Troy,
Thank you for your comments about instructors being up to date in the technology. I find so many pioneers of online teaching don't keep their technology and become online dinosaur. Yes, they teach online but do students learn online.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jim,
Great observation! Students need some prior knowledge of software used or a strategy for learning it quickly so the technology doesn't become the barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Proper use of technology tools will allow students to get the most out of their learning environment. First, online instructors need to be up to date and familiar with the types of technology out there. This would include professional development training and seminars to help faculty stay current. Second, a strong knowledge of course material by the instructor is needed so that the proper technology tool can be matched with the content being conveyed to the student. For example, in pharmacy technician training, screen capture would be an excellent way to discuss solving alligations to students. Students can repeat the screen capture as often as needed to facilitate understanding. Finally, an understanding of my own teaching style is necessary for effective presentation of the learning material. Without an understanding of the various teaching styles that contribute to the learning process, faculty could be overlooking technology tools that would better suit their particular teaching style.
I think that the 3 most important things to consider are giving substantive feedback, the students prior knowledge of the software being taught, and good email communication.
Austin,
That is correct, then the technology becomes the barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Austin,
That is a great observation regarding interaction with other applications. You don't always think about it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mahmoud,
Yes, the technology must function and produce what is needed to achieve an outcome. It can be very simple or very complex in its function but it must match outcomes.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mahmoud,
True, what do you think are the important instructor needs.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lyn,
You are right, if a tool does not work do not use it. You do not want instructors and students spending time on the tools instead of the course content.
The three things to consider are whether the technology tool is user friendly,all course interaction and activities could be performed using the system,could be integrated with other applications such as turnitin.
I really like your response. It is informative and to the point. Technology should aid not hinder the facilitation process.
Instructors must understand the function of the tool and match the appropriate tool with the function.
Selecting technology tools to meet the instructor and needs, students' needs and to be essential to achieve course outcome and assessments.
Derek,
Great post. You want to make sure that both the student and the instructor will be successful!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe you should consider three things:
1. What are the needs of the instructor.
2. What are the needs of the students.
3. What tools are available, and how will they meet the needs of both the instructor and students.
Considering each of these factors will facilitate successful usage of technology.
Carl,
Great points. it is important that technology provide the learning delivery not the learning barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lyn ,
Great post! You are lucky that your university provides tools that provide different delivery options. Consistency in the use fo technology is important throughout the course and throughout a program as it provides the consistency students are looking for. When students have to learn different types of technology for every course it can be frustrating.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, the three most important things to consider are:
1. does everybody know how to use the technology?
2. is the technology being used properly?
3. has the technology helped learning?
Hi,everyone.
My University has a developed its own LMS, and many technology tools are already in place for instructors and students to use.
1) I need to be able to understand each of the tools well enough to use them efficiently and to help students use them as well. Although we have a tech support department, often students first ask me, and if it is a simple how to question, I may be able to help.
2) Tools that I use in the class could enhance the tools already in place. For example, using visuals in our Adobe Connect chats. I use PowerPoints that I have developed for key concepts and to provide additional resources for assignments. I save these in pdf files and upload them as resources for students, calling them Study Guides.
3) It is always important to keep in mind that the tools are a method to learning. Students need to meet course objectives, and if a tool is not working, then don't use it, modify the use, or look for a different delivery method or tool. Lyn
Dawn,
I agree. We tend to add on technology and then it can confuse the learner and we don't take away anything.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
