Dr. Kevin,
It amazes me how many students do not know good file management which is essential to good online learning tools. Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Joanna,
You make a great point about research and the types of information. That is an important technical skill and that is using the appropriate tool to provide the appropriate research. That may or may not be Wikipedia!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe all students must be able to do the following:
*Be able to turn on the computer and have basic operating and navigation skills
*Access the blackboard for the course
*Be able to search the Internet
*Be able to use a word processing program including features such as Open, Save, Spell Check, Print Screen, etc.
*Be able to find and upload a document
*Be able to copy and paste the URL in the address line for citing references, etc.
Paula
Paula,
You are right. There are basic tools and actions students must be able to do before taking an online course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I have been teaching online classes for several years and I find that the younger students really don't have much trouble with the technical skills. My older students are getting a lot better than they used to be. With the use of Ipads, computers, smart phones, everyone seems to have to be able to "catch up" with the younger students. I think once they get past their initial fright that they are doing something "wrong", then they are oK. As an instructor we just have to be very encouraging during the "learning curve".
Students should know how to save and upload files. They should also know how to find these files once they are saved. They should have basic word processing skills and know how to use PowerPoint for presentations. They should know how to navigate the LMS, respond to others, post to a new thread, and download files as well. They should also be learning how to do online research and know how to find information.
Deb Moerland
Jeanice,
You are right. The best thing we can do is encourage them and give feedback.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Deborah,
True but aren't you amazed at some of the skills gaps regarding these types of skills.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the following skills are needed by the students in order to be able to be successful in class:
• Become familiar and able to navigate the LMS system and the course syllabus
• Ability to conduct research via the school’s virtual library as well as the internet search engines
• Ability to copy, screen print, save and upload a file to the LMS system.
I also think each student should be required to go through training on the LMS system that covers all of the above topics prior to class and also for the training videos be available to the student throughout the course
Singularly, the most important technical skill students need to have is to know when to ask for assistance from Tech Support before they get frustrated, use a technical issue as an excuse for a late posting, etc. It continues to surprise me how many students don’t realize tech support is available 24/7 and will virtually always fix the issue on the first call. That being said, other “must have†student technical skills include:
• Comfort in navigating the virtual classroom
• Familiarity with conducting research in the AIU Library
• Properly utilizing Microsoft Word, including its spell check and grammar proofing functions
• Placing postings directly in the DB (no attachments) and submitting IP’s to the file submission folder
I think that it’s very important for student to know how to post a discussion question and also be able to reply back to the instructor or other classmates. I think that the student should also have a good understanding of basic computer technology and also how to navigate the online course when it comes to uploading working and also accessing the different type of materials that’s needed for the course.
Basic technical skills required would be:
1. Computer hardware and software;
2. The LMS being used;
3. The internet;
4. APA; and
5. Research.
Some technical skills I believe to be important are:
1. Being able to use a computer with its basic functions.
2. Being able to use a word processing software. 3. Having the ability to maneuver through the Learning Management System.
The technical skills I feel are important for a student is:
1:Basic Computer Skills such as
a. Understand how to do a print screen
b. how to upload or download a file
c. Understand the different extension that may be on a document. such as .doc, .rtf. or .wps
Some of the most important technical skills for online students are:
1. Basic understanding of their computer hardware
2. Software knowledge (i.e. Microsoft Office, particularly Word, where most assignments are done)
3. Proper internet research
4. Knowledge of the LMS
5. Email communication
Often times, there are written or video resources to assist with these and I spend time reviewing these during our first chat or I will post announcements referring to the resources and reiterating how important they are.
At a minimum, online students should be able to login the LMS, send and receive email, search for information on the internet and use a word processor. Students should be able to understand basic computer terms such as login, password, email, etc. I believe that the more computer literate a students is when starting an online school, the less frustrated they will be with the learning process. Cognitive overload may occur when students to try and learn basic computer operations and the instructional content at the same time.
At minimum, students should be able to log into the internet, be able to navigate throughout whatever platform is available to submit assignments, and be familiar with a Word processing program such as Microsoft Word and the entire Office suite. The student should also be respectful of tone when communicating in the online environment and take advantage of grammar and spell checkers.
Charlene,
I agree with you. Many institutions require an orientation. The LMS is so important to the success of the student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Bennett,
I love your answer! yes, the most important skill is to ask for help. I will also say not everyone has 24/7 help.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Breezy,
You are right. I am surprised how sparse technical skills are with the new generation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
