Online learning is a convenient way for adults to learn new job skills. But first some have to learn how to use a computer, said to a speaker at the Sloan Consortium International Conference on Online Learning in Florida last week. From the Chronicle of Higher Education:
Colleges are trying to bring people up to speed with basic computing classes that focus on material as simple as explaining the function of a mouse, says Saundra W. Williams, senior vice president and chief of technology and workforce development for the North Carolina Community College System.
Even young students often lack computer skills, say instructors in the comments.
Some online students can’t figure out how to access course materials, wrote another instructor.
As a faculty member, I really don’t want to teach you how to turn on your computer and find BlackBoard, or click on a link to access a file… and frankly, I don’t think I should have to teach you that if you chose an online learening option. We do placement tests in Math, Reading and Writing – why not add one for basic computing skills??!?!
Recent high school graduates know how to use computers for socializing and gaming, but they lack word and data processing skills, another writes. It’s a problem for online and on-campus students. “We have started letting students know that they need basic computer skills before they sign into many classes.”
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