Computer Skills
The students I work with tend to be a paradox. Most people assume that younger people these days are computer literate. However, this is often not the case with my students. The structure suggested in this module to enhance online learner for these students is ideal because it would make it easier for them once they have had some sort of hands on orientation to computer skills and online learning.
I can't agree more, I think this would be an excellent idea. It would be great for everyone involved to feel more comfortable including myself as an Instructor.Have you had any orientations?
I couldn't agree with you more Mark. I too encounter this issue. I think it would be a great idea for students to take a computer pre-course.
Orlando,
Everyone loves to know exactly what to do, how to do it, and when it is due! Good job!
Shelly Crider
I think that maybe if we spend the whole first class to walk everyone through, including installation, demostration, and examples could be more useful.
Alfred,
Everyone learns better when they are more comfortable with what they are learning.
Shelly Crider
Yes, I have come across some students that need more hands-on experience with certain programs, such as Excel, in order to complete a certain assignment. I have provided walk-throughs via classroom chat sessions just to give them a more guided experience so that they have a better feel of the software.
Al
Maryann,
Exactly! So many people are actually afraid of the computer, so they will not put forth the best effort.
Shelly Crider
I myself agree here, many people take online courses cause they think it will be alot easier but computer skills tend to set them back also many distractions.
Hani,
I cannot respond to your peer, but as for me....each class is different. You have different students each term. Some terms you have computer geeks other times you have first time users.
Shelly Crider
I teach online computer classes adjunct for two colleges, and yes it is the same as you, each school uses a completely different platform. My question is: Is your 30-45 minutes at the beginning of the first class enough to walk everyone through the class and the softwares that might used in class including installation, demostration, and examples?
Yes One of my first comments when I start the first live chat of the session is if they have participated in the library tour and also to consider all the list of tutorials available since the specific deliverables will required the projects to be in word or powerpoint presentation. This automatically let them know what type of assignment they are going to have during the session.
Hello Mark,
I agree with you and I think that all online students should go through the software training before they will start online learning process.
Dr. Karina
Rubiela ,
Excellent post. I do love the library tour. This would be something very worthwhile to make a student feel comfortable.
Shelly Crider
It has come to my attention that a high number of our online students at AIU are not necessarily younger people but a mixed. Some are individuals with families that have return to school after a long period of time. Other are young generations as you mentioned, that finish highschool but due to their work environment and young kids, it is convenient to attend online classes. Different assignments on the classes I teach required various softwares knowledge including drawing flowcharts. This is something not that many individuals know about. In the case of the flowchart assignment set by the school, I end up including in my live chat a session on flowcharting via different softwares including microsoft excel and word. It won't be anything elaborated but it gives the an idea of how easy the application could be. In other cases, I discussed with the students the deliverable requirements and what can be done, after they visualized it, they comprehend. I have also implemented as a routine: (1) schedule a library tour related to our business assignments and how to search for some of the information online and announcement on tours and session of tutoring of excel, apa formating and footing, word, algebra and computer skills as soon as the class announcements are opened, so the students can participate in these tours prior to class starting.
Rina,
I love that fact!! I agree....the more you participate, the more the students will!
Shelly Crider
I teach online computer classes adjunct for three colleges, and each school uses a completely different platform. Before the beginning of a new term, I always make sure materials are sent to the students explaining how the system/s work and what they need to do to enter and participate successfully in class. Still, I spend about 30-45 minutes at the beginning of the first class to walk everyone through. It's worth taking the time. I know that my doing these things has increased participation, and the students really enjoy the classes more when they can actually use the various tools and features available to them.
Mark,
Having a hands on orientation is great for any student as each computer program and/or platform is a bit different. Students will feel more comfortable if they have a "test run"!
Shelly Crider
