How to learn to take Online Classes at Home
In general, technology literacy is the ability to use, retrieve, assess and manage information technology effectively and appropriately. Ever since the development in this world, technology is becoming an essential function to navigate life. It helps us to solve problems, communicate and enhance the learning skills for future progress. Technology literacy also includes computer skills that people can utilize in their academic and non-academic careers. Nowadays, technology is all around us. Although some people like to rely on traditional methods of teaching and learning, the possibilities that come when technology is brought into the classrooms.
The use of technology can help students and other professionals to take online classes and to oversee individual development and innovative planning. The students who benefit from technology can learn the practical skills that will help them throughout their future careers. It also enables distance learning education, online education and to access all the information at their own pace. For students, technology enables more research work into subjects that are difficult to learn in the classrooms. Teachers can also develop more innovative and creative lesson plans to hold the attention of students in online classes.
As we know, technology is breaking down all the barriers in education during this global pandemic. It also reduced the cost of education significantly with options such as online degrees and by eliminating the need for physical textbooks. You can access books from educational institutions or you can download them from e-learning websites. You can also choose the option of an online degree by any e-learning platform and continue your studies without leaving your home. Moreover, students don’t need to enrol in a full degree program to learn or to get prepared for tests such as undergraduate entry test, masters entry test and CSS/PMS exam preparation.
Even if we’ve taken online classes but, we all know someone who has had a bad experience or scared to take online classes. However, these pessimistic views are given by students who are commonly experienced by taking online classes. To overcome this fear, the first step is to become a successful technology literate and online learner. Students can also learn technical skills in their online classwork.
Make sure that your technology equipment such as hardware, software, and Internet are all good to take online classes. Take some time to learn the basics of technology that will allow you to take online classes. If you’re using a tablet or laptop check whether it’ll support the requirements of your online class or not.
There are two categories of technology skills/knowledge that you should be aware of to become a successful participant to take online classes.
1. Computer Skills/Knowledge:
Office Suite:
If you’re taking online classes in a specific discipline, knowledge of basic office software will enable you to accomplish all the tasks and assignments that you’ll encounter in an online classroom. The use of software tools will allow you to become familiar with word processing, presentation tools, and spreadsheets.
Digital Media:
The use of digital media enables students to use advanced media production tools to convey their ideas through audio/visual media. Multimedia is also being incorporated into online classrooms.
Troubleshooting:
In online classes, you can face technical difficulties. It’s the nature of technology, if you’re aware of some basics about how computers work and what makes them run, you can easily troubleshoot your computer problems when they arise.
2. Internet Skills:
Internet skills include searching and virtual learning systems (LMS). It also determines the type and speed of internet connection. This can be important for synchronous classes.
Because of technology, education is becoming more accessible. We’ve seen the growing popularity of online degrees. Physical boundaries have been removed and many e-learning platforms have embraced technology to supplement further education for employees.
Learning Management System (LMS):
An LMS is a collection of tools and resources that provide a virtual learning environment. LMS also allows the instructors to manage all the aspects of an e-learning course by using a single interface.
The Features Learning Management Systems are:
1- Digital Dropbox (assignments and feedback receiving).
2- Facilitating group work.
3- Syllabus delivery, audio/video content delivery.
4- Communication (email and discussions)
5- Evaluation (through quizzes)
6- Collaborative learning (wikis, blogs etc.)
