What About Technology?
I would like to get feedback on what everyone does for their students who struggle with technology, at the school where I teach, often I will have an online conference with students and they can't figure out how to login, submitting assignments gets difficult, etc. What does everyone suggest for this?
Dawn ,
Most students do have access to listen and view power point presentations.
Shelly Crider
One trick that I have started years ago after being a new online teacher was to record, along with visuals, a lecture using power point that covers all the little details regarding the course. I have also used a Start Here button that reviews all the tabs in the classroom.
Students who take the time to view the lecture and walk through the classroom tabs with me do much better and also have much less questions regarding how to navigate the course even if they are not computer literate.
Dawn Huber
Nanette,
This does take time to see what students can actually do online as well.
Shelly Crider
I'm a Instructor at a College Campus that has recently converted to a hybrid course shell. Part online and on-ground. I find myself using most of their on-group learning time to helping them navigate their on-line course. This really takes a considerate amount of time away from there on-ground learning time.
Helen,
Some people are color blind so just reading can be hard on them. Seeing a video is so helpful!
Shelly Crider
I agree. I LOVE screenshots when I am learning computer technology. I also think posting a link to U-tube might help. I learned how to use Microsoft 8.1 from some guy on U-tube as opposed to info from Microsoft! The majority of students are visual learners. The audio portion of A/Vs helps with audio learners. I don't know how to help the kinesthetic learners but I do know that just reading the instructions is not enough!
elida,
Patience is something most all of our students need to work on!
Shelly Crider
elida,
There are times you will need to add screen shots or be very detailed as some students do not do well with little direction.
Shelly Crider
Alfons,
This could be a great assignment in many classes!
Shelly Crider
I'm a big fan of HOW TO videos myself, it could be very useful for students who are not tech savvy. Of course the video should be done so it's simple to follow.
William,
Students love the screen shots as opposed to just writted directions!
Shelly Crider
When I have a student that is having trouble with the website or software I will email the students and attach screen shots of the steps to take highlighted with circles and arrows. If the student still requires additional assistance I will then take them into live chat and help them one-on-one.
Gary,
There has to be a good balance when it comes to technology and students....as well as instructors!
Shelly Crider
I guess this is where navigational simplicity comes in. If the process is confusing to the student,then it is the course designer that has failed.
Kelly,
I like the fact that students see how important these aspects are. If they are important enough to be seen every day, they are important enough to actually know!
Shelly Crider
(During the first day of school, there is thorough discussion and instruction of these topics. I'm sure you do the same.)
However, on the actual homepage of our online learning system, there are click-able topics such as "changing your email and password," "watching training videos and taking quizzes," "using email messages," "using spell check," things of that nature. Each topic has a training video for it. These frequently asked questions or problems students have are all right there on the homepage.
Even if you don't have the ability to create training videos for your topics, it would still be helpful to have click-able links with that information step-by-step.
Lilia,
There are times when instructors do not create the class and have issues with technology as well.
Shelly Crider
