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".
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 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
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
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
David,
You are right. The students have to use the LMS for success. A good scavenger hunt can be a great tool to teach it!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Reginald,
You are right! Settings of software, versions of software, versions of browsers all play a role in student success. It can be overwhelming! Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
Great post! As instructors we have to guide students to these technologies to encourage their proficiently!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The technical skills that I see as important for online students are basic computer skills. This would include things like using email, saving documents, attaching documents to emails, installing programs, creating folders on their computer, surfing the web, using Microsoft Office, etc. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it is a good start for someone interesting in taking online classes.
Kevin
It is critical to be able to utilize the learning management system to navigate and to accomplish all the assignments. Good general computer skills are important as well as the ability to navigate on the Internet and to be able to research topics.
Nizar,
I agree with you. It is important that student have some orientation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kara,
Uploading documents seem to be a major barrier in online learning. Great answer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Taghreed,
Yes, we have neglected the virus protection. Great point!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tamara,
What wise choices! Do you record them and refer back to the recordings?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Chastity,
I agree with you. The use of technology to prevent plagiarism is important. Great post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Chastity,
That is a great use of Polling. I am going to share that!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Rachelle,
You make a great point. These technical skills are not just for the online course, it will serve them well in other areas!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
In all of the posting I hear that "turning in assignments" can be one of the problems in online learning. That is one of my orientation discussion points now!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
It does seem that knowledge of the LMS is key to learning success!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
George,
How do you introduce students to all of this technology?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
