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
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
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
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.
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.
I do feel that students not only need to be aware of their online library system, but they need to especially know how to navigate it. Currently, our institution subscribes to the Library Information Resource Network (LIRN). During my orientations with the students, a few of them have told me that they felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, choosing the right database, and general navigation instructions of the gateway. This gives me an opportunity to provide basic browsing instructions just to help them get their feet wet. Eventually, I move on to show them how to change the gateway menu view so that databases are re-categorized according to alphabet or even subject which is their typical preference. Once they feel comfortable with this, I move on to describe cross-searching capabilities so that they have the benefit of searching multiple databases from a single starting point, using filters to refine their search results to a more reasonable number, and how to use the function tools to print or email a copy of the document. Most importantly, I guide their attention to the citation tool so that they understand how all databases have a function which will enable them to generate a bibliography to any source that they may use on an assignment.
According to the lesson, being able to search the Internet effectively is important. However, I would like to add that apart from this, students really need to be able to evaluate the information. So often I see students using Wikipedia, blogs, and other questionable webpages as resources for their assignment. They also seldom cite their sources properly. Recently, I developed a training guide using the CRAAP Test which is an acronym for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. Using this model as a tool, students can discern if the information they are using is solid and reliable, or it is outdated, contains biases, or the credibility of the author is in question.
Angela,
I agree with your list of technical skills. How do you determine their abilities? Do you have tutorials or videos that help re-mediate them?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Students must have some basic technical skills to be successful online students.
Some of the basic skills needed include:
Knowledge of basic computer hardware and software with ability to type, work with files to open, name, save, and upload.
They need to be familiar with the applications required for the course such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the LMS they are using.
They need to be able to submit assignments and review feedback provided by the provider.
They should be familiar with all areas of the class including how to find course documents, mail or email features within the course and the gradebook.
They should have a basic understanding of how to conduct research online.
They should know how to use a form of email to communicate with their instructor.
Sabrina,
Sounds like you have a plan. I agree you have to remind students. I find when instructors let one or two do something different problems occur. Do you have recordings that give a quick help to students? I do have them and remind students to go there for help first.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One of the most required technical skills online students’ should have is the ability to use Microsoft Word. When we do not use a particular skill for a while, we are likely to forget the necessary steps in order to complete our tasks. On the first day of class, I email students’ a screenshot on how to format paragraphs and cited references. In addition, I inform students’ to utilize Word spell check command to proofread spelling, grammar usage, and punctuation prior to submitting their essays. Prior to students’ attending a “live lectureâ€, I email students’ and request that they update their JAVA so that they can watch the “live lecture.†Additional skills are uploading assignments, using the Internet for research instead of their textbook, creating and managing file folders for different classes.
S.Sanders
One of the most required technical skills online students’ should have is the ability to use Microsoft Word. When we do not use a particular skill for a while, we are likely to forget the necessary steps in order to complete our tasks. On the first day of class, I email students’ a screenshot on how to format paragraphs and cited references. In addition, I inform students’ to utilize Word spell check command to proofread spelling, grammar usage, and punctuation prior to submitting their essays. Prior to students’ attending a “live lectureâ€, I email students’ and request that they update their JAVA so that they can watch the “live lecture.†Additional skills are uploading assignments, using the Internet for research instead of their textbook, creating and managing file folders for different classes.
S.Sanders
Robert,
You are right, it is so important for students to feel comfortable in the LMS. Do you have a tutorial or a orientation for students to go through to help them learn?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Miriam,
How lucky are you! Those are great tools and resources to have to prepare students and help them toward their success. I am finding that many institutions don't have those types of resources.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important for students to feel comfortable with the technology used in the online environment. First and above all, they should feel comfortable in navigating the class portal, understand how to find the information and access it. Second, being able to use email, internet, know how to save a file and upload it and attach it to an email is key. Students should be creative and feel safe in using this technology in order to promote their interest and curiosity playing the tools available.
Dr. Wilkinson,
All of our students get an IT orientation when they begin their studies. We also have a Learning Resource Center available to them so that they can work on campus. Our Learning Resource Center is staffed by a great librarian/academic tutor/tech support gal. In addition they can email or call tech support if they are not on campus to a 24 hour service.
Miriam,
How do you make sure they know what you need? Do you have any technology orientation that helps them learn?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kevin,
It interesting that students have to verify they have the proper technology to start the course. Make sure that you have some type of tutorial or orientation to the skills they will need to be able to do.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
For my online students they need to be able to:
-upload and download documents
-create word, excel, and PowerPoint documents
-navigate the web including finding reliable sources of information
-work inside of a learning management system
-email
-...I'm sure there's more but these are the ones that came to mind at the moment.
I teach at a campus where the students are mainly medical oriented. Thus, when preparing these students for online classes, it is extremely important for the students to have working equipment at home (up to date computer, reliable internet service...) Once that has been verified, knowledge of basic computer skills are important, such as:
cut, copy and paste,
managing files,
saving and locating files,
internet settings.
All of these skills will be utilized greatly when taking their online classes.
Dr. Glenn ,
Do you have a technology orientation? You may want to do that to give your students a technology jumpstart.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
