÌý

• UseÌýofÌýheadset and/or aÌýwebcamÌý

• Using internet for online researchÌý

• UnderstandÌýbasic computer operation suchÌýas:

  • Save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete,Ìýfolders as well asÌýcheckÌýtheÌýÌýpropertiesÌýof foldersÌý

  • Do you know how to copy and paste, use spell check or convert file formatsÌý

  • Do you know how to upload and download files and attachmentsÌý

  • Use ofÌýcommunication tools such as email, chats, and discussion boardsÌý

HowÌýAreÌýYourÌýReadingÌýandÌýWritingÌýSkills?Ìý

With online learning, you areÌýcommunicatingÌývia your reading and writing skills.ÌýIt is crucial that youÌýare proficient in these areas. SomeÌývideos are provided forÌýonline learning,ÌýbutÌýmostÌýmaterial will comeÌýfrom your textbooks and written lectures.ÌýLikewise,Ìýyou need to beÌýskilled in expressing yourself in writingÌýbecause that will be your main mode of communication.Ìý

DoÌýYou Consider Yourself to beÌýSelf-Motivated?Ìý

As stated earlier, you should never procrastinateÌýyourÌýwork in an online course.ÌýSome students lackÌýthe self-discipline and independence to be a successful online learner.ÌýTraditionalÌýface-to-faceÌýcourses provide an environment that keeps students focused. Are you able to start and work on tasks on your own without having that support?ÌýAre you self-disciplinedÌýand able to meet deadlines?Ìý

Are you anÌýActiveÌýLearner?Ìý

When you haveÌýissues,Ìýdo you feel comfortable speaking up and addressing your concerns?Ìý In a fast pacedÌýcourseÌýit is crucial that you address concerns and issuesÌýimmediately.ÌýAs the student, you are in control of your learning process and if you do not understand a topic you need to be confident in communicating with your instructor.Ìý Otherwise, the instructor will never know something is wrong.ÌýThe sooner you seek help with an issue the faster it will be resolved.Ìý

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