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Will I have the Computer Skills Needed For a Distance Learning Course?
Six Requirements, A Checklist of Skills, A Key Thought

The Six Requirements

First And Most Important. : If you have never used a computer you can still become a distance learner. Repeat. If you have never used a computer you can still become a distance learner. You may need a little preparatory work before you start.

Second: Key requirements to succeed as a distance learner are motivation, determination, persistence and willingness to learn new computer skills as well as course content. You will need a computer.

Third: Get information from the course organizers before you pay anything.

Find out the specific computer skills required for the course you wish to follow. When you know you can focus on developing the skills that you will actually need for the course. Get the organizers to make a list of the skills you will need. Ask someone who knows you and who knows a bit about computers how long it will take you to learn these skills.

Get full details of the features your computer should have. It is best to get the list of features in writing so you have it for reference if you need to go computer shopping or discuss with someone.

The course organizers will want to please you to get your custom. Ask as many questions as you need to. Ask to speak to the course manager if necessary. Be persistent until you have all the answers you need. Don't be embarrassed to say I don't know very much about computers at present so I would appreciate if you could give me this in simple language.' Take notes or get them to send you information in writing.

Fourth: Find one or more people to help you get a computer set up and get started using it. There is certainly someone in your circle of acquaintances, friends or family or someone you could briefly hire who can help you get started. Find that person and find a way to get them to help you (remember that motivation and persistence!). Young people with computer expertise may enjoy sharing their skills with an older relative. Bribe them if you have to!

Fifth: Once you get started you will best develop your computer skills by doing a little and doing it often. Keep the bribes and the support going as back up if you can.

Sixth: If you can find a friend who is interested in pursuing the same distance course then you will provide moral and practical support to each other. Check out likely places to find such a person. They should be genuinely interested or it will not work. Once

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