1. Do you use computers and the Internet regularly (i.e.,
three or more times a week)?
2. Can you install software on a computer if necessary?
3. Are you versed on computer terminology?
4. Can you troubleshoot minor software and hardware
problems?
5. Do you comfortably use computers for recreation and
coursework?
Assessing Your Responses for Technological Comfort
Considerations
Computer literacy is a prerequisite to ensuring success in
online learning. In order to successfully
partake of an online course, students must be
computer literate. Some online courses may
require specific software, and students will be
responsible for installing the necessary
software on their personal computers. The most
effective online learners are those who have
previously developed a comfort with computers
and the Internet. A barrier to learning that
many online learners face is struggling with the
technology of a course as well as the content of
the course. Students should be able to easily
overcome the technological requirements so that
their primary learning focus is on the course's
content.
