The Online Education Initiative has released a slew of great tools for students and faculty to use in their online classes. One of my favorites is the Computer Readiness Test. With one click students can test their computer and browser to see if they have the proper specs/plugins to get the most out of their online class. If their browsers are missing a plugin or two there are helpful links directing students to the missing programs they need to install.
Why is this so cool?
Most teachers, distance ed websites, CMS’s etc. have a system requirements page that is a long list of tech-speak that many students have a hard time interpreting. This testing tool is easy to use and automatic. Students don’t have to figure out how to check which operating system they’re running or if they have flash installed on their browser.
Check it out and share it with your students. Thanks OEI!
West LA Digital 