Competences and Skills to Teach / learn Online
Have you stopped to think about how easy it is today to participate in a course or learn something new online? Much of this is due to the widespread use of the Internet, that inexhaustible source of information that allows us to access information from anywhere in the world and at any time.
In this article, last week, I discussed the characteristics of online learning, e-learning, the training modalities that have emerged from the intensive use of information and communication technologies and the Internet. The development of knowledge from online courses is increasingly frequent and the supply of these has increased significantly due to multiple factors such as the evolution of technology, the demand for continuing education or movements for digital social inclusion.
Pay no attention to the potential which is offered by technology and the Internet for learning is not a good option, it means wasting new ways of learning and losing opportunities for personal and professional development.
To learn online, both on your own and through “formal” courses organized by schools, companies, user associations, etc., Fully online learning requires specific skills and attitudes; the online student must define their motivational goals, manage their time and use the tools and digital resources available to support their learning.
Skills and knowledge to interact as a virtual student, technological skills:
1. Knowledge and use of web tools such as; Social networks, information presentation tools, communities of practice and learning, socialization of knowledge, basic use of ICT.
2.Knowledge and advanced use as a student of the main tools offered by virtual learning environments, tele-formation platforms (Moodle, Sakai, etc.) such as; forums, internal messaging, tasks, questionnaires, P2P activities, etc.
3. Ability to search for quality information, analyzes and evaluate different sources, be critical of the information retrieved, examine the reliability of the information.
4. There should be created Ability for creating of new content from existing content. Build your knowledge; generate your thoughts from others, for example in a discussion activity in a discussion forum.
5. Ability to communicate their ideas in different formats, mainly in writing, in forums or chats, orally through video-conference or recorded videos, using info-graphics, interactive presentations (Prezi), etc.
Attitudinal skills of the virtual student:
Attitude necessary to debate (exchange of ideas) without attacking or feeling attacked, must have the ability to initiate a debate or discussion on a topic without feeling upset at the diversity of opinions, it is about promoting the collaborative construction of knowledge.
Attitude for lifelong learning: this key element of today’s information society, lifelong learning, involves the development of lifelong skills in analyzing, selecting and transforming certain information. Virtual environments are an ideal place for lifelong learning and extend the teaching-learning process in fundamental ways.
Attitude to problem solving and its application in the real world: the knowledge acquired in the virtual environment can be useful for solving problems and providing solutions in real contexts, virtual and real life are connected and the knowledge acquired is applied in both contexts.
Teamwork: ability to collaborate and cooperate with others, to be part of a group and to work together, to share information, opinions, ideas, experiences, to maintain an open attitude to learning from others and with others.
Knowledge Generation: Ability to present creative solutions and initiatives that solve problems or situations by applying new or different knowledge.
Attitude to interact, ask for help and collaborate: networking facilitates collaborative work, networks are group communication environments that increase social connection. Online learning enables unprecedented new forms of collaboration.
