If you want to be an elearning instructor, you do not have to know the most sophisticated programs or learning management systems. You do not even have to be a computer genius. It is possible for you to teach online – however, there are certain computer skills that you need to learn. While you are not expected to be tech savvy, you need to be able to navigate the online course with minimal supervision.
The truth is, most of these basic skills may already be familiar to you. If you own a desktop, laptop, or even a smartphone, the chances are, you have almost everything that you need to efficiently and effectively teach your virtual class.
If you want to be considered as a modern educator, these are the mandatory basic computer skills that you need to learn.
Word Processing
This is the basic of all basics. You need to know how to use a word processor because this is what you will use to write the content of the course, the correspondences with students and fellow educators, and all forms of communication. You need to know how to check for errors, how to track changes in the content, create tables, and place hyperlinks. The documents you produce are expected to be worthy of being the output of an educator. Do not let your inability to use a word processor compromise your thoughts and opinions. Even the format can significantly influence the document you will produce.
Spreadsheet
Another thing that you need to learn is how to use a spreadsheet. Admittedly, not everyone is an expert. But if you want to analyze tables and calculations, this spreadsheet can prove to be very useful. Not only that, it can be handy when generating reports. You may have to chart important data for easy analysis. A mastery of this software will really prove to be useful.
Database Management
As an educator, you will be handling a lot of data. That means you need to learn how to manage the huge amount of data that will go your way. You need to learn how to store, file, and retrieve data. You need to know how to create tables that will allow you to manipulate the data that you have.
Presentations
This will prove useful while you are teaching. You want to make sure that you can create electronic presentations that will enhance the learning experience of your students. You should learn how to use different graphics and formats that will help you present content and information in an entertaining and engaging way.
Email Management
This is the most effective and basic means of written communication online. It is a great way to send correspondences, packets of information, etc. It is not just about your ability to create an email that you need to develop. You should also learn how to store all the emails in such a way that will make retrieval easier. Sometimes, this can be used as part of the elearning process like sending links. Make sure you know how to utilize it.
Internet Navigation
Finally, you want to learn how to navigate the Internet properly. The most basic that you need to learn is how to search for relevant sources and information that will enrich your learning materials. There is a vast library of information online. Make sure you know how to filter all the data that you will find.
If you want to be an effective elearning instructor, these are the important computer skills that you should have. These will allow you to function effectively without looking like you came out of the stone age.
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