TECH IS KEY
Get the devices, skills.
In the age of smartphones, laptops, social media and cloud services, students must be technologically prepared to head off to college. Most students are quite tech-savvy, but for any who lack computer skills, there are many resources available to help them ramp up their skills quickly.
“Today’s generation of students must be digitally ready in order to succeed.
Lone Star College offers students assistance with technology, classes that address e-learning skills along with traditional skills (and) computer skills,” said Wendi Prater, LSC associate vice chancellor, LSC-Online. “Plus ... not every student is in the position to be able to afford a computer or smartphone, which is why many of the LSC libraries offer to loan laptops or other devices for use in the library.”
During the first weeks of classes, instructors will let students know exactly what they need to know in terms of technology. Usually incoming college students need strong internet skills, as well as know how to use email and word processing. Some also may need to know how to use Microsoft PowerPoint and spreadsheets (with data entry skills).
While it is not absolutely necessary for students to have their own computers, it would benefit them if they owned one. They would be more likely to develop stronger computer skills than students who don’t have their own computers.
Luckily, most colleges have computer rooms where students can use computers as well as printers. Some dorms also have this equipment for students’ use.
“Generally, students need to have basic computer skills in order to complete assignments and access and navigate online tools, such as Blackboard, that many faculty incorporate into their courses,” said Diana Shokralla, San
Jacinto College South Campus student success center director. “Some students may be unfamiliar with these applications or may not have access to them on their personal computers, so many colleges have computer labs with these applications that students can use for this reason. San Jacinto College also provides Student Success Centers on each campus, where students can ... get general help using college-wide technology applications.”
Shokralla said it also is crucial for students to make note of and know how to contact their institution’s technical support team in case there are issues while attempting to access their student email accounts or any online platforms they need for classes.
The site www.breakthroughlearningcollege.com contains a listing of basic computer skills that incoming college students should have. Topics include word processing skills, email skills, spreadsheet use, using the internet and PowerPoint.
Many colleges offer tutorials for computer skills, as well as basic computer literacy courses that can be taken by students who need to gain familiarity with hardware and software.
Computer skills will be needed by students when they enter the workforce, so it would be to their advantage to learn all they can in this area in order to go after career opportunities.