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Center for Teaching & Online Learning

Students: is online learning right for you?

Fluency with Technology

Online learning requires you to have reliable access to technology, but you also need enough expertise to complete technological tasks and solve technology challenges as they arise. 

In online courses your instructor may ask you to:

  • Upload specific files as attachments to assignments or email
  • Download specific files or programs to use on your local computer
  • Watch videos through Canvas or in other locations on the internet
  • Access third-party software for specific courses (specific math or foreign language software)
  • Record videos

 

A few questions to ask yourself:

Are you comfortable troubleshooting technology challenges that may come up, with little support? 

Are you comfortable creating files and attaching them to email or uploading them for submission?

Do you know how to use common programs like word processing software or presentation software?

There are some online resources to support troubleshoot, but you will need to be able to read through forums and ask questions. You can also call for support, but often that support is only available during regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:00-5:00). 

Before you make the decision to jump into an online learning environment, make sure you have the fluency with the hardware and software needed to be successful in your online course.