Great! Daily access to a reliable computer is required for our online programs.

If you do not own a reliable computer, this could be problematic, as daily access to Blackboard, WKU’s course delivery software, is essential. While you may be able to utilize computers at a WKU campus or perhaps at your local library, keep in mind that you may be required to download items. This may not be possible from a shared computer.

Great! You will need this type of connection in order to efficiently view, send, and receive necessary content in an online class! Test your internet connection by visiting http://www.bandwidthplace.com.

Be aware that not having a high-speed internet connection can impact the rate at which you have access to your course materials. You will often need a connection speed of 56K or more in order to efficiently view, send, and receive necessary content in an online class. You may find that that it takes considerably more time to view, send, and receive class content if you do not increase your modem speed. Test your internet connection by visiting http://www.bandwidthplace.com.

Great! If you spend a great deal of time on the computer you have probably mastered many tasks necessary to success in online learning such as reading and writing emails; researching information on the Internet, using software such as Microsoft Word or other word-processing programs, downloading, saving and opening files.

Your online course will require a great deal of time working on the computer. To be successful, you should be familiar with doing tasks like reading and writing emails, researching information on the Internet, using software such as Microsoft Word or other word-processing programs; downloading, saving and opening files.

Good! Your familiarity with other forms of online media will come in handy if an instructor requires you to access various forms of online media to supplement his/her lecture.

You may be asked to watch videos, listen to audio files or utilize other forms of online media to supplement the instructor's lectures. It will be necessary for you to feel comfortable interacting with the buttons, changing the volume, etc.

Skills such as the ability to copy and paste text are extremely useful in the online learning environment and will contribute to your success.

Skills such as the ability to copy and paste text are extremely useful in the online learning environment and will need to be mastered before taking an online class. If you would like to learn more about copying/pasting visit http://www.webmasternow.com/copyandpaste.html.

Great! Sending emails and browsing the web are things you will do on a regular basis while taking an online class.

These are basic skills you will need to master before tackling your first online course.

Great. You may need to install a new browser. You will also be required to download test-taking software.

You may need to install a new browser. Please familiarize yourself with installation of software before taking an online course.

Effective time management and the ability to work independently will be a great asset to you in an online setting. To learn more about time management, and how to budget your time visit http://www.studygs.net.

Due to the lack of face to face contact, you will need to rely heavily on your syllabus and learning to manage deadlines and due dates without reminders from instructors or classmates. To learn more about time management, and how to budget your time visit http://www.studygs.net.

In an online learning environment, communication will be predominantly in written form through emails and discussion boards. Likewise, online learners need to feel comfortable contacting instructors with questions and concerns.

If you feel comfortable communicating with instructors and classmates via email and discussion board, you should feel at home in a distance learning environment. Also, it is often up to the student to contact the instructor with questions and concerns.

Written directions are the norm in an online learning environment. Your comfort level with reading directions will benefit you in online learning. To test your learning style visit http://www.studygs.net.

Written directions are the norm in an online learning environment. If you are unable to follow directions without a detailed explanation from the instructor, a face to face learning environment may be more appropriate for your learning style. To test your learning style visit http://www.studygs.net.