Ten Things to Do When Having a Computer Problem While Taking Online College Classes
November 17, 2010 by michaelm
Filed under Online College, Online Education
1. Contact the instructor right away
One of the most important things you can do when you have computer problems during your online courses is to contact the instructor immediately. Keeping him or her informed will improve the situation and help your grade.
2. Determine a backup plan
Figure out a backup plan - is there somewhere nearby with wi-fi or an extra computer?
3. Troubleshoot the issue
Try a few things and alternative programs on your own to see if you can get anything to work or figure out the problem.
4. Contact technical support
Contact the university’s technical support, a local computer store, or a friend with technological knowledge, and explain the problem you’re having.
5. Focus on the problem
While you’re trying to work out the problem, focus solely on your computer issues. You can worry about another way to submit your assignment later.
6. Figure out how to get it fixed right away
Enlist a friend’s help or take it to a computer shop to begin getting the problem fixed as soon as possible.
7. Document your efforts to get it fixed
Keep track of everything you do to fix the problem, as proof that you can show your instructor later if necessary.
8. Go somewhere else with a working computer
Now that you’re working on getting the problem fixed, go somewhere else with a working computer and internet access.
9. Continue working on your assignment or course material
Block the computer problems out of your mind and focus on completing your work. Give your attention to your assignment.
10. Find an alternative method to submit your assignment
Consider another way to submit the assignment. Can you print it from a different computer and fax it? Can you drop it off to the instructor?