I disagree. The developers need to be technological wizards so they use all the latest and greatest technology available. Being technological wizard could also help in troubleshooting any issues that the students have with the course.
I agree, most programs have that help button that is begining to be a lot more in english and not in IT language.
German ,
Excellent point....know the student and how they learn!
Shelly Crider
Great point there Carol, what ever the developer doesn't know, there is always people around to help out. Also, staying competitive and up to date with technology is important because--you are so right--students are extremely smart and they usually know a great deal about technology.
Developers don't have to be technological wizards to create an effective learning tool. It helps tremendously if developers have an understanding of how learners learn best. This way they can create a highly functional screen that engages the learner.
Not techies but willing to learn. As online instructor, as well as IT Manager for the school i work for, that has been our main problem. INstructors do not want to take responsibility of their class content and want our IT department to do the work for them.
IT department is an enabler and facilitator not the office where I get my things done.
Remember instructors, you impose a learning responsibility to your students, the IT department expects the same thing from you: To learn what is being taught and to use it.
Victor,
We do need to have a strong support team for our students.
Shelly Crider
Developers of online courses do not have to be technological wizards but you must have expertise onhand that you can source and most importantly provide direct assistance when needed during the development process. I have had experience in developing and teaching several online courses and in every case I have had a strong IT person onhand to support me throughout every phase required while teaching an online course including: the development and constructing of the online classroom, uploading and updating content throughout the course, providing ideas to improve the online presentation, re-evaluating the format and course content, providing direct support to students when needed, etc.
I don't think you have to be a technological wizard, but you do need to understand the software that you are using and be comfortable using it. I teach computer software and always encourage students to explore the software and not be afraid to make mistakes. Students learn so much about the software through exploration and making mistakes. I believe this, in addition to time, is the key to gaining technological expertise.
Jim,
Instructors should know enough to help the students who will be asking questions.
Shelly Crider
Not wizards, but do have to be comfortable with the various technologies.
Crystal,
True that the instructor needs to train the student, but remember that the student may ask something technical. As an instructor, you will need to know the basics of the platform you are teaching on.
Shelly Crider
I would agree with this. To develop an online course, you need to be an expert on your subject matter. I think the instructors needs to have a good understanding of how the site will work, where the class will be executed from, and an understanding of how to get it there. However, the people who develop the sites (the programmers, etc) should be the wizards to assist the instructors in case of a technical issue and for training. The instructors/teachers job is training the student.
I agree, developers of online courses will use an interface that will help in create the course and all they have to do is input the content.
John ,
We will use your knowledge as a subject matter expert!
Shelly Crider
Even though I have an advanced degree in Computer Science, there are frameworks and platforms available to assist non-computer instructors in delivering an effective online course. So I do not
Sandy ,
Understanding is a must. Students will depend on them to help them.
Shelly Crider
I don't think they need to be tech wizzards but should be able to understand the technology to be able to communicate and work with the tech wizards. Sometimes we let technology drive the courses and there should be a balance. Content first and then add the bells and whistles that will assist in engaging the students.
yes I do agree you have to have some knowledge of technology.
Matt,
Nice explanation. You are correct...there simply needs to be some teamwork that goes on for a quality classroom.
Shelly Crider
