by Carol Wohlfeil

Created on: May 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

Computer Skills: What You Need to Know When Going Back to School

Many adults today realize the benefits of returning to school to enhance training in their current field or complete a degree that was set aside in the past. However, the time constraints of job, home, and family often make attending a local college impossible, and many believe that limited computer skills put online courses out of their reach.

Halfway through my Bachelors degree I left my education behind to raise a family. Once I was able to complete my education, I found that the local colleges offered nothing that would accommodate my hectic schedule. Online courses were my only option, but my computer skills were weak even compared to what my children were learning in school. I thought the situation was hopeless until I took a chance and spoke to an advisor at one of the online colleges. He advised me that if I had the ability to connect to the internet, read instructions, and operate the basic functions of Microsoft Word, I was able to take online courses. That was about the extent of my computer savvy, but he encouraged me to sign up for a class and give it a try. If I felt that it was too much for me, I could drop the class and pay nothing. So, needless to say, I took a chance.

I have been attending college online now for nearly two years. The advisor was true to his word. My limited computer skills were more than adequate to begin my classes. As more skills were required in higher level classes, clear, detailed instructions were given for every procedure. In fact, learning these new computer skills was incorporated right into the course work. I now can do all sorts of wonderful things with my computer including designing a complete PowerPoint presentation with audio.

Online colleges were created out of need, and they are aware that the majority of their students are adult learners that may not have had the opportunity for advanced computer training when they attended school in the past. Consequently, these courses are designed to accommodate these learners.

Don't give up on getting your degree or furthering your education because you believe your skills are too limited.

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