Online Course Readiness

In This Section

Computer Skills

Students are required to access their online course(s) frequently to read and complete course assignments as well as interact with classmates and the instructor. A computer with Internet access and at least a moderate comfort level using these tools is essential to success as an online student. Knowing how to share files and send attachments may be required.

Time Commitment

Online learning accommodates a flexible schedule but requires at least the same if not more work. Assignments and tests have specific availability dates and deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to stay on track with the course calendar.

Communication Skills

Online students generally interact heavily with instructors and classmates via the Internet. Course objectives and assignments are posted along with deadlines. Some classes assign group projects and have scheduled times for online chat or video conferencing. Discussions are often required for an online participation grade.

This brief survey is simply a measure of personal tendencies. We encourage you to explore the Trident Technical College website as well as contact a college staff member for more information about online learning. Thank you for participating in this survey. At this time, you may want to review the Online Learning Orientation for tips on how to succeed as an online student.

We also encourage you to become familiar with the college’s learning management system by watching the Navigate D2L Brightspace Learning Environment Videos. If you need face-to-face assistance, the college provides a Student Resource Center that helps online students utilize tools and software to navigate academic processes related to registration, advising, coursework and transfer. They offer individual assistance and group workshops to help students navigate the my.tridenttech.edu Portal, D2L Brightspace and student email accounts. They also offer transfer program advising assistance, My IT Lab and My Writing Lab assistance, College Placement Test assistance, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint assistance, and academic support referrals. The Student Resource Center is located on Thornley Campus in Bldg. 500, Room 130 and may be reached at (843) 574-6975 or studentresourcecenter@tridenttech.edu.

Online Course Readiness Checklist

Familiarize yourself with this Online Course Readiness Checklist before registering for online courses to ensure you are prepared to successfully complete your studies.

✔ I have a reliable computer with Internet access or am able to access one easily and on a regular basis.
✔ The computer I will use meets the TTC technology requirements for taking an online course.
✔ My browser will play several common multimedia (video and audio) formats.
✔ I am comfortable using educational communication technologies, discussion boards, chat rooms, video conferencing, etc.
✔ My technology skills are sufficient to study online with little or no technical assistance.
✔ I am comfortable with things like downloading and installing software and changing configuration settings on my computer.
✔ I am comfortable with things like sending email messages, downloading attachments, doing Internet searches, and setting bookmarks.
✔ I have good file management, computing, and keyboarding skills.
✔ I can dedicate approximately 6 hours (any time during the day or night) per week per course to my studies.
✔ I have the discipline to complete and submit assignments on schedule.
✔ I can progress through learning materials without a designated class meeting time.
✔ I am able to log in frequently and be actively engaged in my course assignments.
✔ As an online learner, I am comfortable reading, listening, or viewing lectures, audio recordings, or podcasts to comprehend instructions.
✔ I am able to express myself through text, audio, or video.
✔ I don't mind asking for help when I have a problem.
✔ I can collaborate with other learners to produce a project.
✔ I am comfortable making contributions to course discussions.

Distance Learning Department

843-574-6864
facultyd2lhelp@tridenttech.edu