Return-Path: <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i31G60m23549; Thu, 1 Apr 2004 11:06:10 -0500 (EST) Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2004 11:06:10 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <85256E69.005833AD.00@alphaplus.ca> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: mmeilleur@alphaplus.ca To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1303] Re: teacher needs & the technology learning X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Status: O Content-Length: 2096 Lines: 51 Hello, We have has very similar experiences. We began delivering on-line training over three years ago using the virtual classroom software Centra (www.centra.com). It was very difficult to teach the content of the course when participants were so frustrated by the technology. This was one of the first times that literacy practitioners in Ontario were exposed to such technology. We took a few steps back and provided basic technology training - done mostly face-to-face. I believe that this was invaluable. After providing this training, I saw a big difference with the comfort levels of the practitioners with the technology. I also had to "quickly" develop other methods of support. Here are some other strategies that we took to bridge the technology gap: We created accounts for first time users. We sent them their usernames and passwords. This minimized the "tech" preparation that each of the participants had to do. They were then able to concentrate on the content with minimal frustration. Participants were asked to call our help desk (luckily we have a technical help desk!) to ensure that the software worked on their computers prior to the training and for a quick orientation to the tool. I estimate that each call took about 20 minutes - but a good investment. I directly called practitioners to help them with the set-up. Again, very time consuming but worth the time. The step by step instructions were also revised to ensure clarity. They were sent by email to all training participants. I have seen an increase in the technology skills of our practitioners over the years. They do not require as much support as they did when we started three years ago. Michelle Meilleur AlphaPlus Centre http://alphaplus.ca =========================================================== Michelle Meilleur conseillère pour la collectivité francophone Centre AlphaPlus Centre (http://alphaplus.ca) Telephone: 1-866-882-8810 Fax: (416) 322-0780 TTY: mmeilleur@alphaplus.ca ============================================================
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