What Skills Do I Need?

Technical Skills

You don't have to be a computer wizard to have the technical skills necessary to be a successful online learner, but you do need:

	1. To be able to navigate the Internet, through either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 2. Basic computer skills, including:
		Can type Can use a mouse Can save, edit, and open documents Able to Cut, Copy, and Paste text Able to use email Able to attach a file to your email
	3. Have access to
		A Pentium class computer with at least 64 MB RAM and a 28.8 modem An Internet Service Provider Your own email account. (Grades are often distributed through email so you cannot share an account with anyone.)

Tech Tips
Login to Blackboard often (3-5 times each week minumum).
Like other forms of electronic communication, Blackboard records each time you login and the course areas you visit while online. Your instructors will know whether or not you are participating (just as they would in a face-to-face class), so make sure you participate to the fullest extent.

If you are having trouble logging into Blackboard, consider the following possible causes:
Most of the college's online courses use Blackboard as their online delivery software. If you are unable to login, here are some possible reasons:

Your username and/or password are incorrect. Review login directions. Generally, you will not be able to login to your Blackboard course(s) until the day of the on-campus distance learning orientation. It takes 24 to 48 hours to transfer your registration information from the mainframe computer to the Blackboard server; so don't expect to register for your course and login on the same day. Your instructor may not be using Blackboard; if you can't login within 48 hours after registering, contact your instructor directly by email or phone. You will find a course list for the semester in which your are registered on the Class Schedules page.

Do your work "offline" on your word processor.
This is the Internet equivalent of "The dog ate my homework." Instructors have little patience with hearing that you lost your work just as you were going to send it. Internet users know that service will often be disrupted with no warning. If you work offline and save your files to disk, you don't have to worry about being disconnected before you finish and submit your work.

ALWAYS save your files to disk before you send them to your instructor.
Again, the electronic world is uncertain. Always save a copy of your files in case something gets lost in cyberspace. It's your responsibility to complete and turn in assignments; instructors cannot assign a grade based on work they've never seen.

Confused? Need help? Questions?

	First, ask your classmates! Most instructors provide a discussion board dedicated specifically to questions about the technology and the class. Use the discussion board to ask your fellow students how to solve a technical problem...chances are, there are some "computer wizards" in your class who can find a solution to your problem. Then, ask your instructor or email the Distance Learning Center.

Study Skills
A successful distance learning student usually has the following characteristics:

is self-motivated (does not need a lot of direction and motivation from an instructor) is self-disciplined (can budget time wisely and meets deadlines) enjoys the challenge of learning on her/his own (likes to read and learn) takes charge of her/his own learning (willing to ask questions and get help when necessary) understands and remembers what is read communicates well in writing may need a flexible schedule but understands that flexibility does NOT mean the course will be easy.

Take a self assessment quiz to find out if distance learning is a good choice for you.

Study Tips
Budget your time.
At a minimum, you will need to study between 6 and 9 hours EACH week in order to be successful in this course.

Get organized.
Professor Margo Chaires (Economics) recommends that you:

• Purchase a three ring binder, a hole punch, and 17 subject dividers
• Label the first subject divider "Orientation Materials." Place everything related to getting started in this section, including a copy of the login directions to Blackboard.
• Label the second subject divider "Syllabus." Place the Course Syllabus, General Information, Required Materials, Grading Policy, and Course Schedule documents in this section.
• Label a subject divider for each week of the course.
• Label a subject divider "Final Exam Review." Each week, print out all documents posted and put them in the appropriate section of your binder in the order that they appear in the weekly assignment folder.