Technolgoy tools
Technology must be user friendly to all participants; it should allow participants/contributors to leave permanent trace in the social and information space thus stimulating continuous feedback.
tarek,
What do you mean by "leaving a permanent trace in the social and information space"? Do you mean tracking?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Timothy,
You are right! We really do need to "stop" categorizing students as traditional or non traditional. If we want a cadre of life long learners, we must stop using these terms. I think we also can't use these categories as an excuse. Great food for thought.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
penny,
I think you have to create a culture that sets expectations. I use tools in my LMS to alert students that don't access it. I can set up automatic emails that also can come to me through my email.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Instructors must be cognizant of the fact that students are arriving from all periods of life into post-secondary school these days. The concept of the "non-traditional" student no longer really applies. Therefore students are going to be arriving with differing levels of comfort with technology as utilized in the classroom today. Further, beyond the technology, many older learners are accustomed to and are expecting a traditional classroom experience with teacher-centered teaching and so are doubly disadvantaged with their initial re-entry into the classroom. These disadvantages can be overcome and these students, when empowered, can be the most dedicated students in class, but only if instructors are ready to provide the scaffolding necessary to help them overcome their trepidation in this unusual and unexpected environment.
One concern about the online learning tools is that not all students check the online serve and files everyday. How can we make our students be motivated for online learning?
Erin,
I find that you have to instruct, model, and observe. I provide videos for students to watch about important task in an online course. I also show them "bad" examples and "good" examples. Then, I observe their tentative baby steps!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Susan,
You are right! Sometimes the technology has a learning curve that is so frustrating. I think we have to make sure that we provide feedback to the author of the technology more often to express the opinion of the users.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I also agree that technology should be user friendly. However, many of my students are new to the online experience and can find the technology associated with an online class daunting. How do you suggest reaching out to students who find email intimidating?
Tarek -
I agree that technology should be user friendly - I have personally been trying to get into "tweeter" and "blogging" but have yet to master each one as I am a learner who likes the procedure in writing in front of me until I "get it". I think many students find themselves in a classroom facing the same challenge - especially if they are in an online environment for the first time - it can be a little intimidating!
How do you think we should improve the "introduction" to technology in order to take advantage of what is out there so we can work it into a better educational experience for the student?
Susan
