Virtual High School - Student Criteria

To better assess your readiness for an online course, please take the Online Learning Readiness Survey provided.

Student Criteria: (including technical specifications for your computer)

1. Personal Commitment
2. Self-Motivation
3. Ability to Learn Independently
4. Computer Literacy
5. Time-Management Skills
6. Effective Written Communication Skills
7. Access to a Computer with the Proper Configurations:

•	Pentium processor with Windows 98 or better
•	Microsoft Word and PowerPoint 98 or better
•	Hard drive with at least 1 GB available
•	64 MB RAM
•	Color monitor (16 bit)
•	8x or faster CD-ROM
•	Keyboard, mouse, Sound card and speakers
•	Direct network connection or 56 bps modem with Internet access
•	Internet provider (recommended browser: Internet Explorer 6.0)
•	Additional plug-ins and updates may be required with certain courses

Students may also take the courses with an Apple/MAC computer. Configurations and special formatting can be found in the student handbook.

Test your computer!

If you are planning to take an online course, please keep in mind:

•	Online learning coursework cannot be neglected because of personal or family circumstances, unless there are compelling reasons.
•	Some students prefer the independence of online learning; others find it uncomfortable.
•	Online learning courses give you greater freedom to schedule your work, but they also require more self- discipline.
•	Some people learn best by face-to-face interaction with other students, but online courses do not allow much opportunity for this type of interaction.
•	Online learning courses require you to work from written directions, without face-to-face explanations by the instructor.
•	Online courses use technology for teaching and communication. You must be comfortable with basic computer techniques and file management.

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