If Moodle, Google docs and Wikis sound troublesome, then rest easy, help is at hand.

EIT Tairawhiti are piloting a summer orientation programme to help degree students start the school year with the basics well
in hand.

Learning technologist Scott Casley says the computer workshops will help students upskill before their courses start. “It’s an opportunity for them to better prepare for the new school year,” he says.

The idea came from tutors and lecturers saying they had many technology challenged students in classes, and were spending too much course time teaching the very basics.

“It was something that needed to be addressed. We want the learning to focus on the content rather than the technology.

“We’re constantly improving how we do things, and our blended degree programmes will require students to use online meetings, video conferencing and other tools.”

Free computing courses in the basics of Microsoft Office are running through January. In February there will be a week of workshops covering Google Apps, Adobe Connect, Moodle, social media and networking, video conferencing and study skills.

If the programme goes well, it may be offered to more students in semesters to come.