Page 40 - digitalliteracy

2.1 Which Hardware Is Right for You?

think about what you will do with that device. As a student at Ashford, meeting your academic
needs should be your top priority when choosing computer hardware. One thing we know
for sure about a desktop computer or laptop is that you can easily use them for your Ashford
University course work. Most of the options you choose for school will also have features you
can enjoy and use in your personal life, so it’s a win–win situation.

A Desktop or Laptop Computer Is Vital to Your Academic Success

In your Ashford University courses, you will be required to express your ideas in a profes-
sional manner, communicate appropriately with others, and prepare formal written assign-
ments, papers, and reports. To accomplish these
goals effectively, you must use a desktop computer
or a laptop, or notebook computer. Desktop com-
puters are designed to rest on a table or desk and
be used in a single location. They are fairly large
because they consist of several components con-
nected together to create a complete computer sys-
tem. A laptop or notebook computer has most of
these same components, but it is a mobile comput-
ing device with many of the components integrated
into one small, portable device. Click through the
interactive feature in your e-book to learn more
about each type of device and its many components. Blend Images/Blend Images/SuperStock
A flash drive allows you to save personal
With either a desktop or a laptop, you will have the files and transport them with ease.
capability to access all the features of your online
classroom and reap the full benefit of your Constellation course materials. Not only will you
be able to view all graphics, or visual images, embedded within your electronic texts, you will
also be able to take online quizzes, watch videos, complete interactive activities, and contrib-
ute to your class discussion forums. On your desktop or laptop, you can also write, format,
and edit papers; organize your files; and create spreadsheets and class presentations. Other
devices such as a tablet or smartphone may allow you to accomplish some of these tasks, but
neither is sufficient as a standalone device for your academic work. You will need a powerful
desktop or laptop computer for serious academic work.

To ensure your success in the online learning environment, investing in a desktop or laptop/
notebook computer is strongly recommended if you don’t have one already. The computer
will be the most important tool you use throughout your educational experience, and you do
not want insufficient hardware to stand in the way of completing your assignments. In Mod-
ule 9 we will discuss how buying a reliable computer is an example of an appropriate use for
student loans.

If for some reason you are unable to access or use your computer, you have several other
options for getting your course work done. You can log in to your online classroom from any
computer with Internet access. Therefore, you may be able to use a computer at work (with
your manager’s approval, of course) or access a computer at a local public library, Internet
café, public school, or government facility. Some businesses such as FedEx Office (formerly

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