Readiness Tutorials

The Online Education Initiative has developed a number of tutorials to gauge your preparedness for online learning.

Please take some time and work through tutorial 1 though 6 of the Online Education Initiative Online Readiness Tutorials. You will be asked to reflect on what you learned about online learning at the end of Week 1. (Or maybe you could incorporate some of the content in your syllabus/orientation quiz during Week 1).

Required Technology

Teaching and learning online is dependent on technology. The following sections provide basic guidelines for determining if you have the right equipment to support online learning, but I'd also like to caution that technology is dynamic, and needs may change dependent upon tools and resources you use.

Internet Connection

Although Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments (Minimum of 512kbps), Broadband/DSL connection is recommended to most effectively view the online videos and participate in video conferences.

Computer

In addition to an adequate internet connection, you will need a fairly recent Mac or PC (preferably not more than three years-old) with a current operating system to complete some of the course activities. Because it is built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with an up-to-date web browser. An up-to-date browser not only provides a better user experience, it also protects your data.

Canvas also provides minimum requirements for your computer:

Much of the content in this course is fully accessible from the Canvas App, which you can download for free.

Webcam and Microphone

We may be in different places across the state (and maybe even across the world!), but I still want to see you! Video conferencing is extremely powerful. A quick conference call can help you overcome a technical barrier that seemed insurmountable, and it can help you connect with peers and instructors across the system.

I will be using TechConnect Zoom to conference with you, which means you will need a camera and microphone. Most computers have integrated cameras and mics, but please check your computer to ensure both work and to familiarize yourself with the settings.

Adobe Reader

Some material in this course may be presented in PDFs. To view these materials, you will need the most current version of Adobe Reader

Word Processor

You may have assignments in this class that prompt you to use a word processing application. There are numerous options available when it comes to word processing software; Office 365: Access your free version of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and more through Ohlone email.