Internet access
introduction | using an Internet
Service Provider (ISP) | using internet facilities
at your local library or at your workplace
Introduction
Most online courses are conducted entirely on the Internet.
You can access the Internet in a number of ways:
Using an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
If you are working from home, you will need to open an account with
an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company which provides
you with access to the Internet and there are many to choose from.
If you are living in a regional area, the choice is more limited.
The best thing to do is to check your phone directory and to ring
around. Usually an Internet connection is calculated per hour (prices
range from $1 - $5 per hour) or at a flat rate for unlimited hourly
access per month (ranging from $10 - $50 per month).
Using the Internet facilities at your local
library
Many people study online without having Internet access at home.
These students use an Internet connection at their local library
or at their workplace. However in order to study successfully in
these circumstances you need to ask yourself the following questions:
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How long are you able to regularly access the Internet connection
for?
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Is this long enough for your course?
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At what times can you access the Internet connection?
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Do these times suit your daily schedule?
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Do you have enough floppy disks to store and backup your work?
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Would you be able to concentrate in the library or at your
workplace?
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TIP - Be aware and prepared for potential problems
with your Internet connection. Technology is never 100%
reliable and you need to think about what to do when problems
arise. What would you do if your Internet Service Provider
went down for example? You might need to have a floppy disk
handy and then use someone else's computer.
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