Successful online students rely heavily on their computers to complete their coursework.  Please consider the following computer requirements before pursuing this degree.

   You should own your computer rather than use someone else's computer to complete this degree.  Plan to be on your computer at least 20 hours a week throughout the program. Students in the Information Technology program will need a PC, not a Mac, with Windows and Office 2007.

   Your computer should be in good working order.  Online instructors do not give extensions for work that is not completed because your computer is not working. It is your responsibility to make sure it’s working before you begin the program.

   Some courses require a microphone so that you can talk to your instructors and classmates.  This can be either a microphone built into your computer or an external microphone or headset.  The GTCC bookstore sells a USB microphone headset if you need one.

   You need a strong Internet connection. Plan to download attachments, listen to sound files, stream video and have conversations over your computer.  Your Internet connection should allow you to do these things with ease.

   You should have MS Word on your computer, and we strongly recommend Excel and PowerPoint as well.  GTCC students can purchase Office 2007 online for around $59 at Microsoft's The Ultimate Steal site. Online instructors accept written assignments as Word documents, text files or PDF files. You will need Office 2007 and a computer with a Windows operating system, or access to one, to complete CIS 110. Students in the Medical Transcription program will need to use Firefox, not Internet Explorer, as their browser. You can download Firefox for free here: Firefox.

   During Reboot Camp, you will be asked to download free software to your computer for your courses. Your computer should have enough memory to run all the applications successfully.