Hi
A variety of technical skills are needed for online students. At a base level they need to be able to navigate the school platform and use the Microsoft suite of programs. This includes, but is not limited to, attaching files, using the library database, ideally being able to cut and paste and generally access the the school's Learning Management System.
Ideally greater ability to do research and be able to recognize source material on the internet is needed. Depending on the degree the student is seeking, being able to create videos and presentations is useful. Success with keyword searches also creates a better student.
Jocelyn M. Dervis
Robert,
We forget how important typing is! I think I may add typing programs to all of my courses. Great idea!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Robert,
You are right. The power of using the technology is incorporating those association sites.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
AIU offers a number of tech labs that I encourage students to explore. Emphasis is placed on developing their tech skills that are so essential in the healthcare field, or any field for that matter.
One of the most important skills a student and all of us can acquire is typing. So often I encounter students making simple typing errors that slow them down to correct and simply make completing essay assignments inefficient. I learned to type in high school and it has become one of the most valuable courses taken. There are plenty of typing programs on software and some are free. So in addition to knowing their way around all the tech features of the university, typing is essential.
I agree with your list of tech sites and suggestions. I would add my advice to students to check into sites of associations related to their career goals. One question for my students is what aspirations do you have for a healthcare career. A list of possible association sites is provided to them to begin their exploration, e.g. ACHE.org. Frequently there are news items along with blogs that they can pursue based on their interest. It also adds to their resource list for research.
Letitia,
Great point! The number one barrier for the online learner can be the computer! I agree with you, there has to be some computer knowledge (orientation?) for an online students regarding technology. It still amazes me how many people take online courses and don't have a computer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Being able to use a computer is a necessary skill for the online leraner. Being familar may not be enough unless the student has someone there to constantly help them. Without knowing how to use a computer, this will be frustrating to the student and they will not be successful. It is recommended the the student take a computer class prior to signing up for an online course. At the same time, there should be accountability on teh school for having some computer experience a requrement so the student knows what is expected from them up front.
Aisling,
I am going to use your www.grammarly.com. I think a good tutorial that is required for students isn't a bad idea.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Our college gives the student a tour of the online world and they are familiar with the classroom environment by the time they start my class. I send them step by step instructions on how to get to online class and make it into a game and they really enjoy the challenge. In our first live chat we play a game called hide and find which helps them find sites that we use in the class and all the amazing tools and resources available to them. I guide them towards the library and technical support as well. We will look at how to use WWW.grammarly.com or Turn it in . Students need to know how to use APA and Mla formatting sites and how to find them.
Know the different between junk and sound science references and give examples.
Monique,
That is true. Many of our adult learners accommodate the technology as something they HAVE to use while our traditional students accept it and make it a part of their lives.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Just knowing the basics of what a computer is and how it functions in the online learning world. Some students, especially your adult learners may find this concept to education foriegn but is a huge part of todays main stream communication and recreations.
Mia,
Wow, you are talking basic. You are right, how many times have students "lost" their homework. It has become the new "my dog ate my homework." :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christopher,
Great post. I may now have my students listen to a couple of podcasts of Grammar Girl to help with their grammar. I had not thought about that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nichoe,
Great post! Yes, students will suffer cognitive overload when we are asking them to learn the technology long with the content. Great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yvette,
Great post. yes, the communication and the skills that go with that is so important. I actually require a particular email format, just to get them out of the casualness of electronic communication.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tonia,
You are right! I take for granted that students can upload and download files from the LMS to their computer and vice versa. Their technical skills are shallow.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Shenita,
Good points. I think we underestimate the comfort level of ANY student with the LMS. They are not always setup for the ease of the user!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dave,
Great list. I am hearing quite a bit about APA. I do think that research and APA skills are not always acquired in high school. It is also a skill we lose when we don't use it!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
Great post. I find it frustrating when programs allow students to enter online programs WITHOUT a computer. That is always the first barrier. (Sorry, this is my personal opinion).
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
Boy, APA instruction is difficult! I have also found Youtube clips for students to watch. There are some really good ones.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
