Recommendations for an enhanced learning environment in the online A+ and Security+ courses

[M. Shehata]

Hi all,

Does anyone have suggestions, activities, or techniques to further enhance engagement for remote learners (Online course) for the A+ and Security+ courses?

Thank you in advance.

 

[jarrelrivera]

I personally find it challenging to teach A+ Core 1 online, due to the constraints of not being able to do actual / hands-on demonstrations. Like, how can you teach "how to install a RAM or a CPU?" True, there's simulated lab now, but it is still different when you do it in actual.

A+ Core2 is okay for an online course. Run virtual machines using virtualbox or hyper-V, then demonstrate how to install Windows 10, Windows 11 and Linux, how to connect them, then teach how to configure. The key challenge is demonstrating Apple-based OS if you don't own an Apple-machine, like myself; there's no way to virtualize it.

Security+ is okay for an online course. The labs are good, then couple it with real-world scenarios.

 

[Rick Butler]

I personally find it challenging to teach A+ Core 1 online, due to the constraints of not being able to do actual / hands-on demonstrations. Like, how can you teach "how to install a RAM or a CPU?" True, there's simulated lab now, but it is still different when you do it in actual.

The one thing that comes to mind is installing RAM onto a motherboard. How do you simulate the gentle yet firm downward pressure you need to place on the DIMM so you don't damage it or the motherboard, not to mention the ever-satisfying 'click' when DIMM seats and the retaining clips lock into place?

Possible to teach, sure. But not nearly as satisfying.

There's also that interaction between students that does not rightfully occur in an online class. That opens up a completely different dynamic, but I'm going to keep saying it anyway, because I think it's this interaction that a key to real learning engagement.

Sadly, everyone wants online delivery now for courses, out of convenience and cost.

/r