Online Education Requirements

Doing well in an online education environment is not something that everyone is prepared to do, due to the personal requirements or the technological requirements that are imposed. Just as higher educational in a traditional environment is not well-suited for everyone, online education may appeal to a certain part of society, but not to another. In order to do well in an online education environment, a Coloradoan should be prepared to have certain technological and personal abilities.

Technological Requirements

Though being a computer guru and having the latest near-supercomputer is not required in order to succeed in an online education environment, neither can one succeed online using a Commodore 64 computer from the 1980s. The minimum requirements lie somewhere between those two extremes - here are a few of them:

• A fast Internet connection: Such as DSL, cable or satellite. While not absolutely required, attempting to take advantage of the technology used in some online courses while using a dial-up connection may prove impossible, especially if streaming video or audio (podcasts) are used. If you do not have a high-speed Internet connection available in your home, you may be able to handle most aspects of your courses from home and use the computers at your local library for those times when greater bandwidth (speed) is required.
• A moderately strong computer: Again, the latest and greatest super-computer is absolutely not required in order to handle an online education course, but conversely, neither is an Apple II computer. Having a system that was purchased in a store (or built by someone knowledgeable) within the last six or seven years, should enable you to manage most Internet technologies. If you have an older system or find yourself having difficulty with certain features of online classes, consider an inexpensive upgrade.
• Basic Software: Depending on your operating system, your computer probably came with the absolute basic software that you need in order to create documents, but you may also need to create spreadsheets or be able to at least read PowerPoint presentations that may be created by your class instructor.

Personal Requirements

In addition to having access to a basic computer capable of handling the technologies used in online education, you should also possess (or be willing to develop) certain characteristics that will enable you to do well and succeed in an online environment. Some things you will want to consider in yourself include:

• Written communication skills: Since the vast majority (if not all) of the communication between you, your instructor and your classmates will be in the form of written text such as e-mails, documents, postings on discussion boards or text in a chat, you should be comfortable in the written medium. If you have trouble expressing yourself well in writing, you can take courses that will help you with that during your first semester or term.
• Time-management skills: Being able to organize your time effectively is important, especially if you will be taking multiple classes online. Some people use a personal organizer or scheduling service in order to help them keep track of when all of their assignments are due, since you will not have a weekly audience with your instructor to remind you.
• Basic level of comfort with computers: Obviously a Colorado online education is going to require the use of a computer in order to manage your assignments and communicate with others in your class. If you have a phobia of dealing with computers and have not yet grown comfortable in the medium, you may want to consider taking a basic course on computers early in your online education.