EducatorsOnlineExchange Past Issues

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Date: September 23, 2004

eLEARNING TIP 1
Once a week we'll plan to bring you information on technology. Chip Donohue, a member of the EducatorsOnlineExchange Advisory Committee, will coordinate this effort.

Survival Skills for eLearners
In an upcoming article in the November issue of Exchange, Chip Donohue and Doug Clark identify 5 essential survival skills for early childhood professionals who are new to online learning.

Know the tech specs.
Know what computer hardware and software configuration you will need to participate. Don't wait until the course begins to discover that your system isn't compatible.

Get a handle on the basics.
Seek out opportunities for basic technology training so that you are comfortable with a few key skills including word processing, sending and receiving e-mail, attaching a document to an e-mail, and searching the Internet for information and resources.

Try out all the tools.
You'll use many new technology tools so take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your computer confidence and competence while learning the course content.

Use 'em or lose 'em.
You'll work hard to develop new skills, so put them to use to improve your program management, enhance your parent communication, strengthen your marketing, and increase your networking and advocacy efforts. If you don't have a teenager in the house, borrow one! Perhaps the most important tip is to get tech support anywhere you can find it. Many successful online learners report that the best technical assistance comes from a teenage son or daughter, a spouse, partner or friend who is into computers. And once you have mastered the art of learning online, think how "cool" you'll be in the eyes of that teenager!

Source: Donohue, C. & Clark, D. (2004, November). Learning Online: The Places You'll Go! Exchange.