Abstract:

The field of education is experiencing a rapid shift as internet-enabled distance learning becomes more widespread and ubiquitous. Often, traditional classroom pedagogy and other teaching techniques assume that students have basic technology competencies and business application expertise; however, this may not be the case. A traditional college undergraduate entry-level class normally might see a student attrition rate between 5-10% or higher because some students lack time management and general technology/business applications skills that create efficiencies; if students have fundamental technology literacy, then they are better able to dedicate more time learning relevant course material. Colleges and Universities have a vested interest in “biting the bullet” and ensuring that their students are literate in the use of business applications software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and database fundamentals.) This is because a) many business employment opportunities require prospective applicants to be proficient in business applications including but not limited to MS Office and searching/ researching the Internet, b) student’s need to be knowledgeable with current mobile, tablet, and mini computing devices which have new and differing business applications software (Apps), and c) because preparing students for life and employment after college is an implied and accepted part of the role of the educational institution.

Faculty at Mount Olive College and Triton College have developed a teaching tool (i.e., an MS Office 2010 web-based, online tutorial) and they have measured and analyzed the effectiveness and student perceptions of this web-based tutorial. Results of the current studies suggest that use of the tutorial can positively impact student success and program completion - a key aspect of program quality. When the tutorial is used to supplement specific course material, instructors are better able to shift their time and energy from crises management (“putting out fires”) to focusing on higher-level feedback on assignments and performing necessary and crucial administrative functions to ensure a continuing and vibrant program.

Keywords:

Asynchronous, distance learning, best practices, education, web-based tutorials, e-learning strategies, undergraduate, innovative, capstone, experiential.