Is this your first time studying online? Or maybe you have studied online before, but at a different institution? Perhaps you are curious about how “Diplo” courses work, the challenges, and what exactly will be expected of you? Is it difficult to study online? Does it take a lot of your time? Do you need to be a computer expert? Don’t worry! These questions and more will be answered here.
In a Diplo online course, you study with 10-20 other participants from all over the world. The course website is the place where you find your course materials and assignments, as well as communicate with lecturers and other participants. For example, after reading and reflecting on the course materials for the week, you will share your thoughts with classmates online. You will also submit assignments online by given deadlines.
A reasonably good Internet connection. Courses are designed to work with minimal bandwidth requirements: a good dial-up Internet connection is sufficient, although a faster connection will make your studies easier.
A back-up plan for emergencies, such as computer failure or lack of Internet connection. Is there an Internet café near-by that you can use? Could you go to a library or a similar institution if your computer fails? Do you have a data back-up of your course work?
You don’t need to be a computer expert to study online. However, you should be familiar with the basics of using computers: writing with a word processor, e-mail communication, browsing the Web and using the Internet efficiently to find information.