Computer Skills Checklist
Students who take online courses must possess good computer and Internet skills to be successful. Students should have daily access to a computer (preferably at home). Online courses also require a minimum time commitment of 10-15 hours each week of the semester. Skills specific to individual courses may also be required; for example, proficiency with a word processing software may be needed for an online English course.
INSTRUCTIONS: There are specific computer software, Internet browsers and hardware requirements associated with E-Learning @ ATC. Read about the requirements and click on the Self Check below to practice what you just learned.
Software Requirements
- Email
account (must check regularly) - All ATC students have been assigned student.athenstech.edu email accounts. Click here to find out more information and to obtain your account. Students are required to use their ATC email account for online courses.
- Internet Browser
Students need to know how to go to a particular web site, print a web page, use the "Back" and "Forward" buttons, and open several Internet browser windows at once and switch between them. DO NOT use AOL's Web browser to access your online course. ANGEL, ATC's learning management program, works with Internet Explorer 7 and higher or Firefox 3x and higher. Click on the following links for the latest downloads.
- Internet Service Provider
Students must have frequent and dependable access to a computer with a reliable, high speed Internet connection. Dial-up connections do not work well for online learning.
- Media Downloads
Your instructor will advise you of the necessary media software needed for your course. Please click on the following link for a list of media downloads.
- Software Programs: Word processing software (most courses use Microsoft Word). Some courses require specific software that is not required by all courses. You are responsible for obtaining and installing any supplemental software required for your course. Contact your instructor for specific requirements. In addition, course syllabi contain information about required textbook and course materials including software. Course syllabi can be found online under Current Students > Course Syllabi on ATC's homepage.
- PC-Windows operating system (7, Vista, XP) and Apple-Mac OS X
Students need to know how to open, close, and save files. You also need to know how to create folders, minimize and maximize program windows, delete files, and install programs.
NOTICE: Some online/hybrid courses use books that require an "access key." Access keys may be purchased with new textbooks or directly from the publisher. It is your responsibility to check with the instructor of your online course to determine if an access key is required. Please do this before you purchase your books for your online/hybrid classes.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
- Pentium/AMD/Athlon processor 1.0Ghz or higher
- 512 MB RAM - 1 Gig preferred
- 100 MB of free disk space (to install a browser if necessary, plus additional space for other programs if applicable)
- DSL modem, Cable modem
- Printer (laser or inkjet)
- CD-ROM (required for some courses)
