Education is a vital part of being able to pick up the skills you need to follow the career path you want, change careers, or progress further in your job. Technology has started to play a big role in positively disrupting the learning sector and seen many institutions get on board with using technological solutions to foster better learning.
Perhaps the biggest influence that technology has had for education is online courses. The amount of superb MBA programs online to choose from now shows this, and more students than ever are beginning to opt for online learning. The online MBA Business Administration course at Kettering University illustrates perfectly what these sorts of programs offer. Not only is this course full of learning that can be directly applied to future jobs, but it also has no GMAT/GRE entry requirement and is ideal for anyone looking to work in senior levels in business.
To get the most from online study, you need the essential tech and software in place first. We all know that a decent laptop (with an internal webcam and microphone) is a must – but what else should you have – consider even hiring a laptop.
Video calling/conferencing software
Technology has come on in leaps and bounds – you only have to look at the latest smart tech for home use as proof of this. Video calling/conferencing platforms are another big innovation in tech and are important for online learning. The big hitters here are Skype, FaceTime and Zoom. While Skype and FaceTime are best for individual video calls to a tutor, Zoom may be the platform that online lessons or group work are conducted over.
Word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software
Needing to submit essays and assignments means having word processing software in place to type them up. By the same token, many online courses might ask you to create a presentation to share online or use a spreadsheet to collate data. Having the right software (such as MS Office) for these tasks is therefore vital.
Headphones
A good piece of hardware to pick up is a pair of headphones that fit your laptop. This enables you to conduct video calls with other students or tutors in private. It also enables you to listen to online lessons or course videos without disturbing whoever else is around.
Email and web browser
In terms of tech and software for online courses, these are also must-haves. Email is critical not only for staying in touch with tutors but also for submitting work and receiving assignment details. Installing a web browser enables you to access the internet to conduct research and hunt down facts.
Preparing for online study properly is essential
The rising number of people who are choosing to study online rather than in-person demonstrates how effective it can be. To get the most from it though, it is key to prepare properly. In tech terms, this means picking up the above essentials to help your studies go smoothly.
