by Melissa D. Ing

Created on: May 12, 2007   Last Updated: January 23, 2011

Computer knowledge and software application skills are essential for anyone returning to school. Classroom's have gone hi-tech and distance learning in particular, involves web based procedures for accessing classes, assistance and assignments. Advanced computer skills are usually not needed unless enrollment is in a Science, Mathematics or design curriculum. Whether a student is undertaking a continuing education course, a university course or a full Diploma or Degree, a certain computer skill set is needed to go back to school.

Computer Hardware

Most on campus classrooms not only encourage but insist on students bringing their own laptops to lectures. Distance learning affords students the right to choose between a PC and a laptop with the following (general) hardware requirements:

Pentium 4 with 1.0GHz Processor or Higher

1GB Ram (minimum)

Graphics Card

Sound Card for audio lectures

Video Card for pod casts and streaming video

Monitor with 1024 x 768 resolution

DVD Rom drive for video presentations

DVD Burner

USB Flash Drive 2.0 for faster downloads and more storage.

Keyboard and Mouse

Speakers and Microphone

Reliable High Speed Internet or Wireless Internet

Not only should students returning to school possess computer hardware, they should actually know how to use it. On-line tutorials can guide prospective students through any gaps in computer hardware knowledge such as saving documents, downloading assignments, using the DVD drive, and developing basic PC troubleshooting skills.

Computer Software

Most students will create most of their assignments through a word processing software unless enrolled in an arts or science program. Microsoft Office XP 2003, and in particular Microsoft Word, with a Windows XP Operating System is the current standard in both Universities and College's. Students should have a good grasp of the various Internet browsers; Mozilla, FireFox or Internet 8 and install the most current application.

Students returning to school need to find information quickly and effectively for assignments and knowing which search engines to use can cut down the amount of time searching. Use a search engine that can search multiple engines at once such as alltheweb.com, which allows for audio searching for the hearing impaired and Polycola.com which simultaneously searches Ask, AOL, DogPile, Google, Yahoo and Windows Live.

Keyboarding and Email Skills

Returning to school means keeping up with note taking, lectures and assignments, most of which is done on a computer. Having a basic keyboarding speed of 30 wpm is essential for anyone taking multiple classes. Software such as Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing can help anyone increase their computer speed, and several free on-line typing programs exist.

All students need a secure email provider, especially students enrolled in distance education, and most benefit from opening up a separate secure account from either Yahoo or Gmail for assignments. Many real world College's and Universities provide their own internal email provider for students and teachers to interact safely.

Conclusion

Returning to school is never easy and knowing what computer skills you need to know to succeed is essential. Many College's and Universities have a technological department that can assist new students in choosing the right computer along with providing free tutorials and basic classes for anyone deficient in basic computer software applications. Never hesitate to ask for help, or you can find yourself being left behind.

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