How do you quell computer fears?
All--
In the online environment, we often teach non-traditional aged students? How can instructors quell the fears of unknown technology for our students?
This may be the single most challenging obstacle to teaching certain students as its such an emotional issue, and it's difficult to solve students' technical issues with technology so to speak. Many online universities have a F2F component with Library or IT professionals that a student can look to for nitty-gritty technical issues. Public libraries may be an option as well. These are the sort of situations that are important to suss out in the initial evaluation stages, so a plan is clearly laid out before it's too late.
Hi Michael,
I do encourage the students to take advantage of the various labs that our learning center offers. I also provide power points in my chats and share particular files with them with a step by step on "how to." I don't go crazy with it, I just have the information accessible for them. If after supplying them with a wealth of information, they don't take advantage of it, that is when I urge them to contact tech support for assistance. There really is so much that one can do, of course its easier if the student is self-motivated. It's funny, I have had students who have evaluated me by saying that I was never there to help them, even though, I have provided all of the requisite information to them in order to succeed!
Dale,
I think you are smart not completely letting go when students need technical help. So many times students can get lost in the shuffle or can't really explain their problem.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In the environment I teach in, the simple answer would be to pass the student off to the technical support team, and let them deal with it. However, with that said, I can't do that. If I know that a student is struggling, I will have discussions with the student. One way I do this, is to hold a chat session. In this session, I will share my screen so the student can see what I am doing, and I will walk them through the steps. Also, having phone conversations really helps to ease the fear.
Natasa,
I agree that you need to be upfront about technology skills needed for success and provide tutorials and other tools to help them feel comfortable. I don't agree with instructors that enable students to take an online course and skirt the technology issues by providing other avenues of participating and learning the material.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important to list the expectations and create a guide of what the student needs to know so that they are aware on the first day of class. This gives them opportunity to get help before it is too late into the term.
Katherine,
You make a great point. I just asked my students (f2f) Word questions and they were clueless!!!!! I do think a good technology orientation can work to identify problems and provide opportunities to develop the computer skills. I think we must be careful in giving students a technology "pass".
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that, first of all, it's important to not immediately assume that only "non-traditional" learners are the ones with technology fears. I have a fair number of students between the ages of 18 and 25 who struggle just as much, if not more, because they are unable to admit they don't know how to use a computer properly. I think the real question is how to deal with the digital divide and students who have never learned the skills they need.
Thanks,
Kate
Kimberley,
Great point. I actually give points to students who answer student questions correctly before I do. It is participation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I try to motivate my students by saying that all questions are good questions and having knowledge grants you to ability to achieve the best. So if they are unsure how how to use the technology there is no better time than now to learn.
I think that it is important for students to know that technology is there to make things easier so they should not be afraid. Arousing this type of confidence often works in combating this fear.
Leah,
Great strategy. It does provide student a step-by-step guide regarding using it. It is also a way to introduce your personality to them. I use Jing quite a bit.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When students ask about how to use technology I try my best to create a video tutorial. This allows them to see the process of uploading a file, downloading an assignment or posting to the discussion. They like actually seeing this process worked out not just being given a list of steps. There are some great free programs like jing.com and screencastomatic that make this very easy to create and share.
mica,
You make a great point. We all want to be life long learners and this is part of that process. All of use struggle with different parts of learning; including the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think identifying with non-traditional students is key--as you point out.
I would be classified a "non-trad" myself, given my current years. So I point out, as you do, that "if I can do it, so can you!"
It is about experience and nothing do to with age. To that end, I like to remind my students that I have traditional aged students that struggle mightily with technology, too. Being tech savvy is not something built into the "new models," younger students still need to learn the basics.
Helena,
I think that is a great way to show students how to do something. The best you can do is make yourself available to help.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I often try to share my screen with students during Live Chats this helps them to see step-by-step details of how to complete an spreadsheet or to work out a difficult math problem. I also encourage students to contact me by email, text or phone if they need further assistance.
Flora,
It is so daunting when students come back to school ( they may or may not have had a strong experience) and they have to deal with new technology. That is quite a bit to throw at any student. We have to understand that and use our talents as educators.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This issue has definitely come up with my courses as many of my students are returning to school from long absences and since I teach an introductory computer programming class, it can be quite overwhelming at first. They have the desire to learn programming but everything is so new and different, they stress out. Because of this, I try to make a special effort with these kinds of students, remaining positive and encouraging. No question is a bad question to me so I constantly encourage them that way.
Quiana,
You are right. If students have success in doing something it empowers them. Good post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
