Introduction_to_Computers_Offered_Online

With the advances in technology understanding how to use computers is a must. People have so much going on between working, children, and maintaining their home they find it difficult to attend classes in an actual classroom. Offering an online Introduction to Computers course would benefit students at community colleges. An online Introduction to Computers course is convenient, easily accessible, and helpful improving computer skills. Some people believe that Introduction to Computers should not be offered online because not everyone possesses basic computer skills. One of the reasons why a school should offeran Introduction to Computers course online is because of its convenience. Since the class is online, students will not have to attend classes. Lectures and other materials are electronically sent to the student who will then read them, prepare to take quizzes, and complete assignments. Students will never have to visit a classroom. For those working full time, this will save time, simplify studying, and make scheduling events in their lives much easier. Students will also not have to find parking spaces, leave work early to go to class, or miss important family time. For those who work and have families, every second counts. This means that parents can attend to their children, then sit down to class; working students can attend classes no matter what their work schedule might be. Students will be able to plan their study time around the rest of their day instead of the other way around. It is the student's choice whether or not studying at nighttime or in the morning is best for them. Having to work and attend classes at the same time can be very stressful, online classes remove the stress by allowing students to learn when it is convenient for them. You are able to complete assignments at your own pace. For example, an assignment may be posted on Monday morning and due the following Monday by noon. I can sit down and work on the assignment in between doing laundry, cooking dinner, helping the kids with their homework etc. With the busy and complicated lives that occur today, convenience is just one of many reasons why offering Introduction to Computers online at VGCC would benefit the students. Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students can “attend” a course at any time, from anywhere. People that travel for business or pleasure can attend class from anywhere in the world that has internet access. Students can work on assignments from their living room, a local coffee shop, library, or if they go out of town on vacation from their hotel room, without limitations of classroom or lab hours. For instance, my mother in-law was enrolled in an online course, when she went on vacation to Atlanta she was able to take her laptop computer with her and work on her assignments that were due during the time she was out of town. The easy accessibility of online courses is yet another reason VGCC should offer Introduction to Computers as an online course. Using the internet to attend class, research information and communication with other students teaches skills in using technologies that will be critical to workers in the 21st century business community that works with colleagues globally and across time zones. This is an introductory computer and Internet literacy course designed for those with little or no prior computer background. It will cover the essential skills areas; operation and use of computers and software; the capabilities and limitations of computers; and their impact on your personal life and society. This course has no prerequisites, although it assumes you have some fundamental keyboarding skills. Opportunities to develop and practice basic skills at your own pace, test your computer knowledge in particular areas, and pursue more advanced learning, such web page design, are also offered. Finally, even if you are proficient in using computers and the Internet, more advanced resources are provided for those who might be interested in pursuing continuing education or professional development. When my daughter first started taking Introduction to Computers as an online course her computer skills were very limited, she knew how to turn the computer on and access the internet and email systems. After completing the course she know possesses skills such as creating word documents, excel spreadsheets, power point presentations, and managing files and folders. All of which will be very helpful when she begins trying to find a job, and once she obtains employment. Technology will continue to advance, making computer skills essential in order to be success. For this reason offering Introduction to Computers online would definitely benefit the students. While "brick and mortar" institutions will never be eliminated, it's easy to see why a growing number of people are attending class in the cyber world. They may be reasons of accessibility, convenience, or quality, all compelling and contributing to the attractiveness of this mode of learning.