Monday, July 28, 2014

E-Mentoring Program To Help Students With Computer Skills


            MONTICELLO, Ark. — Students who can use a smart phone or tablet with ease may still not possess the skills or knowledge necessary to effectively use the computer resources provided by the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
            Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jimmie Yeiser wants to ease that knowledge gap with a new program called “E-Mentoring.”  The program will teach students to use the university’s computer resources and is directed especially toward students taking online courses.
            “It’s been our experience that some students think operating a smart phone and using the internet means they are computer literate and don’t need assistance using the UAM computer system,” says Yeiser. “By the time students acquire the skills they need, they are frustrated and behind in their class participation and assignments.”

            E-Mentoring will teach students the fundamental computer-related skills needed to succeed at UAM, including how to log on to WeevilNet (the student management system), how to access their email accounts, how to use Blackboard (an online class delivery system), and electronic library resources.
            During the first two weeks of the 2014 fall semester, three computer labs in the Babin Business Center and two in the Forest Resources Complex will be reserved from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 26. All students taking their firstonline course at UAM will be encouraged to attend a one-time, free help session on how to access and use UAM’s computer resources.
           Students will receive instruction and hands-on experience in a variety of areas, including how to connect their technology (smart phones, tablets, laptops) with UAM technology, how to useBlackboard, WeevilNet and email, tips on succeeding in an online course, and where to get help with other online resources.
            UAM is also developing a fully electronic version of the E-Mentoring Program that will be accessible at the students’ convenience. Beginning with the spring 2015 semester, students who wish to take an online class will be required to take either the electronicversion or face-to-face instruction and must be successful in an online assessment demonstrating mastery of the information before being admitted to an online course.
            “This program is designed to make the transition from traditional classroom instruction to online delivery aseasy as possible for our students,” says Yeiser.
            For more information, contact the Office of Media Services at (870) 460-1274.

No comments:

Post a Comment