Page 38 - digitalliteracy

Introduction:

Getting the Most Out of Your Classes Begins With Your Computer

Do you currently use a computer? If so, what do you use it for most often? Do you log on to
play games, stream videos, connect with friends on social media, or browse websites to get
the latest sports scores or entertainment news? If so, you are like most people; you use your
computer to receive information—or, as technology experts say, to “consume content.”
According to computer analyst Tim Bajarin (2010), most people spend approximately 75% of
their computer time consuming content and only 25% creating content—performing produc-
tive tasks such as writing, drawing, paying bills, or balancing a checkbook.

As a new Ashford University student,
your life is about to change. You will
probably find these percentages to
be reversed: About 75% of your com-
puter time will be spent creating con-
tent such as discussion forum posts
and written assignments. To perform
these tasks well, it is important that
you have the right tools for the job.

Jason is a corporal in the U.S. Army and
is stationed in Germany. He is earning
his bachelor’s degree at Ashford Uni-
Comstock Images/Stockbyte/Thinkstock versity so he can qualify to enroll in
Performing productive tasks, such as paying bills, Officer Candidate School and become
only accounts for about 25% of a person’s time on an army officer. Now in his final year,
the computer. Jason can look back and recognize
just how essential his computer has
been for keeping up with classes and completing assignments. When he entered the Ashford
program, Jason did not have much experience with computers because they had never been
required for his job. Yet he took the time to figure out which digital tools would allow him to
have the most successful educational experience. He was intimidated at first but found that
once he was set up with a good computer and appropriate software, he was able to learn how
to use them, step-by-step, as he began working through assignments and completing tasks.

In this module, we will learn from Jason’s experiences by exploring the different devices and
software options available to make sure you meet university technology requirements. You
may find that you already have everything you need or that you can make a simple software
upgrade or two and be on your way. If you are investing in a new computer system, this mod-
ule will help you make good decisions about the tools you need to be successful in your Ash-
ford University courses. Let’s get started!

22
© 2016 Bridgepoint Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Not for resale or redistribution.

sol82612_02_m02_021-046.indd 22 6/29/16 5:10 PM