If you were to watch or read science fiction from a few decades ago, you would realize just how much we’ve progressed. Even compared to sci-fi, our Information Technology has evolved beyond the most optimistic predictions.
Communication devices and instant messaging have sprouted a planet-wide network of entertainment, data-keeping, and learning. Compared to our laptops, tablets, PCs, and phones, even Star Trek’s communication devices pale in comparison. What we have is smaller and more powerful.
If the recent COVID pandemic had happened during any other time, tens of millions of students would be forced to interrupt their education and take a few years off. Thankfully, we can switch to remote learning for many of those millions of children and young adults.
Until now, the Internet was used to find reddit essay writing services or download royalty-free pictures. However, since 2020, it has become the primary medium of education for dozens of countries.
Windows 10 and its ease of use
If you ever make the mistake of complementing an operating system online, you will soon discover that there is a loyal community of people ready to debate the merits of their favorite platform. As a general rule, if you don’t want to get dragged into a debate, avoid mentioning your favorite console, phone brand, or operating system.
Detractors aside, the Windows 10 operating system is highly intuitive and easy to use. Most settings are written in plain English, and every modification is just a short Google search away.
The basic Windows package is used across the world, especially outside the US.
Americans may be surprised to learn that for most of the world, PCs are by far the most represented. Mac is only used by a small fraction of the business class, and owning such a device is more of a status symbol.
Yet, in terms of compatibility and your ability to reach as many people as possible, a PC with Windows 10 is definitely the way to go.
Must-have OS and software elements
So, let’s assume that you are a teacher or a student who owns a Windows 10 PC, and not much else. What do you need to successfully conduct or attend online classes? Also, what’s the behavioral protocol?
Teachers know that if you let a class get out of hand, you will lose their attention. The online medium can be more challenging than a standard classroom, in many ways. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
First, you need software that allows you to conduct classes, and share material. There are many programs that offer these capabilities. Yet, many of them were not designed to accommodate 30 people talking at once. Some may not have sufficient server space or bandwidth, as the traffic demands are higher during this pandemic.
Names like Skype may be thrown around, but Skype is better suited for calls involving only a few individuals. In terms of mass communication, there are only 2 clear winners: Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Most online classes are held over Zoom. It is by far the most popular software for online classes, and it is being used in every country at the time of writing. Zoom was relatively obscure and unknown before 2020, but now it is a term as popular as “Facebook” or “YouTube”.
Zoom works, it is easy to download and install, and it is free.
So, why even mention Microsoft Teams? Well, Teams is part of the larger Microsoft suite. It is much more versatile than Zoom, and its capabilities are expanded to more than simple calls.
Teams supports quick file sharing; group formation and it synchronizes with your calendar. It has every conceivable feature that would be needed by students. But Zoom is king, so most likely you will have to use it.
For teachers, the issue changes. You will be able to communicate and coordinate much better by using Teams.
Speaking of the Microsoft Windows suite, the amount of bang for your buck is astounding. Word is by far the best word processor available, and there is no close second. Google Docs can be included in that discussion, but the privacy issues are numerous.
The interface is standardized, so you will not have to re-learn 11 user manuals every time you switch software. There are people who easily pick up Excel and PowerPoint without prior experience because most of the buttons and commands are similar to Word.
Actions that will make your life easier
There are Excel courses that are 16 hours long. But do you need them for most activities? The answer is no. Microsoft software can go very deep and technical, but the primary functions are easy to find and use.
The same applies to conference programs. You only need to learn a few basic things. For example, it is important to learn how to share your screen, for others to be able to see content and examples.
Zoom also allows teachers to mute people who are talking over each other or are disrupting the class. For grading, Microsoft Forms is a go-to. If you manage to learn to implement these few basic actions, you should be alright.
Finally, the most important tip is to keep private things separate. If you cannot help but use your personal PC for calls, be sure to clear anything inappropriate that might come into view. This includes passwords, political material, personal photos and messages, etc.
Conclusion
Using software is like driving. It seems intimidating and complex at first, but it quickly becomes second nature. With just a few installations and steps, you can easily make your Windows 10 rig suited for online learning.