What You Need to Succeed

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?

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 Office 2019 Professional or Office 365
including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access*
CIS 113 Microsoft Office 2019 Professional or Office 365
including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access*
COM Microsoft Word 2019 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 Excel 2019 or Office 365
DBA 110 Microsoft Access 2019* or Office 365 for Windows
ENG Microsoft Word 2019 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 Office 365
OST 138 Microsoft Office 2019 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.