I think the assumption is that students have "access" to these resources, i.e. school and public libraries. That assumption needs to be accompanied by the understanding that additional stress will be placed upon the student to complete work on someone else's time. Online courses in and of themselves require dedication and discipline, this added stress can definitely be setting them up for failure.
Kimberly,
the technology used must be almost transparent. If the technology becomes difficult it becomes the learning barrier. I do think we have to guide students in the learning and that may be guiding them through the LMS.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The three things I think are important to consider are:
1. Do we have the tools we need to be able to access the learning environment. This means do we have access to computers. Do we have solid internet capabilities. Do we have the resources needed to be able to manage this LMS. It can be frustrating for students and teachers when troubleshooting becomes the biggest component.
2. Is the LMS user friendly. This is a must. Anything that is too difficult to navigate will have students dropping the ball. If students can't find their way around or can't figure out what to do, then they will become frustrated.
3. We have to accommodate all learning styles. This is likely the most challenging aspect. Students learn differently. If we are only addressing the learning styles of a few students, many will miss out on the purpose behind the lessons.
Stephanie,
Yes! I am amazed how many instructors have students that don't have computers yet are in an online course. Aren't we setting them up for failure?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Stephanie,
You make a great point. You need to make sure your tools are familiar with everyone and have strategies that will help students learn the technology to be successful. You have to make sure they understand why they are using it also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anitra,
Great post. I do love learning new technology but not students have the luxury of time to enjoy learning new technology and content at the same time. We have to be aware of that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Absolutely Anitra! I said ensure the students understand how to manipulate the tool, but you are right; if they do not even have access to the tool, the point is mute!
When using technology tools in a virtual environment, the three most important things to consider are the outcomes desired, the appropriateness of the tool(s) being used, and the student's understanding of, or familiarity with, the tool.
You must first identify what outcomes are desired. It is only then that you can go about determining which tool will provide the best result. For example, if you are looking to have students document their daily routine for the week, you would not expect them to use a digital repository. While it may work, it is not the most appropriate tool for this outcome.
Lastly, you must ensure the student understands how to use or the purpose of the tool. If you ask students to create a wiki and they have no idea what that even means, how then can you expect them to be successful?
Making sure the student has the technology requirements prior to using tool. If the student does not perform a capability check on their computer prior to the start of class they may not be able to utilize some of the tools in the course.
Making sure the student is provided with the process on how to use the tool and what it should be used for. Providing the student with an overview of the tool and what tool to use for which assignment.
Only use the tool if it meets the needs of the students and the instructor. An instructor should not use a tool that is easy or convenient for them. The use and benefit of the tool should be evaluated for the instructor and the student.
J.,
You make a great point. You do need to compare the tool with other tools or methods of delivering the content. There may be a better way as well as a better tool.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would add to the list of responses that it is necessary to evaluate the subject matter along with the tools to see if the material is compatible with the tools used to teach it. Appended to that is the need to assess how good the tool(s) is/are at delivering the content vs. other methods or tool(s). Finally, how well does the technology allow us to actually measure progress and learning (like SMART goals or Marzano framework).
Calvin,
Great post. You do have to think about the demographics of your students. You are right about the technology being used in more than one way.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson,
In response, when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, the three most important things to consider are:
• Targeted Audience or students such as: age, educational level; socioeconomic background, culture, ethnicity and learning curve.
• Course goals, objectives and learning outcomes.
• Availability, applicability and adaptability of these technology tools.
Thanks
Calvin
Natasha,
Your number three is a great one! There are some really great tools and apps that allows you to simulate real world. That is the power of the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, I believe the three most important things to consider are 1) learning objective, 2)ease of use, and 3) application to real-world situations. There are several tools available to instructors and students, given the "tech-world" we live in. These tools can also range from social-related tools, to learning tools and industry-related tools. Therefore, it is important to be able to apply the tool directly to a learning objective, in addition to it being easy to use by students. When applicable to the real-world, students can also utilize tools as they enter or grow in the workforce.
Coleen,
It really is a delicate balance. You want to make sure students know how to use the technology without overwhelming them You also want to make sure they learn how to sue the technology. The lack of knowledge can't be an excuse.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Coleen,
You make great points. It is important students have success with technology to empower them to work in it. That will help with the frustration. You don't want the technology to be the barrier to learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Laura,
I agree with you! Don't you think it seems we think more is better in the online environment more than f2f? We try to compensate for not being f2f by adding more, more, more technology. Let's add more, more, more interaction among people.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Laura,
What a great post! The courses and their content including objectives should drive technology decisions. At least that is what it should do!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, what do you believe are the three most important things to consider?
I would have to say the three most important factors to consider is one; the types of learners in the classroom. If they are brand new to online, they may have issues just navigating the system as it is. For these types of students we may need to demonstrate simple tasks such as how to save and upload an assignment. Next, is it something that students will appreciate or frustrate? Compatibility, for example, will all of my online learners be able to access and use it easily. Finally, will it be useful and engaging for what is being taught? The more user friendly and engaging it is, the more students are apt to want to use it, especially if it is visually appealing.
