Are you taking online school courses this semester?
The primary items you need for online classes are a computer with a reliable internet connection, as well as some traditional school supplies and a dedicated space to study so you can concentrate on your lessons. Preferably you will have your own desk, with a comfortable chair and a lamp.
Since the majority of online courses are entirely virtual, a laptop or desktop computer is a must. You can’t take an online course with just a smartphone. You’ll need access to the internet, a word processor, and a third-party service designated to supervise online exams.
Must-have online student computer features include:
- Headphone jack
- Good quality built-in speakers
- Webcam
- USB port (or multiport adapter if you have a Mac)
- External hard drive/Flash drive
Make sure your computer meets the technical requirements for your online course (such as running the latest version of Windows). You can usually find these requirements on the class website and in the syllabus for each course. You will also need to download any required software/apps such as a PDF viewer, video conferencing software, and productivity software like Google Docs.
You may need some more specialized supplies depending on your field of study. For example, if you’re taking a math class you will probably need a graphing calculator and graph paper.
The infographic below lists the basic items that every online student should have. If there’s anything else you would recommend that we missed, leave a comment!
