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Technology Considerations and Computer Basics
Technology Considerations
Some of your classes may be technology-mediated. For example, some classes may use a software program called WebCT, while other classes may use video conferencing technology. Other Internet-based technologies that may be used include email, online chats, online forums, ect. In general, students who participate in Internet-based activities should have a computer less than four years old and a stable Internet connection of at least 56k.
Computer Basics
Certain basic computer skills are need to be a successful distance learner, including how to:
- Use an internet browser
- Download, save and print material found online
- Do basic searches on the Internet
- Use e-mail
WebCT essentials and video conferencing basics that will be discussed on upcoming pages for those of you that will be using these technologies.
Note: If you need help understanding how to do any of these tasks ask someone for help (i.e., a friend, a coworker, or a family member). Knowing when to ask for help and who to ask for help are valuable skills for graduate students, and especially for distance learners.
Using Internet Browsers
Going
online with an Internet or web browser is also called 'surfing the
internet.' Three of the most common internet browsers are Internet
Explorer, Netscape and Mozilla Firefox. If you need to learn how to
surf the Internet with a web browser then open a browser on your
computer and type this address in the address field: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/atc/materials/old/AandH/surf/surfing.shtml,
or just click on the address link and a new browser window will open for you.
This will take you to a web site that has a tutorial on how to surf the
web.
Download, Save and Print Files
For a tutorial on how to download and save files visit this site: http://www.learnthenet.com/english/section/download.html .Searching the Web
For a tutorial on how to use the web to search for information visit this site: http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/31wsearc.htm .
Using E-mail
Use your new searching skills and tools, such as the Google search engine, to find a web site online that teaches you how to use email (hint: try typing in “email tutorial” into the Google search engine located at www.google.com).
Now that you have mastered the computer basics please go on to the next page to learn about TAMU Computing and Information Services!
