Online Learning Being an effective student: Tools and tips
Being successful in online classes is easier when everything on your computer is up to date. Please ensure that you complete software updates for web browsers (Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Edge, etc.). Download a Microsoft Office suite of programs and a PDF reader. Windows and Mac users may want to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. For Mac users, Apple Preview is sufficient for most purposes.
It is also a good idea to update to the latest version of your operating system. For software that you do not have, or that may not be readily available to you for purchase, please check the remote software access your campus makes available to you. Availability of software will vary by campus. VitalSource has e-textbooks available that can be downloaded for offline reading using the Mac and PC Bookshelf apps.
When taking all courses online, hardware becomes more important than ever. In addition to making sure you have an up-to-date laptop and phone, you should also consider whether you need a camera and headset for video conferencing and recording. Please check with your campus IT Tech Support for recommendations. Many majors may also have specific recommendations or requirements. The support staff in your department's office should be able to direct you where to find those.
For further recommendations or support, please contact your campus IT Department.