Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who Should Take a MercerOnline Course?

A MercerOnline course might be perfect for you if:

• You have your own computer and Internet access and you are familiar with the World Wide Web.
• You need to learn from a distance, or work, family or other commitments prevent you from attending classes regularly.
• You are highly self-motivated and work well independently
• You can budget your time effectively and meet deadlines.

You Should Not Take a MercerOnline Course If. . .

• You don't have a computer of your own
• You don't have Internet access
• You've never "surfed the Web."
• You've "surfed the Web," but you don't have a computer available.
• You aren't highly self-motivated and you find it difficult to work independently.
• You believe that web-based courses require less time and effort than classroom courses (they are every bit as intensive!)

Here is a detailed guide taken from the South Australia Board of Education, Training and Employment website that will help you make up your mind.

Are You Ready for Online Learning?

The main issues to be considered for readiness are:

• personal
• technical
• skills

Briefly, what is Online education?

'Online' education is all about using computer networks for learning. The main computer network in use for online learning is the global network called the Internet. Other networks can also be used for online education.

Learning materials are stored online (on computers attached to the Internet) in a special format called Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). These files are viewed with a browser (see below for examples). HTML pages displayed in a browser may contain text, images, sounds and video.

Other online methods include the use of e-mail, bulletin boards and chat.

Using online education is easy when you get used to it, but there are some issues you need to address first.

Instructions

• for each of the following steps, read through the checklist items
• complete the questions that appear at the end of the section.
• When you have completed the three steps, print this page to record your readiness for online.

Step 1 - Personal Issues

Learning style

There are different learning styles. Some examples are learners who prefer to:

• interact with a group and learn well through discussion
• listen to 'experts'
• work at their own pace
• take a more stuctured approach
• read printed materials and take notes
• look at pictures and videos
• work on real tasks in a working environment
• participate in 'role plays'

What is your learning style?

Goal setting - where are you going?

• Does technology and online learning interest you?
• Where do you want to be in two years time?
• Can you see yourself using technology daily?

Time management

• Do you have a flexible approach to your time management?
• Can you see yourself checking your online courses daily?
• How is your job structured?

Questions

Record your learning style in the following box:

Record your online goals in the following box:

Check here if you are aware of the time management issues that apply to flexible delivery and particularly online teaching and learning.

Step 2 - Technical Issues

Hardware for online learning

• You will need a connection to the Internet in order to work online.
• If you plan to work from home you will also need an Internet connection at home. You will need a modem and access to the Internet provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• You meed a suitable computer. Any PC or Macintosh manufactured in 1998 or later should be sufficient.

Software for online learning

• Internet Browser - A browser is a program that allows you to display pages that are located on the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer are examples of commonly used and available browsers.
• Email program will be an essential tool for on-line work. You will need your own email account. Examples of email programs are Eudora, Pegasus, MS Exchange or Outlook, Netscape Messenger.
• Text editor program (Notepad is included with Windows).
• Winzip or equivalent file compression utility.

Questions

Check the following boxes to confirm you have the necessary technological skills

I have the necessary hardware.

I have the necessary software.

I have an Internet connection.

I have an Internet browser installed and configured correctly.

Step 3 - Skill Issues

Basic computer skills - You must be able to

• Start the computer
• Mouse skills - be able to click, double-click, drag and drop
• Start and use Windows programs (including using menus and online Help)
• Use Windows Explorer to find and to save files, manage directories and to rename, copy and move files
• Use a word-processor (eg Microsoft Word) or text editor (eg Notepad) to enter text.
• Use a file compression program (eg Winzip)

Using a browser

You will need to know how to use the basic features of a browser - these include:

• enter URLs in the location bar,
• move backwards and forwards between pages,
• refresh or reload pages
• use links,
• save bookmarks
• download files and save them

Configuring browsers

• enabling Java and Javascript

Questions

Check the following boxes to confirm you have the necessary skills

I have Basic Computer Skills.

I can use a browser.

Where To Now?

Now you have recorded your readiness for online learning. You can print this page for future reference. Click here to print this page. If you are not yet ready for online teaching and learning it will help to remind you of the issues you need to address.

If you feel confident with your skill level in the above areas, you are ready for online learning!