Billy Davis

Online Essentials

The following are check lists of essential things that every distance learning student should know — steps to take, subjects to know and skills to have. This is essential information that every prospective distance learning student should be familiar with in order to effectively participate in a class offered over the Internet or where the Internet is used to deliver much of the instructional information. Check list of steps to take:Read the syllabus and class description of the class you intend to take.Talk with the instructor of the class.

Read the “Read This First” page on this web site.
Read the online article “The Successful On-line Student.”
Take the online learning profile Self Assessment Quiz to evaluate your learning habits.
Take the online IT Assessment Quiz to assess your IT strengths & weaknesses.
Make sure you have the necessary hardware, software and Internet connectivity to effectively participate in the class,If you have weak computer skills, practice your computer and Internet navigation skills in one of the school labs or at home. Or, you may want to take a class that teaches distance learning essential skills or a basic computer class such as the ones listed on this web site.Obtain the on-line class registration procedures and enroll in the class.After you have enrolled, acquire a copy of the course instructions or handbook for navigating the course and practice navigating the on-line class material before the first class meeting. Check list of IT subjects to know and skills to have: Subjects To Know:What is a computer.ErgonomicsInside the computerWhat is the Internet..What is the World Wide WebInternet Browsers Skills To Have: Mouse & Keyboarding SkillsSearching (Surfing) The InternetE-mail & MessagingWord Processing SkillsWindows SkillsPractice, Practice, Practice.