Preparing for
online study

Tips to navigate online study

In this module, you will learn what it is like to study online, how to get started and how to troubleshoot common issues you might come across when studying online.

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Studying online

If this is your first time studying online, you might notice a few differences from traditional, face-to-face learning.

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Online study VS Face-to-face study

Online study - Requires time management VS Face-to-face study - Requires attendance  - completed

Online study allows you to learn at your own pace.

It is more flexible than traditional face-to-face lectures, but it also requires more self-directed time management and discipline.

Online study tends to be more reliant on written information.

Also, in many courses, you will communicate with your fellow students, tutor and adviser in email or chat, which means you will need to be practised at writing your ideas clearly and succinctly.

If you are the sort of person who prefers to type ideas out, rather than say them out loud, this may work to your advantage.

Computer literacy is a requirement for the online learning environment. If you are not particularly digitally literate, make sure you have technological support for your internet connection and your online resources, in the event that something goes wrong.

As a student, you will also need to familiarise yourself with the KapLearn online environment. But do not worry, your adviser and tutors will be available to walk you through it.

Student studying online with laptop

Getting started

Before you dive into the course, make sure you have everything you need for engaging with online learning.

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3 …

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You will need easy access to a laptop or desktop computer.

You will need to download course materials and upload assessments, so a reasonably fast and stable internet connection (5 Mbps or higher) is also essential.

You will need a web browser to access KapLearn and the other tools essential to your online study. You will find our recommendations and minimum system requirements on the Kaplan Professional tech support page.

You will also need the ability to access, create and save documents in Microsoft Office formats. At a minimum, students must be familiar with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Troubleshooting online access

If you are not able to access the online learning resources, it could be because of your browser or security settings.

  • Ensure your computer fits the minimum recommended specifications
  • Install a modern web browser
  • Make sure to enable cookies, Javascript and pop-up windows

If you are not sure how to correct any of the issues above, or you are still having trouble, contact Kaplan Professional for assistance.

Select the icon to visit the Kaplan Professional technical support site.

Go to the Kaplan Professional technical support site
Student looking at a laptop, frustrated

Connecting with Kaplan Professional

Have a question? Connect with Kaplan Professional using the link below.

If you are enrolled as a Kaplan Professional student, you can also log in from this page to access your learning resources and activities. You can then connect to your course materials, industry experts and your fellow students.

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Connect with Kaplan Professional

Congratulations

You have now completed Preparing for online study.

Be sure to check out other modules in the Build your skills suite.

Student studying online with laptop