Hi Melissa:
Points well-taken. Some students have all the technical skills in the world and write decent papers but don't do research to increase those skills. I encourage them to continue to learn and not rest on their laurels. Some students are afraid to do anything that hurt their computer. I remind them that if they use a virtual machine and the virtualization program crashes, it does not crash their computer. I also remind my students about my university's technical support phone number.
Technical skills include uploading documents, downloading files, web browsing, site navigation, video conferencing, and general aptitude with office productivity and communication software such as word and excel.
This is a solid list and I would also endorse all of the points mentioned. Some are points that I might have considered more basic and not have considered (like using a mouse, or some equivalent navigating device) but all are essential for navigating a course.
As I understand it with my institution many of these factors are addressed in gateway courses, but it's always important to remind students how to access the course functions like the chat applications and conferencing portals in the LMS.
Accessing the Internet through a browser:
using a search engine to find a website:
using a word processor:
using the grammar and spell check features in your word processor:
left and right mouse skills:
the ability to upload a document to a dropbox:
the ability to open and read e-mail:
the ability to post to a classroom discussion board
Mike Crowley
One of the great things about being online is that students develop their technical skills through the process of taking the class. They need to have an understanding of software, search engines and the ability to navigate through a website. I believe that because they are online they become better researchers because they learn how to use the tools that are available online. Maybe most important is they lose their fear of technology. They begin to see it more as a tool than something to fear.
Tanya, I whole-heartily agree. I've been teaching online for 7 years, but I got a very poignant lesson the very first class I taught.
I had a student who in our last week of class asked me where to find the E-Book. I called him right away and asked him if he had located our Announcements Page, Email or Grade Book. He told me that had only accessed the grade book, but had never read my feedback...and no, he didn't know where the email or announcements were.
From that moment on, in my very first Live Chat, I take 15 minutes to navigate through our Virtual Classroom. I even go so far as to use the Polling tool and ask students to locate certain online tools and then come back into the classroom and poll YES if they located it.
I just want to make sure!
Hi, Dr. Kelly. I think students should have an orientation of sorts to make sure they now two things prior to beginning online classes:
1. A Learning Lab on Academic Honesty/Plagiarize
2. A Learning Lab on how to navigate the LMS
This would tremendously increase their success and thereby, their retention.
Students having basic computer skills are important. I always do basic computers refresher for the students. I dedicate one lecture to APA format and power point presentation.
Some of the items are:
- Technical skills in managing their computers. Save files, upload documents, connect to the internet, and keep their computers virus free.
- Use word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
- Write APA style paper.
- Use and navigate the online platform
The biggest technical skills I see as important is knowing how to use a computer. Many students don't know how to copy and paste or cut and paste. They don't even know how to upload a Word document. These are things that are so important for students to know so that they can submit their assignments properly.
Hi Dr. Crews,
Students needs technical skills like operating and navigating a computer. Basic skills like opening files, copying and pasting, renaming, creating folders, these are all important to have as students embark on the world of online learning. Students should also be familiar and comfortable with using and navigating the online classroom. I also believe that the school is responsible for giving new students a small course on learning the online classroom.
As a proactive measure, students are provided with information about different tools and support to help strengthen their knowledge and application of different technology tools. When engaging in the online classroom forum, students should be proficient utilizing the following technology tools:
- Create and Save Documents in MS Word
- Create and Save Documents in MS PowerPoint
- Uploading and Downloading Files
- Accessing and Using School’s Online Library
- Accessing and Posting information in the Discussion Forum
- Use different feature capabilities in Microsoft (e.g., spell and grammar checker, thesaurus, Reference tool)
- Research Topics and Concepts via Internet
- Utilize Similarity Verification Tools (to check for potential areas of concern)
Dr Crews/Faculty, everyone has listed a great set of technical skills for online, and F2F learners. I want to add that making sure one's computer has to correct software to interact successfully is key. For instance, chats require flash and other multimedia that allows for successful interaction with their browsers. I've see a lack of knowledge with browsers and firewalls limit student access to teleconferences and activity on certain websites.
Reginald
Eric,
Yes, you are right, You can make it easier by helping them to understand why and how we use the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kathy ,
True. There are also wonderful Youtube clips that can help with learning. They do help with workload.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kathy ,
Do you use a START HERE button at the beginning? That can help guide students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
True, the technology skills are dependent on the course taught.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Darcy,
You are right, that is why most course designers will suggest that you have a start here button or folder to help start the process.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Errol,
What a great point! I think the next area will be phone apps.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Detra,
Yes, and sometimes it has to do with equipment on the student side as well as the skill!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
