Ashford University’s motto is “Technology Changes Everything” and they are correct. Technology does change everything- when it works!
One thing I’ve learned during my six years as an online educator is that both online instructors and online students always need to have a reliable backup plan.
One struggle that I often encounter throughout online education are a variety of technical difficulties. During the two or three hours I’ve set aside to grade an assignment, the college system may be down — requiring a dose of patience and flexibility that aren’t two of my strong suits.
As schools improve technology – upgrading to newer platforms, new versions of BlackBoard or new apps – there is always a learning curve. And at least a few hours where the website or application needed isn’t working when one needs it to! And then there are other technology issues – computer issues such as viruses and hard-drive crashes – WiFi not working, etc.
Personally, I’ve found myself working in the parking lot of a local hotel to “borrow” their WiFi when my WiFi at home wasn’t working. I’ve had to head to the library to login to my classes due to computer issues. I’ve used WiFi connections at a friend’s house, driven to another town to find access, and pretty much done everything in my power to ensure that my grading and discussions are always completed on time.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had a student email me at 11:58 pm (when the assignment is due at 11:59 pm) claiming technical issues, problems uploading, internet issues, etc. Besides the obvious issue of needing to plan ahead and not procrastinate when submitting assignments (and for instructors when meeting grading deadlines!), students also need to be prepared with a backup plan. Perhaps they can utilize their local library, use the computer at a friend’s house, or visit a local Starbucks or McDonalds to utilize their free WiFi. Whatever the case may be, students need to take responsibility for their assignments – plan accordingly – and plan for technology glitches and setbacks as well.
I’ve had some students who try to complete a course exclusively from their cellphone or iPad when their computer is not working. While many schools do provide apps that allow students the freedom to engage in discussions and check their grades while on their cellphone waiting at the doctor’s office – and while this is a great perk, students still need a traditional computer to be successful. Writing a 10-page research paper on a cellphone isn’t going to go very well…
Have you run into technical glitches? What was your backup plan?
About the Author
Jamie Weitl is a WAHM teaching for several online universities and raising three precocious little ones. In her spare time she enjoys writing, baking, and running. For more info, see my Google Plus Profile.
