Online Learning For Dummies. Susan Manning
learning tasks, including participating in synchronous sessions. For example, many institutions deliver their online courses using a specific learning management system application, where students log in to their virtual classroom and access course content. Most learning management systems — Canvas, for example — have a student mobile app that can be used on a smartphone or tablet to access the course. The same goes for synchronous communication tools such as Zoom. Students can use a mobile application to log in to a live session with their instructor and peers and participate in real time directly from their phone or tablet. This can be convenient for those on the move who want to watch a video on their bus commute to work or read a required article under a tree at lunch. Though these devices bring a lot of convenience and access to the learning experience, they aren’t always the best tool for the job; therefore, we recommend that they not be used as the primary device for participating in your online course. For example, mobile devices often have problems when it comes to creating content such as essays, taking quizzes and exams, and participating in online discussions.
Meeting software requirements
After you have your hardware equipment, you need to install the right software (if you don’t already have it on your computer). Software applications are the programs used to complete specific tasks. The two most important applications you need to have installed on your computer to take an online course are an Internet browser and a program like Microsoft Office or Google Suite (both of which are “productivity suites” that include components like word processing, email, and spreadsheets). Other applications may also be required by either the institution or an individual instructor, depending on the course content.
Internet browser
The application that allows you to connect and interact via the Internet is called an Internet browser. Every computer purchased at a standard retail store these days comes with an Internet browser. Windows-based machines come with Microsoft Edge preinstalled. Macs come with Safari, and Chromebooks come with Google Chrome. These browsers, in most cases, work just fine, but we also encourage you to look at which browsers work best for your organization. (Later in this chapter, we explain how to obtain a reliable Internet connection.)
For example, some learning management systems, such as Canvas, work better with Google Chrome, and you may need to install it as another option. It’s a good idea to have at least two browser options, just in case.
Email access
For academic programs, you communicate with registration and advising staff before you even start courses. After your application is accepted, some institutions provide you with an email account and instructions on how to access that account. These institutions often require that this account be used for all school business. On the other hand, allowing students to use an external email account of their choice is becoming increasingly popular. We recommend setting up a free account with Google (http://gmail.com) strictly for school communication. This helps separate your personal materials from your school communications.
[email protected] rather than [email protected].
Word processing
The assignments that you don’t complete directly online will most likely be completed using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word. For example, you may be asked to write an essay and turn it in directly to your instructor. To do this, you would use a word processing program to write your paper, save the file, and then upload it to your instructor.
Virus protection software
Whenever you’re surfing the Internet, you should consider using virus protection software. Virus protection software, such as Bitdefender Antivirus (www.bitdefender.com) or Norton Antivirus (www.norton.com), protects your computer from malicious applications created to harm your computer hardware and files.
After being installed on your computer, antivirus software can monitor incoming communications and attachments from other computers. It can also check sites you’re visiting to see whether they pose any danger. When viruses are found, the software alerts you to the danger.
Stay away from sites you don’t know.
Don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know.
Don’t open email attachments that seem suspicious, even if they’re from people you know. For example, don’t open an attachment that has no name in the subject line or that seems goofy or out of context.
Don’t