It is important to give all students enough practice with the system that they feel comfortable. Letting students spend time in the system and encouraging them to get acquainted with the system.
I think practice is the only way to help quell those fears.
Lee,
Great comments! You are right. It does allow an avenue to develop a relationship and to teach students that yes we can have relationships like this!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kara,
You make a great point. The secret to keep fears at by is to develop little successes with technology that grow into trying other technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
True, many the fear keeps them from trying and that is such a shame!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Stephen,
What a wonderful post. You make such great points. You can empathize with them regarding learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
One, provide tutorials in your voice if possible that will walk them through a task. The tutorials should not be long but focus specifically on the task. I say use your voice as they know you as someone to trust.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that instructional immediacy can help build teacher/student relationships that bolter learning and confidence leading to a more positive outcome for the student. When teachers make a connection with the student, it shows the student that the faculty member takes a vested interest in their learning. This can show the student the support system they need to learn the material to achieve their short term and long term goals. If not already occurring, the student may begin to be more interested in their learning. As interest grows, students will be more willing to put in the time to learn the material. If things progress in this manner throughout the course, the student will achieve the desired outcome.
Similar to both Michael and Stephen's responses, my approach is that of a guide. Technologically apprehensive students must confront several layers of challenges to position themselves for a successful learning experience in the online classroom. I encourage their questions, provide flash-based video tutorials, and to ry to manage their expectations. I like to emphasize that I'm there to help and will position myself or our campus technical support and advisers to support these students. When they feel like they can manage the technological aspects, their more able to focus on course content.
Michael Schmidt, this is a very valid concern, and should never be overlooked by an online instructor.
I help the students acclimate themselves to the technology by creating a stress-free environment, and asking them to pose even the most basic basic questions… And by reminding them frequently that the majority of the students in this class are adult learners who have been away from college for a while, so it is expected that they may need to spend a little time working on their technology skills.
Mike Crowley
I am a middle-aged instructor, and I've had to learn previously-unknown or on-the-fly. Because of this, I've helped non-traditional aged students identify with me and understand that technology has nothing to do with age, but with experience. I help them understand that technology is always changing and so everyone, young and old, must be constantly learn how to use new technology. I try to quell their fears but letting them know that I am aware of their "newness" and that as they progress through the course, that I will be exceptionally attentive to their technology challenges. This often quells their fears knowing that the instructor has heard and understands the technology challenges that they have during the online course.
