Support Strategies
To Begin: Minimum levels
Technologies have always promised quicker routes to access education. Navigating these roads, for some, is easy. The pathways are familiar and well worn. For others, the technology is daunting and students feel inadequate for the journey. Still for others, technology is the only viable trail available. No matter what the experience of the route, it’s important to allow students to self- identify where they are on route
What level are you at?
It doesn’t matter what level you are at, we believe that anyone who uses technology to support their work, their study, or other aspects of living in a digital age can move forward. Please use the following criteria and rubric to identify where you are at present in terms of access, experience and trouble shooting skills.
- Unfamiliar – I do not use technology much and probably need some assistance
- Competent - I know about the basics, but I’m not very advanced. I’m not always aware of what is going on, but can work it out
- Comfortable – I can use quite a number of different tools and packages. I use technology routinely and am aware of how things work
- Confident – I am very familiar with these technologies and can resolve most problems or issues. I also help others and solve their tech problems.
Can you identify where you are at present in terms of access and skills?
| Access to computers and the internet | Experience with software application | Troubleshooting skills |
| I cannot check emails regularly or visit websites daily as I have inconsistent access to a computer with in internet connection. | I would find it difficult to type up and save my work in a word processor, since I have very little experience using a computer and have minimal skills in this area | If there is a technical problem (e.g. frozen screen), then I expect tech support to address the issue |
| I have restricted access to a computer and the speed of the internet service on this computer is limited by speed or cost | I have some experience using a computer and the internet. When on the intenet I can find a website, print out a screen and same and save an image to a file | If there is a technical problem (e.g. cannot print) then I am able to troubleshoot such basic issues or ask my friends for assistance |
| I have consistent access to a computer and the internet service is satisfactory | I have strong computer skills and detailed experience using a word processor, email application and web browser | I am able to identify most technical issues on my computer and I know how to solve most of them |
| I have daily access to a computer with high-speed service to the internet at home and at a convenient off campus location | I have excellent computer skills and significant experience using a word processor, email application and web browser, and am comfortable downloading information from the internet and using other technology tools and applications, such as a learning management system. | I actively seek out information about technical issues and am able to resolve my technical issues and am regularly asked to assist others |
Students who are enrolled in online, hybrid, partially online, and web-enhanced classes will be are expected to have
- A reliable Internet connection.
- Individual and personal access to a computing device with internet connectivity
- Working knowledge of word processing, web browsers, file management
- An active email account that is checked daily
- Access to the LMS