Читать книгу Online Learning For Dummies - Susan Manning - Страница 75

The first thing you need in order to take an online course is a reliable computer that meets the minimum standards of your course or program. Most new computers meet many institutions’ minimum standards for hardware and software out of the box. For programs and courses that require you to meet in real time over the Internet, you may also be asked to have a speaker, a microphone, and, sometimes, a webcam. Few programs require a camera, but having one can contribute to feeling more connected to your instructor and peers when meeting in real time. Additionally, more technical courses, such as those focusing on video creation, may require you to purchase more specific hardware and software. And, of course, you need a dependable connection to the Internet.

In the following sections, we explain what you need to meet minimum hardware and software requirements for most online classes, and we describe the importance of a fast, reliable Internet connection. With the rise of mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, we would be remiss not to also talk about the use, pros, and cons of these devices for learning online.