I think it's important to at least have the basic technical skills as an online student. Some of those skills would include things like first being able to navigate around on your computer and/or laptop. Then I think it's important that you know how to surf the internet. This is going to consist of you knowing how to get to different websites as well as searching for information on other sites. Students must know how to save documents on their computer and know how to upload them when needed. Without this basic information it's going to be next to impossible to be successful as an online student.
There are several technical skills that are important for online students. I believe the following skills are required:
1. The ability to save files in an approved format, such as a Microsoft Word document.
2. The ability to upload a document into a student portal.
3. The ability to access all pertinent links and understand programs that will allow such action.
4. The ability to access various web browsers in order to access one's student portal appropriately.
I also think that students must understand how to contact technical assistance for support and advice when needed.
Chezree,
Wow, I LOVE your strategies. I also commend you on using the term "guide". You are really using different resources to help students become not just successful online learners but just effective learners.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
I agree with you. It is interesting to hear when institutions allow students to take an online course when the student does NOT have access to a computer. We cannot set students up for failure.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jacinda,
You make a great point. So many times in online learning, the students only know to contact the instructor. It is important for students to know the resources they have to access. Also, students, particularly Millennials tend to ask questions before looking for answers. We have to wean them from that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
My online students need to:
> know how to use their computer to use office productivity software
> be able to navigate to various webpages on the Internet
> know how to upload and download files as needed
> know how to get help for technical challenges they may face accessing the online class
Those are just a few basic ones (without rehashing what has already been posted). I teach information technology related courses so there are other course-specific skills that they learn along the way. Regardless...they must have the basics to start with.
David,
I agree with you, how do you get them to this point? Do students have to take a technology orientation? Do you provide them with that?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Well, for one, basic computer skills is a must. The student needs to understand how to access the web, then the classroom. Next the student needs to understand basics of creating a document such as word, excel or PowerPoint. This does not mean they have to be experts, but they should understand how to use these functions. Finally the student needs to understand the specific mechanics of the classroom. How to access the assignments, how to access and participate in the discussion boards, how to upload assignments, and how to communicate with the Faculty, such as e-mail, instant messaging, or live chats.
Hi Shirley,
You are correct, in all these areas. I actually left out having good research and searching skills in my post to the question. But that really is a key element and a technical skill that is a must for this environment.
I agree that the most important is to be able to upload assignments. Also, to be able to engage in the discussion board.
Sometimes if the 'draft' option is allowed, students submit that way and the instructor could record a ZERO because they do not see the work. Students must understand how to submit so that everyone / or the instructor can see their work.
Jan
Roger, what a good suggestion - thank you for this!
Jan
Dale,
Do you provide your students with tutorials or an orientation to the needed technology skills? I am still shocked how many students take an online course without access to a computer and internet!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dale,
True, the searching skill is becoming more important particularly with an online course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Janis,
Yes, this is so important. Students and instructors need to know the functions of the LMS as it improves the success rate for not just one course bat all online courses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson and Class,
The technical skills I deemed very important for my online students is the ability to access the internet as well as being able to recognize and navigate the information needed by online students in completing their assignments.
In addition to the above, one's ability to follow instructions carefully is important because since our present technologies are user-friendly, not reading instructions carefully and following it carefully will weaken online students' ability to succeed in online education.
Thanks,
Victor
Victor,
Great post, it is interesting that most of the people in this forum consider finding information and determining credibility as a technical skill. Its not wrong just interesting.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
My online students must have basic skills such as typing, using spell check, and uploading files as well as Internet research skills.
I have found that the more access students have to personal technology (smartphone, texting) the weaker some of their basic skills (spelling, grammar, not plagiarizing) become.
I spend a lot of time making sure they know how to evaluate their written communication from sentence construction to properly citing sources of information that is not their original thought. I suggest www.paperrater.com to help them proof their papers and encourage them to use the information TurnItIn.com provides to ensure proper citations, not just using it to make sure they didn't copy the paper from another organization.
Jodi,
You make great points. I find that educators use Turnitin more as a way to catch problems with citations rather than using it as a teaching tool. You make a great point about using it to show proper citations. Thank you for sharing paperrater.com!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
As an online student you will have a much different "classroom" experience than a traditional student. In order to ensure that you are fully prepared for your online courses, following is a list of expectations and requirements: Students in a hybrid and/or on-line program should be comfortable with and possess the following skill sets:
1. Self-discipline
2. Problem solving skills
3. Critical thinking skills
4. Enjoy communication in the written word
As part of your online experience, you can expect to utilize a variety of technology mediums as part of your curriculum:
1. Communicate via email including sending attachments
2. Navigate the World Wide Web using a Web browser such as Internet Explorer
3. Use office applications such as Microsoft Office (or similar) to create documents
4. Be willing to learn how to communicate using a discussion board and upload assignments to a classroom Web site
5. Be comfortable uploading and downloading saved files
6. Have easy access to the Internet
7. Navigate D2L, including using the email component within D2L. Instructions and tutorials for this are provided in your course.
Vimlarani,
True, there are similar skills that all students need to know ans some extra that online students need to possess. I actually think the skills you mentioned for online students would help f2f students. The knowledge of using the LMS is so important for online students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
