Survival Tech Skills for Remote Learning in College

Discover Ways to Leverage the Benefits of Tech Tools for Academic Success!

A self-paced online course for learning about tech tools, new features and mobile devices to support distance and hybrid learning. Benefit from two professionals whose mission it is to help you learn how to use technology to improve your learning experience!

Part 1: Let’s get set up and organized for success with distance learning!

Taking courses online during a pandemic is challenging. For students who are struggling, there are many tech-savvy solutions that can be used to streamline the process. The problem is many students, higher education consultants, accessibility advocates and tutors don’t realize they exist.

In modules 1-6, we share our favorite tech tips for distance learning success. We discuss strategies and tools for maximizing screen use, using split screens, taking screenshots, keeping track of passwords and tackling lengthy assignments.

In this part of the course, you will also learn about universal design. Plus, you’ll learn how to use features on the devices you already have to promote attention and learning while minimizing interruptions and distractions.

Part 2: READING: Helpful Features, Tech Tools and Strategies

Did you know that all up-to-date computers, phones, and tablets can now read text aloud? In modules 7-13, we cover topics such as how to take advantage of the built-in accessibility features of your browsers such as Edge and Chrome, as well as your iOS and Android mobile devices.

We also suggest ways that you can read textbooks and online content when reading is difficult. Many professors now provide material for college students to learn in the form of PDFs, but not all digital PDFs and learning management systems are “accessible.”

This section of the course helps you to learn how to take advantage of many features and apps that are readily available to help everyone with the reading process. We’ll also share special programs available to students with documented print disabilities such as dyslexia.

Part 3: WRITING: Helpful Features, Tech Tools and Strategies

There are many features included in programs such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word that can be game-changers when it comes to writing. It’s often overwhelming to learn more about the features of our everyday devices and add-on extensions that can make the lives of students so much more efficient and less stressful.

In modules 14-21, we share our favorite tools and strategies for taking notes in class, while reading, and when studying. Most students are aware that they can speak to “Siri” or “Alexa” but may not have considered its benefits. We’ll be discussing the built-in speech recognition technology that most computers have to help with writing essays. Plus, you’ll learn how to organize new information using mind maps with programs such as MindMeister.

During this section of the course, we highlight new tools such as Glean by Sonocent for taking notes during online classes, as well as new smartpens to digitally sync audio while taking notes on special paper. We also talk about the two smartpens that can scan content from books and type out the content into an online document! You’ll be introduced to new tablets such as the Remarkable 2, Papyr, and the Rocketbook for students who prefer to write by hand and organize notes in Google Drive or OneDrive.

Part 4: MATH: Helpful Features, Tech Tools and Strategies

Technology can be very helpful for older students who struggle with math. Most of us use tools such as calculators every day to solve math problems or turn to Alexa to ask for basic solutions. However, at the college level, it can be difficult for students to show how they solve complex equations when they have difficulty with writing or have visual challenges.

In modules 22 and 23, we highlight features and take a look at three new programs that can support college students in math: Mathshare, Equatio, and Math Talk.

BONUS 1: Handouts

In the first module of the course, participants are encouraged to download a PDF that includes all the slides used in the video sections of the course. The handouts are available with 1 and 6 slides per page.

BONUS 2:  Transcripts

Edited transcripts are available for all 24 modules.

BONUS 3:  1:1 Support

Joan and Brian are available for individual online tech coaching for everyone who participates in this course at a specially reduced rate.

This unique mini-course is perfect for college students as well as college counselors, learning support specialists, tutors, advocates, and family members who want to learn how to leverage tech tools for learning. Everyone is welcome!

Discounts are available for multiple members of the same family (50% off after the first person registers at the full price) as well as other groups.  Just write us a note as you register and we will be happy to send you a link to use for additional registrations at a reduced price.

Join Joan and Brian to become “in the know” about how older students can benefit from new features and mobile devices to support learning.

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