Dr. Wilkinson
My university provides an orientation for students but I do find a few students who did not benefit from that orientation.
The most essential skill is computer skill to navigate through the LMS. If they can navigate the LMS, the student will find my announcements on how to contact me if they encounter difficulties; I announce and provide the technical support telephone number.
Before the session begins, I send to each student an email called First Contact. In that email I request all information on technical problems. I respond by contacting the student to provide the location of the tutorials or how to utilize the technical support assistance.
I monitor the student in the class room, and I contact students using emails and IM to determine if and when the technical issue has been eliminated.
Dr. Wilkinson,
It is very important for students who are taking math online courses to type equations. When I first started teaching a few years ago, I assumed that students who know how to use Microsoft Word automatically knows how to insert equations in their documents. I was sadly wrong so I always make sure to include a tutorial on "how to insert equations in Microsoft Word" in their learning materials.
-Christine
Very basic skills are the most important. This is essentially just a comfort level with using computers that allows them to troubleshoot small problems, understand what is a problem with the computer or the classroom, and when to contact me or tech support.
Hello,
The following are important technical skills for any online student:
1. The ability to email and upload documents in an email.
2. The ability to generate reports and various documents in Microsoft Word.
3. The ability to store documents on a flash drive and a computer.
4. The ability to use spell check.
5. The ability to search the internet for credible sources.
6. Use the school's LMS system.
Warm Regards,
Annabel
Navigating the LMS platform.
Using the technical support provided by the school or the LMS platform.
Download files.
Attach files.
Keyboarding skills.
Michael ,
I agree with you. That can be a daunting list. How do you help students achieve these skills?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The technical skills most students need at my university include:
• Students should be able to prepare and format their papers in MS Word, as well as be familiar with Excel, and Powerpoint.
• The more proficient their typing skills and familiar they are with the above software, the better.
• It almost goes without saying that they should know how to use Spellcheck; how to copy and paste a document; how to save documents in other formats – like pdf or rtf files. Etc.
• Our students should feel comfortable using and navigating our LMS within a short time of starting their coursework.
• Our students should be able to upload assignments to our assignment submission area, as well send and open documents that are attached to emails.
• Students should be able to research assignments using my school’s virtual library as well as the internet.
• Our students should feel comfortable making discussion board posts, communicating via email and our instant messaging utility.
William,
That is true. It amazes me how many people do not know how to type well. This will lead to worker comp claims later.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
And of course emails! And Instant messaging.
Simple but typing is a good start.
Simple but how to use a computer or ipod.
How to use Word, PPT, and internet.
How to use the Learning Materials provided in classroom.
Understand the system used by their school like Adobe, Blackboard, Angel etc.
Under the platform that their school uses.
Under how to use ebooks.
How to write, grammar, and APA which I consider to be technical skills for college.
Rick,
That is such an important skill have. Students need to be better consumer of information as it will help them in their professional development also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Willie ,
I agree. Don't you think they need to be able to use the LMS well? I agree with setting the expectations of the online course. It is worse or bad it is different and we need to be positive about the experience.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
An important skill I want my online students to understand is how to determine if a search engine they are using for research is a scholarly and legitimate source as compared to a search engine or web site that will not have accurate information. Too many students our learners simply partake in a Google search and assume the first link that appears is accurate and noteworthy of their time. As eduactors, I feel we need to do a better job of explaining to our students where to find scholarly search engines and once in such a location, how to determine the accuracy of the information they are wanting to use.
As an online student, I think that it is crucial for students to understand that they will have a much different classroom experience than a traditional student. In order to ensure that they are fully prepared for your online courses, I think they they should be able to communicate via email including sending attachments, to navigate the Internet, to use office applications such as Microsoft Office (or similar) to create documents, and, least I forget, be willing to learn how to communicate using a discussion board and upload assignments to a classroom Web site. :-)
David,
You make great points. The LMS is the university for many students and they need to be able to maneuver throughout it just as if they are on campus!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Donald,
Does your institution provide tutorials for the LMS and other skills? I think that is such a great way to help students obtain those skills.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I need my students to be competent in basic computer skills. These may include.
Being able connect to the available network so that they can use a browser to access the Internet. Log into the LMS and access and complete their course material. Use the internet to access and research technical materials. They also need to know how to use e-mail appropriately for communication.
The course gave an excellent list of online skills the student should and ought to possess. They include:
1. Copy, cut, and paste text in a document?
2. Save a Microsoft Word file as a .pdf file?
3. Use the spell checker and thesaurus?
4. Search the Internet effectively?
5. Attach a file to an email?
6. Save and retrieve files using a USB drive?
7. Download plug-ins such as Flash, Adobe Reader, etc.?
8. Login and use the school's online library system?
9. Login and use the school's Learning Management System (LMS)?
10. Download and unzip files?
11. Determine if you have a MAC or PC and your operating system?
To be truthful, I cannot be any more articulate. Erie is
Bob,
I agree about all aprticularly the LMS. It so important. Does your institution provide tutorials for your LMS?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
I think that is a great set. Do you have this list for your students?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
