I would need to know if my student is internet savvy, if he can read off of the internet for a long period of time and finally I would be interested in knowing my students' preferences regarding a text book in their hands or online reading of the same text book.
Catherine Affiong ,
What do you need to think about the student? What do you think would make a tool important to use for a student?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Charles,
I agree with you to a point. I think the tools should be accommodating to multiple learning styles and teaching style. You also want to be able to obtain data to make decisions from the tools. also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ra'kia,
I agree with you. If you can use the tools within the LMS it is better for the student, the institution, and the instructor. You can't always do that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The three most importance things to consider when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment are the students, the instructor's ability to navigate and the course content.
I feel it is my teaching style, the students learning method and the learning management system. These all need to be considered.
The three most important things to consider i believe is 1. Is the technology is serving its purpose for the student, 2. If it is an effective teaching tool for the instructor, and 3. Is the tool appropriate for the overall course.Being that our LMS is on the black board platform I like to use collaborate as a tool for teaching math. It allows students to not only view how specific problems are solved, it allows them to take part as well.
Keisha,
True, you don't want to overwhelm students with technology they simpler can could be just as effective. We really need to remember the KISS rule more often.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Philemon,
You make such great points! Both the instructor and the students need to know how to use it for the their needs. I have found that software could be easy for the student to use but terrible for the instructor and vice versa.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, I believe the three most important things to consider are the following:
- the students technological skill level
- choosing appropriate tools for the task
- keeping things as simple (although effective) as possible
You don't want to overwhelm the student with tools that are advanced far beyond their skill set. I try to use tools that match the skill set and the task but are relatively easy to use when working with beginners. It is possible to keep things simple and still effectively reach the goals and objectives of the course.
Hi Dr. Kelly,
I believe three most important things to consider include:
1. Whether or not that technology is appropriate for that material. If appropriate it will be very convenient to use.
2. Is the user trained on how to use it? If not can training be provided in the cheapest simplest way. There are varieties of technology available and being updated every other day. Training on how to use a given one becomes essential.
3. Does it work with most available equipment. It may be good and the user trained but if it is incompatible with most equipment then it may not be useful.
Philemon Ndadema
Lisa,
I agree with your comments. Would you accept a discussion board entry that was not in full sentences?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Gregory,
It is amazing how much high stakes assessments depend on technology that students have never seen. You make a great point regarding student confidence in the technology and using the appropriate tool for the task. I can use a screwdriver to drive a nail into a wall but a hammer works better!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ease of tools for students to use, adequately prepared instructors, and keeping the choice of tools entertaining yet knowledge building
I believe that the first consideration should be whether or not the technology tool actually enhances student learning and is not:
1. perfunctory. Simply there to satisfy a requirement
2. Not detrimental or anxiety-causing by being beyond the student's level of technological expertise
The tool used should be appropriate for the desired outcome. If it is your desire to instill confidence in the student by showing progress, then a digital portfolio may be more appropriate than establishing a wiki for the student to edit.
And lastly, I agree with other posters who have stated that the teacher should not overwhelm the student by trying to do too much/ using too many tech tools.
MARIE,
You need to find and/or develop resources that will help students make the adjustment to the technology and to gain confidence. Small successes with technology goes a long ways for technology confidence for both student and instructor!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MARIE,
I agree but most students want to interact in a more asynchronous environment. You want to develop some tools that will engage students in that type of environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Samantha,
What a great post! You are discussing tools that help with engagement so students don't feel alone in their learning experience. These are the keys to success.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Micheal,
I also agree with you and Chrissy. Choosing the appropriate tools are important as well as the student’s technological literacy level. These students need a lot of support and training in order to be successful in an online environment.
Marie
Hello Dr. Kelly,
Technology has always been a major focus on education. Therefore choosing the appropriate technology for teaching and organizing an online environment is very important. Students and instructors can interact synchronously using various tools like chat, pods, webcam etc. These tools provide an online learning space where instructors and student may interact in real time.
Ms. Osuna
