No Excuses - No Problem
No Excuses - No Problem: Handling Tech Issues
Thanks to Justin Louder, Ed.D, Assistance Vice Provost, Texas Tech University for these ideas.
A few thoughts on computer and Internet service provider access issues. Our online learning environment is dependent on this technology -- sort of like those taking a face-to-face class needing a car or some other means of transportation (or mobility) to get to class. Having said that, I must also say that humans control technology and we can expect to be able to work through system glitches and failures quickly.
Online learning requires online students to participate actively, so students need to know how to overcome potential access issues.There are several problems that might cause you to have trouble completing your online course requirements. I'd like to address each of the most common problems now.
I'm taking a business trip (or a weekend with my family) and won't have access to my computer.
No problem! You have access to your virtual classrooms through the Internet. You can log on from any computer with Internet access. Public access to computers is widely available through libraries, Internet cafes, hotels, motels and other establishments, so web access should not be an issue.
I’m taking a trip/getting married and don’t want to have to do school work during my vacation time.
No Problem! your college has official vacation days in which you can easily take vacations and not worry about completing and submitting school work. Should you choose to take a vacation other than during your college's official days, you will still be expected to do work during your vacation and meet the deadlines of the week. Early work may not be accepted by your online instructor. Either check your syllabus or ask your instructor about early submission policies.
My hard drive crashed and I lost all of my work.
No problem! I'm sure you saved all your important files in the cloud (OneDrive through your MyCOD email and Office 365 Links to an external site., Dropbox Links to an external site., iCloud Links to an external site., or elsewhere) on CDs, flash drives or some external media. You can post this saved material using web access as described above.
My Internet Service Provider (ISP) is down.
No problem! Always have a Plan B. Know where to locate internet connected computers and wireless access for your laptop and mobile devices in your community. After all, insufficient planning is at the root of most "bad luck."
There is a huge thunderstorm and I'm afraid my computer will get "zapped."
This might be a problem. The threat of thunderstorms makes a strong case against procrastination. Reduce your risk of being held hostage by the weather by posting your assignments and comments as early as you can. Look at weather.com and if thunderstorms in your area are predicted for the night of the deadline, get your work in earlier. Also make sure you have adequate surge protection if you live in an area prone to thunderstorms. If you've been hit all week by severe weather, maybe, but only maybe, I'll consider an exception. But remember, lightning can only strike once.
The college server was down.
No problem! This can happen and is easy to verify when it does. The good news is that OEI courses are taught from the Canvas Course Management System which is cloud-based. BUT, if you have been forewarned of a scheduled outage, you will need to plan accordingly. A little advice here: Don't wait until the last minute to submit your assignments!
My computer has a virus.
This IS a problem! You will be asked to stop posting to the classroom folders until your system is clean. Lost participation during this time cannot be made up. Updated anti-virus software is a must.
I'm working with the Help Desk right now.
Instructors might consider this excuse if you copy them on all of your correspondence with the Help Desk personnel and have them e-mail me as verification, also.
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I hope you found this information helpful. You have two ways to get technical assistance:
Contact the Help Desk at College of the Desert. Links to an external site.