Learning digital skills was an option for school-going kids two years back. But now, as the covid-19 pandemic has set its feet back, online learning will stay. Therefore, learning a few digital skills is more than essential for students seeking to do better in their academics. Moreover, as technology progresses with each passing day, being well-versed with technology is not an option but a necessity in this new learning age.
Here are the five digital skills necessary for online learning students
Basic knowledge of technology
To efficiently indulge in online learning, the person must have a basic understanding of technology. Before anything, students must gather information regarding technology and its functioning. They should know the terms used in the vast internet world, using the components of a computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, a laptop, etc. Also, students should know how to type, manage files, download, install, upload, and update files and applications, use online communication platforms, such as Skype, email, etc.
Basic knowledge of hardware
It is not uncommon to hear about computers and laptops crashing. In this case, a student should know how to tackle the situation.
Apart from learning the skills mentioned above, students should also learn hardware basics. For instance, they should know how to troubleshoot processes to deal with minor functionality issues and know about processors, networks, etc.
Using new software programs
Educational institutions worldwide are using various learning management systems and platforms for virtual teaching. From Zoom to Canvas, Google Meets, to Google Hangouts, new software programs are making their way into the virtual learning platforms.
While middle school and high school students might not find it difficult to use these software programs, younger kids might face a tough time catching up. For them, the parents should learn to use these new software programs.
The educators should also curate training programs before their classes begin to train the students or their parents to use the complicated virtual learning software.
Learning computer organisation skills
Virtual learning isn’t confined to the 40-minute lecture period. The students are also required to write their assignments online, upload files, submit their homework online, etc. These assignments translate to a hundred files and documents saved on the computer system. Furthermore, as physical textbooks have become a thing of the past in this covid period, students also need to save the notes sent to them by their teachers or friends online. All these things result in online clutter.
Hence, students should also learn computer organisation skills. They should make it a habit to organise their files and folders, segregate files based on subjects, save files at the designated location, delete unwanted files and documents, etc. Furthermore, they should create a system to keep track of their files.
Moreover, the internet and the computer system often work slow if they are filled with unnecessary data load. Organising files will keep this stress away from them.
Content creation
Many international schools are tech-enabled and use SMART techniques to teach better. Students are given several projects and assignments throughout their academic year. The internet offers several content-creating tools to students for their projects and assignments.
Students should know how to create documents, PPTs, spreadsheets, audios, videos, and infographics. In addition, they should be well-versed in using various content-creating platforms to create their projects more creatively.
Online learning is here to stay. Even if the pandemic bids goodbye this year, virtual learning will remain the best way of imparting education to the new-age students. Hence, every student must learn these digital skills to thrive academically.
