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.