Students taking online classes have a greater responsibility for their own success than students in traditional classroom settings. A successful online learner is one who…
- Is self-motivated to log in regularly, find details about assignments, and seek out help when needed.
- Is self-disciplined and able to work on a flexible schedule without getting behind.
- Can dedicate enough time to each course. Online classes require at least as much time as traditional classes, and often more. A typical 3-credit online course can easily require 9-12 hours per week.
- Is good at reading and writing. Online classes require more reading and writing than traditional, on-campus classes.
- Has good computer skills. You must be comfortable sending and receiving e-mail, navigating web pages, and using computer software, such as word processors.
- Has convenient, dependable access to a computer that meets the technical requirements listed below.
What computer hardware and software do I need to take an online course?
- A computer (PC or Mac) with high-speed Internet access
- A ConnectMail email account (provided by Durham Tech)
- A reasonably current web browser (Firefox or Chrome are recommended).
- JavaScript and cookies enabled. (How to enable javascript and cookies)
In addition to the above, the following online courses require special software or equipment.
Note: Durham Tech provides Office 365 to students free-of-charge for students who are currently taking curriculum (credit) classes. Learn more about how to install it.
| To take this class online… | You must have access to this exact software or equipment… |
|---|---|
| ACC 150 | A computer with Windows 10 or 8.1 (natively installed) that meets the system requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2021. |
| CIS 110 | Microsoft 365/Office 2021 including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel |
| COM | Microsoft Word 2019 (or higher) or Office 365; and a Webcam |
| CTR 115-420 | High-speed Internet access (minimum 1 Mbps); and a Webcam |
| CTR 120-420 | High-speed Internet access (minimum 1 Mbps); and a Webcam |
| CTR 130-420 | High-speed Internet access (minimum 1 Mbps); and a Webcam |
| CTR 220-420 | High-speed Internet access (minimum 1 Mbps); and a Webcam |
| CTS 130 | Microsoft 365/Office 2021 including Excel |
| ENG | Microsoft Word 2019 (or higher) or Office 365 |
| FRE 111 | A working headset with a microphone attached. |
| GER 111 | A working headset with a microphone attached. |
| OST 136 | Microsoft Word 2019 (or higher) or Office 365 |
| OST 138 | Microsoft Office 2019 (or higher) Professional or Office 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access* |
| SPA 111 | A working headset with a microphone attached. |
| SPA 112 | A working headset with a microphone attached. |
| SPA 212 | A working headset with a microphone attached. |
| SPA 231 | A working headset with a microphone attached. |
*Microsoft Access is a Windows-only application and is not available for Mac OS.