Hello Dr. Crew,
Many instructors expect the majority their students’ to have basic technology skills. However; that is not always the case. I was surprise to see many of my students’ enrolled in class with no computer skills what-so-ever. Some of them did not have computers; which was challenging and frustrating. If a student does not have the basic technical skills, the school should have that student attend an online orientation or training prior to class.
The basic skills needed are:
• Copy, cut, and paste
• Saving word document
• Using spell check and thesaurus
• Attach a file
• Send/receive emails
Marie Osuna
Hello Tanya,
I agree, there are so many resources that are available. I conduct a live chat the first week of class showing students how to navigate the classroom; which helps reduce the students’ questions about the system.
Marie Osuna
Hello Tamara,
Valid point! I also conduct lectures on APA format. I conduct an hour live chat on APA and provide the students with samples and resource information.
Marie Osuna
There are certain skills that I consider "must-haves" for online learners:
1.) Turning on/off the computer and using the keyboard
2.) Basic internet terminology, like URL, browser, plug-ins, etc.
3.) How to use a search engine
4.) Copying and pasting
5.) How to save work to computer's hard drive AND how to save work on a flash drive (or other external source)
6.) How to locate work files on a hard drive/external devices
A student cannot be successful in an online learning environment without these basic computer and internet skills.
MARIE,
That is a great way to introduce students to the technology and to each other.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
Boy, APA instruction is difficult! I have also found Youtube clips for students to watch. There are some really good ones.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
Great post. I find it frustrating when programs allow students to enter online programs WITHOUT a computer. That is always the first barrier. (Sorry, this is my personal opinion).
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dave,
Great list. I am hearing quite a bit about APA. I do think that research and APA skills are not always acquired in high school. It is also a skill we lose when we don't use it!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Shenita,
Good points. I think we underestimate the comfort level of ANY student with the LMS. They are not always setup for the ease of the user!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tonia,
You are right! I take for granted that students can upload and download files from the LMS to their computer and vice versa. Their technical skills are shallow.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yvette,
Great post. yes, the communication and the skills that go with that is so important. I actually require a particular email format, just to get them out of the casualness of electronic communication.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nichoe,
Great post! Yes, students will suffer cognitive overload when we are asking them to learn the technology long with the content. Great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christopher,
Great post. I may now have my students listen to a couple of podcasts of Grammar Girl to help with their grammar. I had not thought about that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mia,
Wow, you are talking basic. You are right, how many times have students "lost" their homework. It has become the new "my dog ate my homework." :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Just knowing the basics of what a computer is and how it functions in the online learning world. Some students, especially your adult learners may find this concept to education foriegn but is a huge part of todays main stream communication and recreations.
Monique,
That is true. Many of our adult learners accommodate the technology as something they HAVE to use while our traditional students accept it and make it a part of their lives.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Our college gives the student a tour of the online world and they are familiar with the classroom environment by the time they start my class. I send them step by step instructions on how to get to online class and make it into a game and they really enjoy the challenge. In our first live chat we play a game called hide and find which helps them find sites that we use in the class and all the amazing tools and resources available to them. I guide them towards the library and technical support as well. We will look at how to use WWW.grammarly.com or Turn it in . Students need to know how to use APA and Mla formatting sites and how to find them.
Know the different between junk and sound science references and give examples.
Aisling,
I am going to use your www.grammarly.com. I think a good tutorial that is required for students isn't a bad idea.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Being able to use a computer is a necessary skill for the online leraner. Being familar may not be enough unless the student has someone there to constantly help them. Without knowing how to use a computer, this will be frustrating to the student and they will not be successful. It is recommended the the student take a computer class prior to signing up for an online course. At the same time, there should be accountability on teh school for having some computer experience a requrement so the student knows what is expected from them up front.
Letitia,
Great point! The number one barrier for the online learner can be the computer! I agree with you, there has to be some computer knowledge (orientation?) for an online students regarding technology. It still amazes me how many people take online courses and don't have a computer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
