August Tech Tip: What to do about technology in Fall 2021?
Recent scholarship shows that students are not nearly as comfortable with technology on campus as we thought. The term “digital native” is in fact misleading and even after a year plus of digital and online learning, students and instructors still struggle with tech. What can we do at UArizona?
Top 3 Tech Challenges at the Start of the Semester
Some Solutions
Students and/or instructors don’t have access to powerful technology or internet
UA’s libraries allow students to check out laptops and other technology materials -- including wifi hotspots. Also pre/early-semester surveys about technology can help understand student needs.
Students and/or instructors struggle learning new technology (D2L, Adobe Spark, etc.)
Assigning low-stakes assignments can really help students experiment until they gain confidence in the tasks they are being asked to perform. Check in with Digital Learning for some great ideas!
Students and/or instructors are burnt-out on using Zoom and other technology
Here are some fantastic tips for faculty that include suggestions about multi-tasking, creating self-care plans, not taking on too much new technology, and more! OIA’s “Inclusivity in the Zoom Classroom: A Practical Guide” provides excellent resources for faculty and students in any modality.
For more suggestions and/or if you have a Tech Tip, please reach out to Emily Jo Schwaller!