FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVES: TECHNOLOGY Perhaps the most common student technical impediment is lack of internet access. Depending on the situation, there are a number of solutions. • Free wifi at places like Starbucks (for laptop users) • Free, trial or low cost temporary internet: http://www.free-internet.name/country/United-States/ • Public computers (libraries, community colleges) • Internet cafes or pay by the hour services for students who are travelling Communicate with the student and find out if any of the solutions can work for them. Open up dialogue and work together to overcome. You need to be smarter than the obstacle. Use your critical thinking skills to outsmart technology. Sometimes all it takes is a quick internet search of free service or other in the student's area. You are the highly educated individual in the relationship, use that to your advantage; take the time to be part of the solution NOT part of the problem.