Best way to gain that knowledge would be???
How do you typically learn about the technology you are gong to be using?
I agree that we need to become Super Users of the technology. As a newbie to ISD, how do you become a super user? Read a book, take a class, study the help section, etc?
Peter,
Keeping is simple is a good idea, but may need more challenging tasks the higher the courses go.
Shelly Crider
Fonzette,
Technology is ever changing. We as instructors need to keep up with these changes. Good point.
Shelly Crider
Nanette,
I hope they are as well. Instructors are the first to be asked for help!
Shelly Crider
Developers of online courses do not have to be technological wizards; in fact, it is probably best if they are not. "Keeping it simple, stupid" should be the mantra. While keeping the content fresh and interesting is important - focusing on the "flash" can seriously affect the content and the learner will not achieve the desired learning outcomes.
I agree that course developers do not have to be technical savvy but it is beneficial to the job to have some technical background or to know how to access. For this reason, if a course developer did not have technical exprience they would not have the skills or knowledge to design a course with specifications such as media, graphics, animations, video clips or amy other technological tool that may be needed or applied in the newly created platforms being used today.
Fonzette Smith-Leavell
I feel that on-line instructors have to at least be tech savvy enough to navigate and design an atmosphere that makes the student comfortable enough to trust the instructor ability to educate them some students are more tech driven than there instructors and that makes the learning environment difficult
Michael,
And if learners do have issues, they can ask their instructor for guidance.
Shelly Crider
I believe the developers of online courses do not have to technical wizards but somewhat expertise as well as knowledgeable of the technology that there are dealing with. When developing a course, the developer needs to make sure all the correct components are included in the course so the learners would not have any issues and difficulties navigating through the course.
John,
That is very helpful for the students!
Shelly Crider
John,
There are always issues in a classroom with at least one student. So it is good to know your classroom.
Shelly Crider
It is very useful. I always have toolbox folder for students too.
They don't have to be expert but more they know, less issues they have. Also, technical skills are great advantage for online teachers. I would recommend instructors to be as much as computer savvy.
William,
It helps create the class, maintain the class, and help the students!
Shelly Crider
Rebecca,
Love the tips and tricks folder idea!!
Shelly Crider
Jenifer,
Tech basics is very helpful. There are many videos and helpful tools out there to help instructors get the basics.
Shelly Crider
They don't, but some tech basics makes a HUGE difference. Working at a career college where our SMEs are often faculty, who are more career professionals than "T"eachers some of their tech skills are pretty light. Makes the whole process challenging.
It does help to some degree to be somewhat computer literate however one does not need to be technology wizard to design a course. There are so many resources available these days that can be used to help add content to your course, which is not difficult to navigate at all. Technology grows fast however with that comes ease of use lots of times. Upgrades always seem to come with more user friendly options to make using the devise easier and faster.
William Huber
