ProfHacker recently posted a question about essential technology skills for incoming students. Within the article and the responses there are several “essential” technology skills. I don’t disagree with any of the skills listed.

However, I think there is one essential skill that was left off the list. What I would most like incoming students to know about technology is where to find help. I’m not referring to just a friend that can walk them through something, but help in actually understanding and using technology as a tool.

It is important for students to be able to access and understand the help function of the software they are using. How to find help via the search function and the index, and how to interpret and follow the guides provided.

How to Google for help, and how to determine what is quality help when looking at the results.

How to find help on campus and the benefits of taking a basic computer course. I find the assumption that all (or most)  ”millennial” students know how to use technology frustrating. Sure, students know how to text and access the internet, social media, email, and possibly a few Office programs. But knowing how to use technology doesn’t always equate to knowing how to use it as a tool. Email is a prime example. I have many students, but not all, who are familiar with using email, however, I am often frustrated when I receive emails from students because they are a) written in “text” speak b) have no signature c) do not have a clear subject line and d) are not sent from school accounts as it states in the syllabus (and several other places).

So the essential skill, for me, is the ability to learn proper technology use via a variety of sources. Then we can move on to information literacy!