FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVES: TECHNOLOGY
FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVES: TECHNOLOGY
Perhaps the most common student technical impediment is lack of internet access. Depending on the situation, there are a number of solutions.
• Free wifi at places like Starbucks (for laptop users)
• Free, trial or low cost temporary internet: http://www.free-internet.name/country/United-States/
• Public computers (libraries, community colleges)
• Internet cafes or pay by the hour services for students who are travelling
Communicate with the student and find out if any of the solutions can work for them. Open up dialogue and work together to overcome. You need to be smarter than the obstacle. Use your critical thinking skills to outsmart technology. Sometimes all it takes is a quick internet search of free service or other in the student's area. You are the highly educated individual in the relationship, use that to your advantage; take the time to be part of the solution NOT part of the problem.
Sabrina,
Thanks for the resources. Without Internet, online course completion and engagement is impossible. We love the resources made available through these forums.
Thank you for sharing these resources. Frequently, I have students that inform me that they cannot do their assignment because they no longer have internet access. I was not aware of the free trial, this is going to definitely be a resource that I provide my students, thanks again for sharing!
Cristy,
Great. I'm glad you got some help through this forum. I do remind students that they can go to public libraries and get Internet access free.
I learn most students who sign up for online courses are well aware of the fact they need Internet access to participate in the class.
However, the above mentioned resources are excellent ideas.
I do remind my students they have many options should they have any problems with Internet access. Sometimes students do experience technical issues, and they are very creative in the way to make sure they post in the thread or submit assignments on time to turnitin.
Agnes,
Internet access is not an option for an online course. We do, however, need to have some plan for technology support when there are issues. Thanks!
