Patricia,
You are right, the technology is not ready yet for those devices. I hate to see students start with the barrier of learning being the lack of access to technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Gracie,
True, does your institution provide tutorials to help students develop these skills?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Basic Computer Skills:
Typing skills, knowing how to use the computer mouse, word documents such as saving, editing, opening documents, also knowing how to access emails and sending emails, uploading documents just to name a few technical skills needed.
One of the first questions that I ask my students is to make sure that they have the proper technology. Many times students try to take a course on their cell phone, which is not compatible with many LMS. The next important issue is to have computer skills, such as email, downloading, uploading and the use of Microsoft Office. In my course it is important to be able to type a document and then upload the document into the drop box so that it may be submitted. If a student does not have the basic computer skills it becomes very difficult and frustrating for the student and the possibility increases with each challenge that confronts the students.
Students must know how to send and receive email in order to communicate. They need to know how to download and upload files. These are some of the most important technical skills that they must know.
Melissa,
I also would add to your internet exploration is the ability to determine the quality of information and sites on the internet. I am still surprised that student choose not to do that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
DANA,
I actually create tutorials for some of them and have asked our technology support to provide resources. The do have them for this.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
DANA,
Do your students come to your online courses with these skills? How do you help them attain them?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Students should have basic document creation skills which would allow them to type, save, and print a document in a word processing program. They should also have basic skills in internet exploration (ie be able to do a search and navigate through a website.) It is important for them to have a basic understanding of online cues that assist in navigating online (for example knowing that text in blue and underlined can be clicked to being you to a new link)
Ideally they will have an understanding of basic computer terminology, such as home page, or search bar, as this language will be helpful to them when they have to trouble shoot technological issues. ~Melissa
I enjoyed your post!
We can not take it for granted that these skills are basic, as this is not always the case.
It is true that showing students how to perform various technological tasks is quite important.
It is important for students to be able to: Copy, cut, and paste text , save files (Microsoft or pdf). They should be able to use spell check and use a web browser and search engines. It is important for students to attach files to emails. They should be able to save and retrieve files from hard drive and USB drive. Students should be able to download Adobe Reader plug-ins and others. Students should be able to login to emails, learning systems and school library. Students should be able to download and unzip files also.
Cynthia,
Good technical support is such an important resource. I am going to use your term learned helplessness. That is so frustrating to me! We must stop the learned helplessness!!!!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
At least you have material you can use!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson,
I agree. I find that many students struggle with time management and learned helplessness. These are also the students who do tend to get behind in class, and do make excuses for having tech issues. I direct them to our excellent technical support team and resources to assist them with navigating the LMS.
Professor Armes
Yes, the students are provided technical resources in the LMS. They also attend an orientation course. I include links to videos and handouts, too, in the class Learning Materials.
Cynthia
Cynthia,
I was just reading a report about the future of post education learners. It stated students must take responsibility of their own learning and be proactive. I don't think many of my students coming from high school are ready for that. I do think nontraditional students try to be let obstacles get in the way.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
Great list. Do you have tutorials that explain each of these tasks to help remediate? I have tried to create them or encourage the university to do so, particularly when it is about the LMS.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kim,
Digital literacy is becoming more important in every aspect of education, not just online. Students must have a basic knowledge of the computer including the two items you mentioned. You don't want the technology to be the barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Chuo,
Yes! I agree with #3 Accessing data, being a self learner. This is exactly what I expect my students to become, especially in online courses. They must become resourceful to be excellent students in an online course.
Cynthia
Students must have the following technical skills:
1. Navigate the virtual classroom
2. Download and upload documents
3. Copy and paste from MS Word to Discussion Forums (for better presentation)
4. Use Grammar and Spell Check in MS Word
5. Format a document in MS Word
6. Ability to conduct research on the Internet, bookmark pages, save to PDF, or print webpages.
7. Reply to or send an Email.
8. Navigate and work through adaptive learning modules
10. Use library databases to conduct research.
I am sure there are more, but these are the top ten in my courses.
Cynthia
