PrePALS Technology

This PrePALS course is intended for students wanting additional support as they prepare to use the technology needed in college courses. This resource was created by Western Technical College's Learning Commons team to assist students looking for additional preparation and support. This course is intended to be self-guided.  Students can navigate this course by clicking through the menu on the left. Instructors and subject-area tutors working in the Learning Commons are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer opportunities to practice applying concepts. 

PALS: Personalized Applied Learning Strategies refers to all individualized supports offered at Western. Looking for one-to-one support that is tailored to your academic needs? PALS offers small group of personal support that factors students' strengths and challenges. Academic support instructors and students work together regularly throughout the term. Students from any program or skill level are welcome to participate. PALS can also assist students as they work to get back into good standing with their program or with Financial Aid. 

PrePALS exists as a support program for students who may be getting started on their college journey and know some preparation could help them along the way.

Students let their College Advisor, the Learning Commons, Access Services, the Welcome Center, or Counseling/Case-Management know they are interested in PrePALS.

At that point, a referral is made to the Learning Commons and our team will work with the student to create a plan. 

There are currently eleven (11) PrePALS courses offered:

PrePALS Reading 

PrePALS Writing

PrePALS PreAlgebra

PrePALS Algebra 1A

PrePALS Algebra 1B

PrePALS Math with Business Apps

PrePALS HESI Math Prep (Nursing Exam)

PrePALS A&P

PrePALS Technology

PrePALS Chemistry

PrePALS Biology

Together, the student and instructor decide which topics to explore. Students make their way through the course that blends online work and in-person or virtual instruction and support. 

Students may work with multiple faculty members in the Learning Commons and are also able to work with Peer Tutors. Once the course is complete, and completion is determined by the instructor and the student together, students can more confidently register for General Studies and program courses.

Best of all, students have experience with Western's Learning Commons, our academic support offerings, and multiple other student support services and opportunities available at Western! 

Access the Printable PrePALS Brochure

This brief technology skills inventory is a good starting point for deciding which technology skills you need to learn and where your time will be best used. If you're working directly with an instructor, they can print a copy of the documents below for you to complete or you can consider the questions in the table below.

Directions: Complete the technology skills inventory. 
On a scale of 1-3, with 1 being not at all comfortable and 3 being very comfortable, rate how comfortable you are with each of the following technology skills. Put an X or a checkmark in the column which indicates your level of comfort with each technology skill listed.