Many parents find themselves asking this question after making the decision to put their children in an online school. Particularly, the issue of hardware and software requirements can cause some anxiety.
Well – fear not! We are here to explain just how easy it is to set up your “classroom at home” when your child enrols with Hatfield Online School.
Seeing as this is an online school, you will obviously need some form of computer or laptop for accessing your classes, as well as for typing out certain activities. Although, your teachers will more often than not want you to hand-write your activities. Here are some requirements in terms of hardware:
Laptop / Computer / Tablet
You will need a laptop or personal computer with at least an i5 (or equivalent) processor. You can also use a tablet with a keyboard – just make sure it has MS Office capabilities for Grade 8 and 9 IT. If you are a CAT student, the tablet won’t work – you will need a computer or laptop. Your computer or laptop needs to be connected to a speedy and reliable internet connection – this is essential for a happy online schooling experience!
Printer
It is compulsory for you to have access to a reliable printer to be able to print out activities, tests and exams. It is not essential that this printer has scanning capabilities, since you can use the many scanning apps on a smartphone for this purpose.
A special note for Gr 11 and Gr 12 EGD students: you need to have an A3 printer-scanner to take EGD. This is compulsory.
Headphones
It is advisable to have a set of headphones for when you attend Google Meets. They cut out a lot of background noise that can be distracting to you and your teacher.
To get the most out of your Hatfield Online School experience, you will need to have the following software installed on your computer:
Office Suite
An Office Suite including a word processor, presentation program, and a spreadsheet program is required for all students. If you use Microsoft Office, you may know these by the names ‘Word’, ‘Powerpoint’, and ‘Excel’.
Office Suite For CAT Students and IT (Gr 10-12) Students
If you are enrolled for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) or IT in Grades 10 to 12, you will need to use Microsoft Office as free open source versions do not have all the required functions.
In addition, your version must include MS Access for databases. You will also need a text editor such as Notepad++ for a PC or Visual Studio Code for Mac (both free) to complete your course – these apps will be used in Grades 11 and 12.
For IT only: Additional software for programming will be provided as part of the course (no charge).
Please note that Access is not compatible with Mac. This means that the student will need a PC to complete all Access work!
Does your child need the kind of education that surpasses, and escapes the confines of the traditional classroom? Hatfield Online School not only bridges the gap between the present and the future, but also the gap between a world-class education and affordability.
Please contact us to find out more about world-class online IEB education for your child, from as little as R2 295 per month for full time tuition, or from R590 per month per single subject: [email protected].
With excellent SACE-registered subject specialists as teachers, our students have the world at their fingertips. Our staff are just one email or video call away, and a student can get one-on-one tuition from their teachers should they not grasp a concept.
We follow an asynchronous teaching model, which means your child can conduct their education any place, at any pace and any time. You structure your own timetable according to your unique circumstances - for example you can fit in a rigorous sports training schedule, and adjust school times around that.
Hatfield Online School is the perfect solution for students wishing to take an extra subject that their school does not provide teaching support in. We also assist grade 12s wishing to improve their IEB marks through matric re-writes or full portfolio upgrades.
Our model raises independent and responsible students, who take ownership of their learning, and who thrive in the world after school.
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