Student Readiness and Technology Requirements

Computer Literacy

Students must have a basic knowledge of computer and Internet skills in order to be successful in an online course. The following are the required aptitudes and skills:

• Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, application, search engines, files, viruses, etc.
• Understanding of basic computer hardware and software; ability to perform computer operations, such as:
  • Using keyboard and mouse
  • Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties
  • Software installation, security and virus protection
  • Using software applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and to email students and professors
  • Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, saving files in different formats
  • Sending and downloading attachments
• Internet skills (connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines.
• Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), and chats.

Student Hardware Requirements

The College supports students in attaining the technical knowledge and equipment necessary to take a web-enhanced traditional, hybrid, and/or online course. IT provides aid to students who are experiencing difficulty using the required technology.

Traditional, hybrid, and online courses and programs are web-based and good computer skills and access to an up-to-date computer and high-speed Internet connection are imperative. Labouré’s web-enhanced traditional, hybrid and online courses require the following minimum hardware and software requirements.

• Intel Core i3 processor or newer or Mac G4 or later processor with Intel Core i3 or equivalent to 2GBRam
• Windows 7 preferred or Mac OS
• Firefox or Safari OS 10 or Chrome
• Microsoft 2007 or later
• Adobe PDF reader (link will be provided to free download)
• PowerPoint reader (link will be provided to free download)
• Broadband Internet connection is recommended
• Web-cam and microphone
• Scanner (If required by program)

Learning Management System Usage

All web-enhanced traditional, hybrid, and online courses use the eLearning platform provided by the College. All courses offered at the College have a presence on eLearning. Professors using eLearning for instruction, are responsible for making their course(s) available to students, prior to the first day of class. All courses in a web-enhanced traditional, hybrid, and online courses format must comply with the policies and procedures outlined elsewhere in this document. All courses are archived on the College’s Learning Management System.

It is the responsibility of students to obtain the appropriate technology tools to enroll in courses. Problems associated with technology-based course delivery can happen. Students encountering technical problems, which prohibit them from submitting an assignment on time, participating in a discussion post, attending a synchronous online meeting, and/or meeting any of their coursework responsibilities, should notify their professor immediately as to the issues that are precluding their fulfillment of the course requirements.

It is essential for students to identify their options for proper technical support in order to reduce problems and increase technology access and skills. It is also important for students to be familiar with Labouré College’s Academic Continuity Plan in case of severe state-wide or regional emergencies.

Additional Skills for Hybrid and Online Courses

Strong reading and writing skills

Students must have strong reading skills and the ability to communicate effectively through writing in an online course. Material in an online course will come from textbooks and listening to audio lectures. Therefore, strong reading and critical thinking skills are important for success. Online students communicate through emails, discussion forums, and chats. Students need to feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing.

Self-motivated and independent learner

Online courses offer flexibility in scheduling; however, they require more self-discipline than on-campus courses. Students may miss face-to-face interaction with a professor and peers. In the online environment, students have to be able to start and to work on tasks on their own, without someone keeping them focused. They have to be self-disciplined in order to follow the class schedule and meet deadlines.

Time commitment

Online classes take as much time, or more time, as regular on-campus classes. Students need to set aside sufficient time for study. Students need to plan to spend at least as much time working on the assignments and studying as they would with a traditional course.

Time management

Even though students may not have to "be" in class on some specific day and time, they still have to follow the course schedule provided by the professor. Online classes are not independent study courses; students are still required to "show up" and participate actively.

Professor and student interactions continually evolve in an online course. Therefore, it is critical for students to be online frequently and to log in at least three per week in order to follow discussions, review completed assignments, and communicate with classmates and the professor.

Online students should never wait until the last minute to complete an assignments. Students may have technical problems or run out of time. Procrastination is a major reason for failing an online class. It is easy to fall behind. It is important to set aside specific times, on a regular basis, to participate in an online course.

Active learner

Online students must be active learners and self-starters who are not afraid to ask questions when they do not understand. Online students, not the professor, must be in control of their learning process.

Since a professor cannot see a student, students need to "speak up" right away if they have problems. There is no way others will know that something is wrong. The professor is not the only source of information. Students can post their questions in the discussion forum and classmates will help.

Student Self-Evaluation Quiz

Students who can answer “Yes” to the following questions, are prepared to enroll and succeed in an online course. If you cannot respond “Yes” to all of these questions, you may want to consider enrolling in a hybrid course, which is a combination of online and on-campus, traditional course.

1. When you need help, are you comfortable approaching a professor to ask for clarification?
2. Are you comfortable with a self-learning environment?
3. Do you have good time management skills? Will you be able to schedule your time effectively and to stay on task to complete assignments outside of class?
4. Are you self-disciplined and self-motivated?
5. Do you have the ability to read and follow written instructions?
6. Do you have (or are you willing to obtain) access to the Web at home?
7. Do you have good computing skills, including:
   • Using keyboard and mouse
   • Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties
   • Software installation, security, and virus protection
8. Do you have strong web browser/Internet skills (connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines and library databases?
9. Do you have the ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and messengers?
10. Do you have strong software application skills such as:
    • Using word processing, PowerPoint, and Excel (i.e., Word)
    • Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, saving files in different formats
    • Sending and downloading attachments
11. Do you have the required equipment and software?