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[leewei]

here i'd like to share your ideas of teaching computer online, and you can also make your suggestion about online computer teaching.

thanks!

[zharkov]

What do you mean by "teaching computer?"  MS Office, for example, can be learned online, but MSFT already does that. Don't waste your time. Do you mean computer science, something like Java or Python, or something else entirely?

[leewei]

thank you zharkov!

One of my friends always ask me questions about PowerPoint 2007 by email. I found i can't explain it clear in words and pictures. so is there any better way to teach him PowerPoint 2007.

[zharkov]

thank you zharkov!

One of my friends always ask me questions about PowerPoint 2007 by email. I found i can't explain it clear in words and pictures. so is there any better way to teach him PowerPoint 2007.

Here is what you friend needs to do.  First, do the tutorial via the help menu.  Then do the online training at Microsoft. (see Office 2007)  Third, get a book for reference; as they say RTFM.
 

[msoexpert]

It all depends on what you actually mean by teaching computers online.  For instance, if you're talking about teaching a software program like MS Word, then you may need to include more graphics like screenshots.

But a networking class would be harder because that's more of a hands-on where they need to hook up equipment and make sure things connect properly.  So that one would be more "theory" and less hands-on in nature, unless it involves use of a webcam where you can see students working and walk them through it.

Computers is more of a hands-on subject area and tends to work better in classroom settings, but that doesn't mean that you can't effectively run online classes in certain areas.  I've taught it both ways.

[cs_prof]

Among other things, I teach computer programming online. Many students, as I have noticed, have too raised, unrealistic expectations of teaching programming online.

So in the introductory section of my courses I tell my students that this is not teaching, this is learning and I am here to facilitate their active learning. Also I explain that learning how to program is similar to learning how to swim. You cannot learn how to swim unless you enter the water and struggle to keep afloat. You cannot learn how program without trying to do programming on your own, make errors, find and correct them.

From my experience, teaching computer programming online as compared to teaching in the classroom requires of the student better initial preparation, harder work, and some maturity. Those who do not satisfy these requirements drop the course after week 4 or so.

[expatinuk]

We're using Lynda.com for our face to face AND online students.

[msoexpert]

As someone who's taught on-campus and online for many years, and has done computer classes, I don't think all tech classes can be taught in an online format.

Online works great for information, but when it comes to hands-on usage, it's not the best medium. So teaching computer software online wouldn't be the best, in my opinion. That's because you really can't do much else than provide screenshots and written instructions. But you're not there to correct something, or guide a student along, or provide alternatives.

The same goes for a networking class. Yes, you can teach the concepts involved. But you simply cannot teach how to actually setup a network properly because you're not present to see what the students are doing, and if it's working properly.

Keyboarding is another subject I don't think works online. You need to be there watching a student as he or she is typing to see the positioning of the hands and wrist. And evaluate which letters, numbers, symbols, etc that student is struggling with.

So information-type classes work well in an online format. But when it comes to teaching more hands-on type subjects, I don't think it's best.

[expatinuk]

Online works great for information, but when it comes to hands-on usage, it's not the best medium. So teaching computer software online wouldn't be the best, in my opinion. That's because you really can't do much else than provide screenshots and written instructions. But you're not there to correct something, or guide a student along, or provide alternatives.

Tell this to Lynda.com.... excellent use of online tutorials.

[evslink]

I agree with what msoexpert said, online classes are good with information but wouldn't be great with things that requires much hands-on attention, like networking. But if the student is discipline and willing enough to learn, I guess nothing's impossible with that. You just have to keep the communication open.

[voxprincipalis]

Yeah. Hey spam troll, take your warts elsewhere. You are about to be banned permanently from this community.

VP

[svenc]

There are several methods, some of them mention below

Tutorial website
Online discussion Board
By Email
Through Chat
There are many websites that teach Computer online
Forums

And many other

Brilliant, Patrick.  You rock so hard.