Tom Hanson, Contributing Writer
Without a doubt, the greatest change in education in the last twenty years is centered upon the explosion of technological advances. The various aspects related to the internet and the personal computer are often the most intimidating elements for adults thinking about a return to school.
There is no question that attending college today requires some critical technology skills. However, the amount of skill necessary will depend on your course of study and the method by which you will be taking classes.
All classes will demand a basic understanding of computer use, from doing basic internet research to constructing written work using word processing software. But students electing to take courses in an online format will receive all class material and forward all class work through a personal computer and internet connection.
Therefore students taking online courses most certainly must understand basic computer use and how to utilize the internet. In addition, they must know how to use e-mail for communication purposes and will be asked to hold many classroom discussions in either a chat room or through a blog or wiki.
Many specific areas of study will demand additional skill formats beyond basic word processing and typing skills. Being able to work with spreadsheets or embed tables in a document could be needed for science or math related fields while all areas of study related to presenting materials will require the ability to put together a power point presentation.
If you are unfamiliar with many of the terms in the above paragraphs then you should definitely consider enrolling in an adult education technology class at your local high school. Most communities today offer inexpensive courses in a wide variety of topics.
Because of the rapid development of technology, most adult education programs offer numerous mini-courses on various aspects of technology. All should offer a course or a few very short courses that use either Microsoft or Macintosh formatted software that reviews the basics of word processing, spreadsheets, creating tables, and power point presentations.
All should also address the many internet applications available to users. Explanations and examples of blogs, wikis and chat rooms are all common in most adult education program settings. In addition, you may want to learn how to better use your computer for presenting your personal home videos or digital pictures.
In addition to being exposed to critical terminology, students will have access to the latest model computers and a high speed internet connection. Simply being in a classroom with a tech expert and the latest tools ensures that you will be better versed regarding current technology developments.In addition to being exposed to critical terminology, students will have access to the latest model computers and a high speed internet connection. Simply being in a classroom with a tech expert and the latest tools ensures that you will be better versed regarding current technology developments.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of taking such a course is the development of a future connection when you begin your college study program. Taking an adult education technology course first ensures that students have access to the best of all worlds, an up-to-date computer with high speed connection, and the chance to work with an adult who is an expert in technology.
But at the same time, students will find that the school lab often has public hours where community members can come in to utilize the computers. Often times, one of the adult education teachers is assigned to the lab as a resource when the public comes in to use the facility.
Taking such a course helps develop both a facility and a personal connection that can serve a prospective adult college student well later on. Armed with both resources, students returning to school should be able to return with the confidence they can handle the latest technological developments related to their prospective program of study.