How well do I need to know computers to take online courses?

My mother is interested in finishing her college degree but has limitted experience using computers. What s the minimum level of computer experience needed to be successful taking classes online?

Hi Annata,

Well to briefly answer your question, it depends on the system that the school uses. But basically you need access to the Internet on a regular basis (with a broadband or DSL connection) and have Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari (if you have a Mac) installed. You also need to have some word processing skills and programs such as Microsoft office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint). You will also most likely need Adobe Acrobat Reader or Professional (if you can get it), Windows Media Player or Real Player, the latest version of Flash, etc. in order to watch lectures or videos. It is also wise to have a separate email account established for your online needs. They may provide you one through the university or program as well.

These are some of the basics but if you are in a technology program or a content specific area, they may require more programs. Most programs or schools will give you a brief intro to the web-based system they use and will "show you the ropes" as you go.

Thank you so much for your question as it is also a great article suggestion and hopefully in the near future, our writers will tackle this article idea, if not already in the process.

Please "stay tuned" for more information...and have a good day!

Thanks again,

Sarah Malburg

Annata,

Like Sarah said, great question!

Your mother does need to know Microsoft Word (or another word processing program), Internet Explorer (or Mozilla, Safari, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and some sort of media player so she can view videos. Like Sarah mentioned, it depends on the course what things she will be using since buisness classes or classes involving statistics will use programs like Excel whereas courses on education can use things like "Inspiration" or "TeacherTube." Usually, in the syllabus, there is a list of the programs that are being used.

In both my undergraduate and graduate work I found that my professors also used an online website called "Blackboard." If you are unfamiliar with it, it's a website that you log into, then log into your class. Once on the site you will see a list of tabs on the side that include: assignments, discrussion boards, syllabus, professor information, videos, and a place to email.

I would say that if your mother can get on a computer to type something up, check her email, maneuver through a site, and watch a video than she is probably fine. However, I will stress that she should talk to the professor or college before she signs up for anything. Many schools are willing to help students with computers, but she doesn't want to have to get help in the middle of a course. Help should come first.

I hope that helped answer your question. Thanks for posting it!

-Elizabeth

Thank you both so much for your great answers. You have been very helpful!