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Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs

Becoming a successful online learner

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Becoming a successful online learner: Getting started

Get to know your computer!

While you don't need to be an expert in computers to use technology for learning, investing some time in becoming comfortable with Information Technology (IT) will certainly be very useful, both during your course and after you graduate.

If you have limited experience with IT, then you may wish to consider taking the European Computer Driving License (ECDL) course. Other useful resources include:

  • TONIC: A good basic introduction to the Internet.
  • Website Compass: Useful information on working with Internet browsers and email.
  • Intute: Virtual Training Suite: Subject-specific tutorials on getting the best of the Internet for learning and research.
  • Whatis.com: Database of IT-related terminology.

If you feel that you need to brush up on your typing skills, then there are a number of free and low cost typing tutorials available. Investing a little time in learning to type reasonably well now could save you a significant amount of time in the longer term!

Get to know Moodle!

Take a little time to become familiar with the layout of the Moodle homepage and the homepages for individual modules. Log in to Moodle regularly and check for updates, new discussion forum posts etc.