Online learning has become the new normal, including IELTS preparation. Nowadays, many students are opting for online classes because of the convenience and flexibility they provide. This grants them the advantage of learning at their own pace and schedule. Moreover, online classes are a great option for working professionals and anyone with a busy schedule. This also gives them the advantage of learning from the best trainers around the world. You can choose one-on-one sessions or small groups for personalized feedback. Selecting a course that comes under your budget is another advantage that online classes provide, since most online IELTS preparation courses offer a variety of packages. Although it is essential to make sure your technical setup is ready for your online IELTS classes.
There are a couple of technical requirements you need to ensure for a smooth and effective online IELTS preparation experience:
- Reliable Internet Connection
One of the most supreme requirements for any online-based course is a fast and reliable internet connection. A good network connection is vital if you plan to attend online IELTS classes, which will include live sessions, video lessons, and online mock tests. A poor broadband connection can interrupt the learning process and make it hard to follow the lessons. The recommended speed for a good data connection is at least 5 Mbps for both uploading and downloading purposes. Depending on a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi will offer a much better connection. Broadband connections can cause trouble during bad weather or due to electricity failure, so always be ready with a backup mobile hotspot.
- A Computer or Laptop
While mobile phones and tablets are very portable, a good computer or laptop is strongly recommended for online IELTS classes. Having access to a larger screen and a full keyboard will help you better participate in mock tests and assignments. Although mobile phones and tablets can be used for the same purpose, using a laptop or computer will give you a much better experience, especially when it comes to typing. A system with a Windows 10 or higher operating system is suitable for attending online classes. Make sure you have a system that at least has 4 or 8 GB of RAM for better storage of your IELTS materials.
- A Good Quality Webcam and Microphone
For IELTS online preparation, a good webcam and microphone are indispensable. IELTS exam preparation involves interaction with the instructor and other fellow students. Therefore, clarity is essential for better communication and comprehension of the lessons. A webcam with 720p resolution is needed for a clear understanding of instructions. Headphones that have a noise cancellation feature work better in terms of sound quality.
- Updated Web Browser
Most IELTS course platforms are web-based, which means access to your lessons, assignments, and mock tests will be through the internet. Utilizing the latest version ensures compatibility, faster loading times, and better security features. Having an outdated web browser may not support certain features. This can lead to loading issues or errors during live classes and mock tests.
- Access to Learning Platforms
Online classes mainly take place in learning platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc. Downloading the desktop version of these platforms improves performance and enables permission to use more features. Moreover, getting familiar with these online learning platforms is required. So familiarize yourself with navigating the dashboard, submitting online assignments without delay, and accessing downloadable resources, and trying online quizzes and mock tests for extra practice.
- Office Software and PDF Readers
Online IELTS preparation courses will provide materials in PDF, DOCX, or PPT format. Access to the right software to avail these documents is important. In order to access PDF documents, Adobe Acrobat Reader or alternatives like Foxit Reader are a few of the reliable software programs. Apps such as OnNote, Evernote, or Google Keep are ideal for taking notes online. These online note-taking apps can help you organize your notes, vocabulary lists, and practice writing.
- Webcam-based Mock Test
The majority of IELTS online prep courses include mock tests monitored via webcam, either by an instructor or AI proctoring systems. Make sure both are working well before the exam. In order for a tension-free exam, ensure you have a fully functional webcam and microphone. The test environment must be quiet, well lit, and with minimal background distractions. A clean and clutter-free background is required for the monitoring process of online exams.
- Inspera Integrity Browser (IIB)
To check if the IELTS online test will work on your computer, you need to download the Inspera Integrity Browser. Downloading the software on your computer will allow you to check if your system is suitable for the IELTS online test. If you need any further assistance with troubleshoots, this software will give you support for the same. This digital tool helps you in taking a smooth and error-free IELTS online examination. You can either visit their website or watch the instructional video to set up your system for the test.
- System Requirements for the Test
The operating system of your computer must be macOS version or higher. If you are a Windows user, your system must have Windows 10 or 11 on a 64-bit platform. Your system CPU should be a 2011 version or newer and must support SSE 4.2. A 4-core CPU or higher is recommended, but a minimum of a 2-core CPU will also do the job. The system must have at least 2GB of RAM, although 4GB or higher is recommended for an untroubled test. A storage of 75 MB is needed for the software to support your system.
- Antivirus and Firewall Settings
An updated antivirus is significant to safeguard your system and avoid interruptions. Make certain that your antivirus is up to date before starting your IELTS online preparations. In addition, configure firewall settings to provide access to your course website and tools. Whitlisting your IELTS course platforms is an excellent idea.
An online IELTS preparation course is a convenient and excellent idea to practice at your own comfort and pace. This will help you to assess your improvement by yourself or with advanced tools. A first-hand experience on using such latest tools will also allow you to navigate your online test easily. By ensuring all the technical requirements mentioned above, you will be able to take a tension-free online IELTS test. So get your setup ready, and let’s start preparing for your IELTS success journey today!