Learning online

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This unit provides an introduction to learning online. This might be an important aspect of your study to consider, as with the explosion of the ICT age many universities and colleges are now offering online options for learning. You might have to study online because you are still working and need to do a part-time course. Or, online learning might fit well into your family circumstances, for example if you are at home with young children. This unit discusses the basics of online study, and helps you ensure you are using a PC in a safe and healthy way. It also helps you assess your style of learning and consider how you can ensure you are ‘computing with confidence’.

Try this: What do you know?

This quiz will help you to become familiar with some of the terminology that you will come across in this unit. It is just for fun.  You can either jot down the answer you think is correct, or print out this page and circle the answer you think is right.

A browser is:

  1. software such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome that you use for viewing web pages
  2. a page that you look at on the web

When viewing a web page you are always connected to the internet:

  1. True
  2. False

An ISP supplies you with only the web pages that are relevant to your interests. You choose different ISPs for different parts of the Internet:

  1. True
  2. False

If a web page can't be viewed then it is probably because your ISP is out of service:

  1. True
  2. False

Think about this:

So, how difficult did you find that? Now go through the answers below and see which ones you got right.

A browser is: a) software such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome that you use for viewing web pages. A browser is the software that runs on your computer and enables you to view pages on the web. 

When viewing a web page you are always connected to the Internet: b) False. Web pages are usually stored on computers on the Intranet. You are probably viewing this page through the internet, however, you could save this page on your computer and view it later when you have disconnected from the internet. So web pages can also be viewed offline.

An ISP supplies you with only the web pages that are relevant to your interests. You choose different ISPs for different parts of the Internet: b) False. ISPs provide you with access to all parts of the internet. Some will also provide you with additional features exclusive to their customers.  If a web page can't be viewed then it is probably because your ISP is out of service: b) False If your ISP is out of service, then you will not be able to access any web pages. It is a good idea to try other well known sites, e.g. www.bbc.co.uk. If you can see sites such as these, then the connection to your ISP is fine and the problem must lie with the website you were trying to access.

To find out about the health issues of studying online go to Health Issues.

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