Preparing for Online College by Margaret SiggillinoFebruary 21, 2017

Preparing for online college, and feeling overwhelmed? Check out this list of tips and Library resources to help you prepare:

What You Will Need

You will need to have a computer with fast and reliable internet access. Or, at least regular, reliable and frequent access to one. Be sure it is working and that it is up-to-date. Each school has its own technical requirements; check the school’s website before enrolling. You need to have the right computer equipment and software for whatever classes that you plan to take. Special software may be required, which you maybe be able to download for free on the school’s website.

You will also need to be able to:

  • Set up an e-mail account
  • Find, log into and logout of your e-mail account
  • Compose, save and send e-mail messages
  • Know how to find and open programs on your computer
  • Create, save, and open Microsoft Word documents
  • Copy and paste text into a document
  • Attach a document to an e-mail and open an attachment that is e-mailed to you
  • Do simple internet searches
  • Download software from your school’s website or the internet and install it on your computer
  • Save your documents or files onto a USB flash drive or in Google docs or Dropbox                                             

If you don’t know what any of these things are, brush up on your computer skills before enrolling. The Library offers free computer classes and open labs in most locations in Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx.

Getting Ready

If you are thinking of enrolling in a SUNY online degree program, you may want to take their online Readiness Assessment test. Different colleges may have their own online learning readiness assessment programs. You may want to check them out before investing time and money in a course. You will also need some time to study, read and concentrate so you can complete your assignments and fulfill the deadlines. You need to have the ability and desire to learn computer skills specific to your course.

There are also some specific skills you might have to learn once you begin your course work. For example, some courses may require you to use Microsoft Office software other than Microsoft Word. You may also have to learn to use Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint or Access. You can go to the GCFlearn.org website to watch videos which provide quick overviews of these programs and how they are used. If you would like more detailed information on these and many other computer programs, you may use Lynda.com. Keep in mind, some of these may vary in quality; use your judgement.

Updating Your Computer

Your computer will be your main vehicle on your online learning journey. Make sure you have the following basics:

  • An up-to-date operating system
  • A reliable internet service at home. If your internet service doesn’t work at home or if you just want a change of scenery, all branches of The New York Public Library have free Wi-Fi service.
  • Enough available memory (RAM) on your computer to store software programs and files
  • A word processing program such as Microsoft Word or other Microsoft Office software. You may also use Google docs. 
  • An adequate sized monitor (computer screen) to view all your coursework. If your monitor is too small, you may not be able to properly view images or spreadsheets.
  • Make sure the sound works on your computer.You will probably be required to listen to lectures or watch videos for your class.You may also need a pair of headphones. They are a good way to aid concentration and to help block out noise in a distracting environment. They are also good for not disturbing others if you are in a public place.
  • A printer, if you want to print out your course materials and research at home. An inkjet printer or a laser printer can print pictures clearly. For more information about printers, check out the Consumer Report’s Best Printer Buying Guide.

If you don’t have a printer at home, you can come to the library to use computers and printers. 

Protecting Your Computer

Since your computer is your main vehicle in getting your education, you may want to protect it. It is important to protect your computer from viruses, spyware and malware. They can wreck havoc on your computer system by causing it to malfunction. Some may even steal your information. You can protect your computer with antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-malware programs. Learn more about protecting your computer.

Gaining “Frustration Tolerance”

Even if you have a reliable computer with good internet access, have an adequate amount of computer skills, or participate and do your coursework on time, things may still go wrong. You may develop computer problems or your internet may go down. Or, you may not know how to do something that you are being asked to do by your professor. Having the ability to be able to tolerate and cope with things not working from time to time as well as having the patience and presence of mind to go to the appropriate sources to ask for help will pay off in spades. 

Before you enroll and study at your college, it may be a good idea to make sure that they have a help desk and have their contact information handy in case you run into a computer software problem. Just in case your computer crashes or stops working, it is good to have access to other computers as a backup. Use any computers at The New York Public Library as long as you have a library card.

Books and E-books

Staff Posts: Information About Online Learning


Check out our Adult Education page for information on free classes and events for adults at our branches throughout Staten Island, Manhattan and the Bronx.

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