REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

Success in a distance learning course has both technology requirements and student requirements.

Technology Requirements

• Any "Internet Ready" computer - PC or Macintosh
• A stable Internet connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as BellSouth, Cox, Earthlink, AOL, etc. Higher speed Internet connections are recommended if they are available.
• Basic computer skills - email, surf the Internet, and create basic word processor files.
• A "technology back-up" plan - students should plan out an alternative location to do assignments and quizzes in the event their computer or Internet connection is not working!
• Popup blockers on a computer MUST NOT block popup windows from opening from within the VISTA (Course Management System) website. Most blockers can be setup to "allow" popups from specific sites.
• A current version of JAVA must be installed in order for online tools to function correctly. GET JAVA [ 16 MB ].

Student Requirements

Student Online Rediness Tool (take a quiz to evaluate your readiness to take online classes)

• Time - Distance-learning courses require as much time as traditional (classroom) instruction. The primary difference is that online instruction allows flexibility.
• Self motivation - Online students must be "self starters" and have the ability to work with a minimum of supervision. Students who procrastinate are rarely successful in distance learning courses.