Identifying Technical Skills
What technical skills do you see as important for your online students?
The skills I see as most important are:
Be able to access the Internet safely
Be able to upload and download files as well as unzip them
Be able to use MS Word, MS Power Point and MS Excel.
Be able to cut and paste content into a discussion forum
Be able to use email safely
Be able to locate the grade book and read the feedback on the LMS
Be able to check their work at Turnitin to access their similarity scores
Be able to access audio and video lectures
Be able to participate in an online chat room
Be able to use instant messaging in the LMS
Fortunately the new generation of online who were raised with computer technology are used to working online already, its second nature to them. The challenge is with older students who may not be that comfortable with computers or computer technology.
It is really important to ensure the students have the basic technical skills to be successful in an on line learning environment. Instructors take for granted the students technological knowledge through assumption. Therefore, it is encouraged that instructors provide tutorials and links to assist the students early in the course to avoid student discouragement resulting in disengagement in the course.
The students should understand the mechanics of Microsoft Office including Word documents and Excel. They should have the capacity to upload a file and save the document as well as to create a zip file as applicable. Students should really understand the various browsers to search the internet as well.
One of the most common technical issues students have at the career college I teach at is how to download and activate plugins such as Adobe reader that supports the simulation process of the learning material. However, I always provide the students with the contact number to technical support to assist.
Hello,
Thanks for the opportunity to respond to this particular questions. I believe that there are various skills that are important to a student's success in the online environment. The following are some skills I believe are important:
1) Effective use of emails (especially attaching documents).
2) Effective at using the internet (Google, other search Engines.
3) Effective and Proficient with using office applications such as Microsoft Office (or similar) to create documents
4) Ability to use a discussion board and upload assignments to a classroom Web site
I believe that these tools will make the learning experience fun smoother for the online student.
I see basic web browsing skills as absolutely necessary. The other technical skill that I see as important and would like to see my students have is the ability to download and install software.
Many sites require Adobe FlashPlayer or Java. If they do not have the most recent version of these they may have difficulty completing course objectives. The base case is students being able to solve these problems on their own so they don't get behind on course work.
Best,
Brian Stout
There are a broad range of skills required. Basic use of tools such as Microsoft Office, the ability to perform basic computer operations such as file handling, uploading, and downloading, the ability to use basic editing tools such as cut/copy/paste, spell checking, formatting, the ability to effectively search the Web for resources, the ability to ZIP files, and more.
Being able to use the computer, and navigate withing a windows environment are key. Then depending on the class they have to be savvy with the application we are discussing for that class. At least understand the navigation. I always emphasize this with students before the class starts.
Perry
I feel to be a successful online student, you must be able to:
-Search the Internet
-Access the LMS for the course
-Microsoft Word (open a document, type in it, and save the document
-Being able to upload a document
-E-mail
-Basic Windows
-How to use the mouse
-How to utilize an USB drive
-Being willing and able to ask questions if needed.
Besides the usual skills, such as using Office suit to create and edit documents, the students need to know how to research. I am not talking about using the browser: I am talking about students needing to know search techniques to find the information they need. I had many students that got scared of research projects and demanded that I provide the book with information. They need to know that, in the real world, one must know how to find any information necessary for completing the task. And what is education if not preparation for the real world? I think we should not wait until graduate study to introduce research courses.
Students should be able to open a web browser and navigate around it. They should also be able to type as well. Also that would be helpful, if they are able to conduct Internet searches and locate information needed to enhance their overall learning experience.
Basic computer knowledge and the ability to find help if needed.
Students should have basic technical skills such as:
--Communicate via email including sending attachments
--Navigate the World Wide Web using a Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Fire Fox
--Use office applications such as Microsoft Office (or similar) to create documents
--Be comfortable uploading and downloading saved files
--Have easy access to the Internet
From personal experience, I believe the following technical skills are important for your online students:
*Being able to upload a document/assignment
*Being able to properly use Word
*Being able to work the platform/ Moodle
*Being able to check their e-mail regularly
*Being able to take a test virtually
*Knowing when to ask for help and who to go to
Students really need to have some know-how when it comes to simple technical tasks, such as emailing or attaching a file. I know that where we are, our students use iPads and that is where all schools seem to be heading, that can add even more anxiety to students who are not comfortable with technology. If you are taking course that is on-line based, a student needs to be prepared, because an instructor cannot sit and tutor one-on-one with every student that is struggling and if they never meet, that can raise even bigger issues if the student is having difficulty. We need to ensure that the student is prepared and ready to go in order for them to be successful....otherwise we are almost setting them up for failure. They will get frustrated and drop.
The technical skills I see as being important for online students would be first to feel comfortable with using the computer as a whole. I find that many online students are from various generations and some are not as familiar with the internet or computer as others. Secondly, students need to understand computer jargon or term mean, such as upload, URL, browser, link etc. I also think students need to know how to type or keyboard. Without having this particular skill it will take students longer to complete assignments and I often find a lot of spelling errors. Finally, students need to be familiar with the various types of software,such as Excel, MS Word and PowerPoint.
Chana,
That is a great tool. This can help them start the learning process.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Chana,
You make a great point. LMS skills are built you just need to provide them a starting point and that needs to be strong. Students need to know where to start it that can be the most helpful.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Chana,
You are right. Students need a technology skill set before they can be successful in the online community. Technology is the conduit to the learning not the barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Elivett,
That is true. Students need to know how to engage with the technology so they can be successful in the class.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
During the first week of class, the Instructor "walks" the students through the LMS, so they will be comfortable using it. Additionally, we send them a Word document that goes through the steps of how to use the LMS. Thus, we utilize different modes of instruction to teach our students how to use the LMS.
