Online Requirements

Since all courses are taken online, it is important to have the right computer equipment to ensure the best possible learning experience.

Electronic communication is the preferred method of communication for students, faculty, and staff. To take advantage of this technology, it is required that students, instructional and administrative staff acquire and maintain email access with the capability to send/receive attached files. Because all courses are primarily taught online, it is absolutely necessary that you have the right computer equipment.

Computer Hardware

• A processor of 1.6 GHz or faster
• 256 MB RAM or greater
• 20 GB hard drive or larger
• High-speed Internet connection (3MBPS or higher recommended)
• Monitor and video card with 1024×768 ppi or greater resolution
• Sound card with speakers
• HD Webcam
• Headset

Operating System
A computer running Windows 8 or 10 or any Mac OS

Software

• Adobe® Reader
• Microsoft® Office
• ZOOM
• Populi (For iOS | For Andriod)

Self-Preparation

If you’re considering enrolling in our Online Juris Doctor (JD) program (or you’re already enrolled in a program) the tips and advice below can help you address the challenges to get the most value out of your online program.

1. Treat an online course like a “real” course: When it comes to online classes, you need to have the discipline to sit down and say, “I am going to work on this,” as well as the dedication to actually follow through. Though you can be flexible as to when you choose to complete your work during the week, you can’t put it off indefinitely.
2. Hold yourself accountable: Set goals at the beginning of the semester, and check-in with yourself weekly. In a traditional classroom setting, you’ll often receive verbal or visual reminders of an assignment’s upcoming due date. But without a professor actively reminding you, it’s up to you to make sure you’ve allotted enough time to complete the work so you’re not starting an assignment the day before it’s due.
3. Practice time management: The flexibility to create your own schedule is often one of the biggest appeals of taking online classes. But that freedom can also be detrimental if you do not have solid time management skills. Without them, you might easily find yourself cramming before classes or handing in subpar assignments.
4. Create a regular study space and stay organized: Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying. By completing your work there repeatedly, you’ll begin to establish a routine. Whether your workspace is your kitchen table, a library, or the corner booth in a local coffee shop, it’s important to determine what type of environment will work best for you. Experiment to discover which type of setting boosts your productivity. Wherever you choose, make sure there’s high-speed internet access so you’re not trying to take an online course over a lagging connection.
5. Eliminate distractions: From Netflix to social media to dishes piling up in the skink, you’ll be faced with many distractions that can easily derail your studies. The best online students know how to lessen these distractions and set aside time to focus.
6. Figure Out How You Learn Best: Once you’ve established where you’ll learn, think about when and how you accomplish your best work. If you’re a morning person, make time to study first thing. More of a night owl? Set aside an hour or two after dinner to cozy up to your computer. If the kids require your morning and evening attention, try to carve out a study session mid-day while they’re at school. Brew your usual cup of coffee, put on your go-to playlist, and do whatever you need to get into the zone and down to business. Not everyone learns the same way, so think about what types of information help you best grasp new concepts and employ relevant study strategies. If you’re a visual learner, for example, print out transcripts of the video lectures to review. Learn best by listening? Make sure to build time into your schedule to play and replay all audio- and video-based course content.
7. Actively participate: Participate in the course’s online forum to help you better understand course materials and engage with fellow classmates. This might involve commenting on a classmate’s paper on a discussion board or posting a question about a project you’re working on. Read what other students and your professor are saying, and if you have a question, ask for clarification.
8. Leverage your network: Online classes may sometimes make you feel like you are learning on your own, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most online courses are built around the concept of collaboration, with professors and instructors actively encouraging that students work together to complete assignments and discuss lessons. Build relationships with other students by introducing yourself and engaging in online discussion boards. Your peers can be a valuable resource when preparing for exams or asking for feedback on assignments. Don’t be afraid to turn to them to create a virtual study group. Chances are good that they will appreciate it just as much as you will.