Necessary Technical Knowledge and Digital Literacy Information Skills for Distance Learning
When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technical skills needed in order to have a successful course. Students in distance education courses must know basic computer and Internet skills listed below.
Note: Contact your professor or refer to your course syllabus for any additional technical knowledge or skills you may need in your course.
Required Basic Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Accessing the Internet using a computer browser (aka. "getting online").
- Using an Internet browser. (Recommended browsers: Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Avoid: Internet Explorer since this is no longer supported by Blackboard.)
- Downloading, saving, opening, and printing material found online.
- Composing e-mail/course messages and attaching documents. (Blackboard Student Help Link: Course Messages)
- Posting to a discussion forum. (Blackboard Student Help Link: Threads)
- Submitting to a drop box or assignment. (Blackboard Student Help Link: Submit Assignments)
- Writing and editing with a word processor, such as Notepad, MS Word, etc. (Link: Office Quick Start guides)
- Take online examinations.
- Using web conferencing tools, such as Blackboard Collaborate. (Links: Collaborate Get Started and Presenting)
- Learning new computer skills.
Required Digital Information Literacy Skills
- Conducting Internet searches.
- Navigating through TAMIU library's search tool to locate appropriate texts, documents, and resources. (Link: TAMIU Library Main Page)
- Navigating through TAMIU library's website to utilize various databases for research. (Link: Killam Library A-Z Databases)
- Citing sources in academic submissions, using appropriate style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) (Link: TAMIU Writing Center Handouts)
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eLearning Blackboard Support
Check out our guides and tutorial videos on how to use the official Learning Management System of Texas A&M International, also known as eLearning (Blackboard).
Technical Support
Learn about the support services provided by the Office of Information Technology.
Accessibility Support
Accessibility Support Services offered for all TAMIU students
Respondus Lockdown Support
Respondus support resources for students.
Netiquette Etiquette Guidelines For Distance Learning
Learn the general manner in which you should conduct yourself in an online course environment.
Necessary Technical Knowledge and Digital Literacy Information Skills for Distance Learning
Learn about the general technical knowledge and skills you need to possess for taking an online course.
Minimum Technology Requirements for Distance Learning
Learn about the minimum, general technology requirements for an online course.
Time Management and Study Skills
Learn the tips you need know on managing your time and improving your study habits.
Online Readiness Survey
Unsure if you should take an online class? Fill out this survey for feedback on your strengths and/or weaknesses in attending online courses.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
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Title IX
Watch the Title IX Training Video for Students, created by students in the 11 universities of the Texas A&M University System.
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Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services
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Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall (CWT) 208
5201 University Boulevard, Laredo, TX 78041