When using technology tools in an online classroom, an instructor must make sure they fit his or her teaching style. It is also important that the technology tools are user friendly for all students as a learning resource. And the technology tools must support the course content and contribute to or help develop what is being presented to the students.
Scott,
LOVE THIS! I had a student last week tell me that he paid for this course and he should determine how he was going to act. I corrected him immediately. Student centered classes mean student responsible.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anthony,
I agree with you. You have to be flexible regarding technology and learning in the online environment bur hasn't it always been the case that flexibility is so important for a good educator regardless of the delivery method?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anthony,
Good post! As frustrated as we get our students may also do the same. I encourage all instructors not to be negative about technology to the students. Always keep those comments to yourself. Students may use your negativity to be their excuses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I couldn't agree with you more Chrissy. One of the things I have to remind myself is that in the online environment there are often students who have been removed from school for several years and that, although experienced with technology, they may have trouble navigating through the abyss of Blackboard or Moodle. It can be overwhelming and frustrating.
I myself was not a fan of Moodle in the beginning and with the many variations of Blackboard I remember getting frustrated with each upgrade.
Anthony
I believe its important to ensure that you have the available tools needed that fit the instructors' teaching style. I also think its imperative that instructors ensure their internet accessibility is fully functioning. In my experience, I also believe its good to be flexible with learning new technology tools that can enhance student success.
Anthony
I have to agree with you Kelly. I consider my students my product. My customers, sponsors and partners are the companies in the automotive industry that hire my students (pay for the product I produce). My product is a reflection of my skill and dedication. This mental attitude keeps me focused on producing the highest quality product possible and, it is a win for the students!
Michael,
You make a great point about helping the student retain the information. This is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tool in a virtual the three most important things to consider would be:
-Does the tool aid in the learning process for the student.
-Does the tool assist in other avenues on how the students retains the information for the topic.
-Will the tool be useful to all who use it, and can it be used with eased by the user.
Jacqueline,
I am with you! I do like to use a multifunctional tool so students have some comfort level of the tool. I agree that it is important for upgrades but make it worth it! Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools, I consider how the tool will be used with my “various†teaching styles (this depends on the students). I teach several courses and sometimes have I have students from previous classes. I’ve learned that student’s style of learning. I’ve realized that “this†didn’t work for the student in my previous course, so I need to reorganize/redesign. So, I need the tool to be able to change with me. Another important thing to consider is if the tool is easy to use, for me and for the student to use. If the tool is not user friendly, then the student will become frustrated spending more time trying to master the tool and not actively learning course outcomes. Lastly, I want the tool to serve as many purposes as possible and not have an upgrade in 3 months! I know not one can be used for everything, but the more I can do with it, the better. I like multifunctional tools/gadgets.
Kimberly,
I agree with you. You need to make sure that the faculty does have some knowledge of technology. It is surprising to see students of a certain age that do not know the technology. Good post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I feel the most important aspect is to make sure the instructor is familiar with the technology. If the instructor is not comfortable with the software they are not able to help the student as much as they may need.
The second important is to be sure it meets the student's needs. Is the software going to help or hinder the student's progress?
The third is to be sure it meets the instructor's needs as well. Can the instructor accomplish the goals that are needed using the software?
Software can be a difficult item to learn for some students. I have been surprised since I have started teaching online how many students have started the online courses that are not familiar at all with computers. In this essence the instructor needs to shift gears and help students understand the software. This is when voice over PowerPoint can help as well as screen capture.
Kim Christensen
Ronnie ,
you are right. You also make a great point, many universities have tools but do not think about the need for training. So we pay for tools that we don't use properly.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jon,
Great post. You are right on all three considerations. It has to meet the needs and objectives of the course and the learners.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
We have a great tool that helps with managing data and that is MS Access. It is s great data management tool, and can be exported with some level of ease. Unfortuniately, not many people are trainined to use the application.
The three things I consider when implementing technology into the online classroom is: 1. Is the technology effective in meeting the course objectives?; 2. Is the technology user friendly for the student and the facilitator; and 3. Is the technology helpful in capturing different learning styles?
Jon Hager
Michelle,
You make a great point about longevity. It is so important to think about that. You and the students spend so much time in a technology it is frustrating for both when you have to change. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Three important things I would consider in using technology tools in a virtual learning environment include ease of use, relevance, and longevity. I would want to be sure it was easy enough for the students to use otherwise it would be a wasted tool. I would want it to be relevant to the course outcomes. I would also want to make sure it was sustainable so I wouldn't constantly have the students learning new tools.
M Boddy
Ronnie ,
True, it is so important that the LMS can collect the data and you can use the data. It also should be reasonably easy to use the data and to export it. That can be problematic.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
