Screen images used as examples are always Netscape Communicator. If you have never taken an online course before, orientation is mandatory. This is to familiarize you with the mechanics of the course delivery methods, which include access and passwords, email, lectures and readings, forum discussions, assignment submission and grading. A. Online courses are very different from onsite courses. However, there are other things to consider before signing up.
Online courses require students to do a bit more on their own.
This includes looking for solutions to problems that crop up. The instructors have no idea who is having trouble as there are no puzzled facial expressions as there may be in the classroom. The student's ability to use a computer is assumed if he or she signs up for an online course. These courses cannot and will not teach basic computer skills.