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| Pixabay.com |
In a recent post about closing the digital skills gap in higher education, I mentioned ways that you could do this in your courses. The great thing is that while you are improving your students' technical skillsets, your own technical skillsets are also improved. So it is a win-win situation for you and your students. Now, if you've been reading this blog for a bit, then you know that I am a technology consultant and teach math, business and computer courses online. Okay, I know what you are thinking. Since I'm a "computer teacher" and run a computer consultancy, updating my OWN technical skillsets comes easy. The question is what help is available for teachers who are NOT very tech savvy?
So, if you are not very tech, how can you update your own technical skillsets to keep up with your students and with the online education landscape? I work with many teachers on these very questions and aim to help where I can through my consultancy and by writing this blog. In this post, I want to discuss some FREE and EASY ways that ALL teachers can update their technical skillsets to close their own digital skills gap and those gaps that their students may have.
Basically, updating your digital skills means taking a little time to learn and understand the digital world. Before closing your digital skills gap, you should ask yourself the following questions:
1) What technologies/software do you want to learn?
Do you want to learn a particular type of software like a word processor, spreadsheet, database, web design tool, image editing tool, audio tool, video tool, video conferencing software, etc? Are you interested in exploring online software offered over the Internet?
2) How do you want to incorporate technology in your courses? Are you considering technology for your learning activities (group, individual) and/or course assessments? Are you considering it for your course administration or for course feedback?
3) What will reasonably work for your teaching style and situation?
Over the years, I have worked with many teachers who learn new technology to use in their courses. The first question I ask them is "are you willing to be flexible and accommodate the use of technology in your teaching?" Using technology does take extra work but can reap great rewards for you and for your students. As a teacher, you have to be willing to go to places you haven't before and use trial and error to get the right fit for you.
My advice:
Improving your digital skills requires time, patience, and trial and error. It requires that you have an open mind to the possibilities but also be prepared to put boundaries on what you can realistically handle. My mantra is: Keep it simple. Do what works FOR YOU. If you are not comfortable with it, then this will show to your students.
So, if you are not very tech, how can you update your own technical skillsets to keep up with your students and with the online education landscape? I work with many teachers on these very questions and aim to help where I can through my consultancy and by writing this blog. In this post, I want to discuss some FREE and EASY ways that ALL teachers can update their technical skillsets to close their own digital skills gap and those gaps that their students may have.
Basically, updating your digital skills means taking a little time to learn and understand the digital world. Before closing your digital skills gap, you should ask yourself the following questions:
1) What technologies/software do you want to learn?
Do you want to learn a particular type of software like a word processor, spreadsheet, database, web design tool, image editing tool, audio tool, video tool, video conferencing software, etc? Are you interested in exploring online software offered over the Internet?
2) How do you want to incorporate technology in your courses? Are you considering technology for your learning activities (group, individual) and/or course assessments? Are you considering it for your course administration or for course feedback?
3) What will reasonably work for your teaching style and situation?
Over the years, I have worked with many teachers who learn new technology to use in their courses. The first question I ask them is "are you willing to be flexible and accommodate the use of technology in your teaching?" Using technology does take extra work but can reap great rewards for you and for your students. As a teacher, you have to be willing to go to places you haven't before and use trial and error to get the right fit for you.
My advice:
Improving your digital skills requires time, patience, and trial and error. It requires that you have an open mind to the possibilities but also be prepared to put boundaries on what you can realistically handle. My mantra is: Keep it simple. Do what works FOR YOU. If you are not comfortable with it, then this will show to your students.
Quick story. I once took a graduate course in which the teacher used real-time video conferencing. The first session was horrible. The software could not accommodate the over 20 students that were in the class and many students could not see the video and/or hear the audio from the session. The teacher did not have a backup plan in place and thus kept going with a lecture that was basically useless for the majority of students. Afterwards, the teacher admitted that she was not comfortable with the technology and actually hated using it in her courses. What I say to that is: "why do it?"
Again, learning something new takes time. Keep my mantra in mind: Keep it simple. Consider your current courses (or those you are planning) and try one technology/software at a time until you feel comfortable with it. Perhaps, use it in a personal setting before trying it in your course.
To this end, I've located some great online resources for improving your digital skills. They are FREE and can be used at your own pace on your own time. I use these resources often with all of my clients when teaching them how to incorporate technology in their courses and in their businesses.
| GCFLearn.org |
- This is a great collection of video and interactive presentations on digital topics and technology. The videos are FREE and lessons can be saved and printed as needed. I actually incorporate these into my lessons and assignments in the computer courses.
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- These are FREE online courses in IT and digital literacy. I have used these in my business courses for the students. I either give them as assignments or incorporate these for additional resources.
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- This is an MOOC that offers FREE courses from popular colleges and universities around the countries. There is a section of courses for teacher professional development HERE. Many of the courses offer a completion certificate that can be used at your school for professional development.
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- Google offers FREE training on all of its applications and how they can be used in your courses. There are sections for the basic Google programs such as Gmail, Google Docs and Google Sites. Note: For Google Hangouts, I prefer using the guide on Google Hangouts for teachers located HERE.
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- This site is run by software trainer Russell Stannard. The website features videos on Digital literacy, Using Moodle, Screen Casting, Using Google, Using YouTube, Audio and Podcasting. These are my favorites as the site is comprehensive and the videos are presented from a teaching perspective.
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* Free VIDEO-CONFERENCING Tools
* FREE IMAGES for your Online Content
* Cloud-Based AUDIO TOOLS
