Are you ready for online learning? : OntarioLearn

Is online learning right for you?

I am a skilled reader who is at ease with written instructions and lessons.

YES

NO
I am comfortable participating in discussions in writing.

YES

NO
I can continue learning independently while waiting for feedback on assignments.

YES

NO
I am organized and able to meet deadlines.

YES

NO
I enjoy working in a computerized environment.

YES

NO
I have 5 to 12 hours weekly that I can devote to an online course.

YES

NO

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If you answered YES to most of these questions, it is a good sign that you have the learner characteristics that are necessary to succeed in an online course.

If you answered NO to most of these questions, it is possible that taking an online course may require that you make some adjustments in order to be successful. Read on to review some of the issues that may be of concern and strategies you can implement to ensure you are a successful online learner.

Time Management

Students taking courses online can sometimes end up neglecting their studies because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have a compelling reason to take the course.

Make sure you are aware of the time commitment that will be required on your part. Set aside time each week to work on your studies. In many cases this may require a time commitment of 5-12 hours per week per course (depending on the nature of the course).
At the very beginning of your course review all start-up documents such as the course outline, the course schedule, and any welcome announcements from the instructor.

Self-Discipline

Online courses give students greater freedom to schedule their learning, but more self-discipline is required.

Do not assume that taking a course online is easier than taking the same course in a traditional classroom. Follow the course schedule to ensure that you are on track. Most OntarioLearn courses have assignment deadlines for this reason. Do not expect that you can submit all of your assignments within the last week and be successful.

Learning Independently

Some students prefer the independence of online learning while others find it uncomfortable.

If you have a question...do not wait. Contact your instructor when you encounter any problems understanding the course content or structure.
Find study partners. Sometimes students feel that they are missing important interaction and feedback from their peers when they study online. Identify an individual or small group of people to study with.
Be aware that feedback on assignments/ projects is not always immediate.

Computer Skills

Confidence in your computer skills

Review the "Assess Your Computer Skills" section on this site. Don't let the novelty of computers be a barrier to achieving your educational goals. Consider taking a computer course as a start or get a friend to show you the basics.
Keep in mind that there will be a learning curve when it comes to learning new skills. Your effort and commitment can make the difference.
Always remember that help is available from your instructor or the Embanet Technical Support Team. Embanet is the Technical Service Provider for OntarioLearn. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist learners with any technical issues.

Assess your computer skills

I can turn my computer on, off, reboot and comfortably use a mouse.

YES

NO
I can create folders on the desktop and organize files.

YES

NO
I can find lost files on my hard drive.

YES

NO
I can create a new word processing document.

YES

NO
I can open, spell check and save a word processing document.

YES

NO
I can save files to the desktop.

YES

NO
I can perform or am aware of how to use a URL (Universal Resource Locater) or web address.

YES

NO
I can perform or am aware of how to download and install programs or plugins.

YES

NO
I can perform or am aware of how to send and receive email.

YES

NO
I can attach a file to an outgoing email message.

YES

NO

View Results

If you answered YES to most of these questions, it is a good sign that you have the computer skills that are necessary to succeed in an online course.

If you answered NO to most of these questions, it is possible that taking an online course may require that you make some adjustments in order to be successful. Read on to review some of the issues that may be of concern and strategies you can implement to ensure your are a successful online learner.

There are online courses available through OntarioLearn that may be the starting point you need. Have a look at the OntarioLearn Course Inventory to review course details.

Sending and receiving email

Face to face interactions that you would normally enjoy in a traditional classroom-based course are replaced by email, discussion boards and chats. You will definitely use email in an online course.
Depending on the platform system being used, you may be assigned an email account that is accessed within your course or you may be required to use your personal email account.

Email may be used to submit your assignments, ask questions and keep in touch with your instructor and classmates.

Consider taking a computer course as a start or get a friend to show you the basics.
Sign up for a free email account through Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo. Practice sending and receiving emails.

File Management

File management skills will come into play each time you create or save a file; when you need to download a file; or send an email attachment.

Always remember that help is available from your instructor or the Embanet Technical Support Team. EmbanetCompass is the Technical Service Provider for OntarioLearn. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist learners with any technical issues.
Consider taking a computer course as a start or get a friend to show you the basics.

Word processing

You may be required to word process your assignments for submission (i.e., essays, projects, reports). Basic word processing skills will be necessary in these instances.

MS Word is the most common word processing software used. Other programs can be used but must be converted to .doc or .rtf (rich text format) for instructors to be able to access.

Web browsers and the Internet

You will be accessing your course via the internet. You may be required to search and locate sites that are relevant to your studies.

Consider taking a computer course as a start or get a friend to show you the basics.
Always remember that help is available from your instructor.

Assess your equipment and software

I have frequent access to a computer and to the internet.

YES

NO
I currently have an email address.

YES

NO
I have an up-to-date web browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Chrome or Safari on my computer.

YES

NO
I have a current word processing program on my computer that can save files in Rich Text Format (rtf).

YES

NO
My Internet access is via a 56K modem or better.

YES

NO
I have a computer with a video card capable of 1024 X 768 resolution and 32-bit colour (or more).

YES

NO

View Results

If you answered YES to most of these questions, it is a good sign that you have the necessary technical requirements to proceed with an online course. Below is a list of “what you will need” to take an online course. Please Note: Individual courses may have additional technical and/or software requirements.

If you answered NO to most of these questions, you may lack the technical requirements to take an online course. Please review the information below to determine if you have the necessary technical requirements to pursue an online course through OntarioLearn.

Computer

You will need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection and web access for the duration of your course. Any PC capable of running Windows XP, Vista or 7, or any Mac capable of running OSX 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or 10.7 (Lion) should be sufficient.

Internet access

You must access and use your own internet connection to access to your online course(s). High speed connections are recommended for the ideal learning experience. For the patient learner, a dial-up connection will work, but may be impractical for courses which require the transfer of very large files.

Web browser

A graphical browser such as Internet Explorer (version 8.0 or higher), Mozilla Firefox (version 3.6 or higher) or Google Chrome (latest version) is required. In some instances, it may be necessary for some users to upgrade their web browser programs. Technical assistance is available.

Email

Depending on the platform system being used, you may be assigned an email account that is accessed within the course or you may be required to use your personal email account.

Software

Many courses require word processing software such as Microsoft Word 2007 or later, or an equivalent program such as OpenOffice. Adobe Reader and Java are also widely used. Individual courses may have additional technical and/or software requirements.