It depends on the type of course you are teaching, and what your role is in developing the course. I recently worked as a content provider for an online Illustration course. In that role I did not need to be that much of a technological wizard, but instead had to provide assignments and course content that was relevant to the course. Basically i provided information and knowledge gained through my experience as a working freelance illustrator. The real technical wizards were the guys I was working with who turned the content into multi-media presentations for the students to access online.
I also have taught web design and Photoshop classes where the nature of the course required the instructor to be rather technologically savvy with the software they are teaching. But I would suspect that what is really important is the instructor has a mastery of the subject matter in the course.
Ron,
Even the most experienced developer will need to tweak a course along the way!!!
Shelly Crider
My experience seems to indicate that the more familar the developer is with the technology being used in the structure and the LMS that the better the course will be for the student to access and use. In addition, the more experience the developer has with online course, in both, use and development will have a very significant impact on the quality and useability of the course. So, the developer does not have to be a technology wizard, but does need to be familar and experienced with the technology being used on the LMS.
David,
Exactly King! Most online instructors will always be online learners, so if you do not know everything about the LMS you are using.....does not mean you cannot learn!
Shelly Crider
Well, to add to what others have said, I think it depends. I think that having a good working knowledge and comfort with the technology really helps. I think being intimidated by it can cause some bumps in the early offerings of the course.
I agree that developers of online courses do need to be tech savvy. It is the designers of the courses that do not. I can successfully design a course and upload to Blackboard or e-college, but it is the developers who make that instructional design come to life by adding the multi-media or visual aspects to my course. They are also the ones who will be responsible for ensuring the smoothness of the course (integrity and structure) that will enhance the student's learning environment.
Playing "King Soloman " here, I'll advance the idea that while you do NOT have to be a certified computer expert to do this sort of thing, it is good to know what it is that you want to have, and THEN either learn how to do it your self, or at least have the resources (such as a very patient IT person) who can help you develop what you want and make sure it works for your Students.
Dan,
I love when we share resources!!! Thank you Dan
Shelly Crider
tom,
Good point!!! Technological expertise today may not be technological expertise tomorrow!!!!
Shelly Crider
Andrea,
Knowing the functionality allows for more instruction for the students!
Shelly Crider
If we are to avoid ineffective "electronic page turners" in our online course design (e.g., attach a PDF and instruct students to read it, or post an e-text and direct students to click the "Next" arrow between pages), we must be educated in the effective use and implementation of various media. There are plenty of options available to the course designer, but using only audio or just video/animations or just reading materials may limit the learner's ability to learn. In other words, I think we must always begin with the learner in mind. The technology is just a tool.
If we pride ourselves on truly being learner-centered in our instructional design, we should strive to incorporate a variety of media and techniques. For instance, keep in mind the different learning styles - auditory, visual, and kinesthetic - as described here: http://sunburst.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/.
Additionally, where quiz and exam design in concerned, we should strive to maintain a connection between the course objectives and desired outcomes as they relate to typical learning domains: Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective. This may help with that: http://classweb.gmu.edu/ndabbagh/Resources/IDKB/tests.htm.
Once these foundational needs are analyzed for a specific learner audience, then the design/development/implementation of the course can include only the most effective techno-tools that will meet their needs. Of course, "most effective" is ultimately determined in the Evaluation phase of ISD.
In this way, over time, the course designer follows the learner's lead, and thereby (hopefully) gains the distinct technological expertise needed to create an effective (and continuously-improving) course of instruction.
Dan
what is the definition of technological expertise? they should know how to you the computer. they should be thorough understanding of how to use tools such as Ms word, excel, and PowerPoint. they should know how to use a tool similar to the snipping tool where they can take a snapshot of a particular area of he window.
I think it depends on the Learning Management System involved. Also, a course designer can plan out the course, but a tech person can be in charge of doing all of the actual loading of the course. I have found that our particular LMS is pretty user friendly. Being able to load content myself has enabled me to learn about functionality I didn't even know existed. This has greatly improved my instruction.
Simone,
The more an instructor is in the classroom, the more he/she will want to change things around and make the class better.
Shelly Crider
I agree. I do think that there should be some basic or intermediate level of technology knowledge just so that the development and design phase can be less complex and quicker to develop. But, for the most part, if there is just basic technology knowledge, the development of an online course can still be achieved.
They do not have to be experts but having a little background helps. Most of the technology can be learned as one goes although this can be time consuming.
Brian,
I would like to think that if an instructor is teaching online that there is basic technology there; however, there have been times when I have helped instructors more than students!
Shelly Crider
I agree that it takes technology skills, but it does not require google type programming. Basic technology is required, and like anytime new, if there will be problems. Problems are made to be solved, and the resources are available usually online, or through an 800 number.
GENIEVE,
Each learning management system does have its pros and cons. It is nice to know a little detail on each as the students will ask you questions that you will want to be able to respond to.
Shelly Crider
I disagree. I believe that a developer does need to be an expert. There are so many different variable that go into developing a on line learning platform.
Genieve
