Are You Ready for Online Learning?

 

YES, ONLINE CLASSES ARE CONVENIENT...

It's true — online courses are a very advantageous way to earn a degree — you don't have to think about parking on campus or campus housing.

However, earning your degree online requires that you are self-motivated, have consistent access to reliable high-speed internet and other necessary technology, and have at least moderate computing skills.

 

...but are you prepared to take online classes?

Learning Style

•  Take this free self-assessment from Michigan Colleges Online to determine if pursuing higher education online is a good fit for your learning style.
   

Computer Skills

To be successful in online courses, you must possess basic computer skills and feel comfortable reviewing content in a variety of multimedia formats. The following computer skills are examples of the skills needed to be successful in online courses:

• Keyboarding
• File management
  • Create, name, and save files
  • Organize and manage files
• Email
  • Send and receive email
  • Attach files
• Word processing and presentation software, such as:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
• Website interaction
  • Upload and download files
  • Post and respond to discussion boards
  • Take quizzes

 

Is your hardware ready for online courses?

Requirements for Technology

In order to be eligible for online courses, you must have access to reliable and consistent internet and a computer with up-to-date software. You need to have access to, and have the capability to use:

• High-speed Internet (i.e., cable modem, DSL)
• Web browser (free) — the most updated version of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari is highly recommended
• Microsoft Office (Free to North Central students as part of your tuition).

• Students, please login to the Portal at login.ncmich.edu, and click on the "My Office 365" button to download your free copy of Microsoft Office.

• Adobe Acrobat reader (free)
• Some instructors have more software or computer requirements, so make sure you check the course description in the course catalog to find out whether an online course has special requirements.