One size technology does not fit all; investigate the best tool for the online job.
Reply to Robert Lawrence's post:I agree, over the years I have learned to adapt my delivery methd and ineraction with students depending on demographics,class size, etc. Be flexable but maintain the objective.
well i think this coarse would definitely help New up in coming instructors
Instructors must be able to use different teaching styles based on the enviroment they are teaching in. Variables include teaching different classes, a variety of classroom settings (online/in class), and students learning in various ways.
I try to provide many different ways of learning material with different types of media. That way students can engage however they feel is best.
Continuing to question the effectiveness of a technology tool is crucial throughout the course, not just in the feedback at the end.
There are a variety of tools we can use. We need to research and evaluate which tools will help students with the learning outcomes. Obrtaining feedback, from students is also a good idea to see if the tool is actually helping them.
This module reinforced the idea that we don't have to use all of the features of an online tool just because they are available. It makes more sense to assess the effectiveness of each tool and be selective with what we use.
"When a technology tool is difficulty to learn or use or it is not used for the proper function, teaching and learning are inhibited. The technology tool should support, not hinder, the teaching and learning process. Assessment of each technology tool provides essential feedback as to whether to continue to use it or to investigate another technology tool better serve the instructor and students, If a technology tool cannot function in a manner in which it is needed, it will not be an effective teaching and learning tool."
This statement gives the best best summary for this section. It is very important that a instructor not only knows how to use the tools that she or he is using, it's important that the instructor chooses the correct online tool/technology.
I have learned that i need to find the right technology that fits my teaching style and is easy for my students to use so they can learn.
what ive learned from this module is that technology has almost no boounds. The amount of information at our finger tips as instructors and as well as for the students is unprecedented. Utilizing this technology will help draw a connection from the instructor to the student in many diverse ways.
Finding new and exciting tools is a great thing. However, I think we dive into the use of something that seems "cool" and "engaging" to students without measuring the effectiveness of the tool. For instance, I am using some great Adobe Spark presentations, but I do not have a measurement to say whether a Jpeg of a PP slide that tells them what to do vs a Spark Webpage that looks really professional, is more effective in their learning and the communication of what is due that week. Tools are only as good as their use by the students.
I cant wait to use these tools I am learning.
Best practice is preparation, testing functionality of online/virtual tools prior to the beginning of course.
I learned that it is important for there to be intentionality behind the use of technology tools. If a tool doesn't match with course outcomes, then one can't use it. Also, if there is no practicality to a tool (i.e. student's won't be able to use it effectively or it can't be assessed), then it might not be the best tool to use.
The various teaching tools available to use.
There are many different online tools out there to be used by instructors to engage students. We are consistantly trying to come up with the most fun effective ways to keep our students engaged
It is imperative to investigate all that each tool can offer to truly be effective. When an instructor can use a tool efficiently they can offer the student a student-centered learning environment. If the tool turns out to be a lesser effective tool, one must search through all the other possibilities to search for alternatives.
Blending technologies can be tricky, trial and error
Reviewing all the options that are avaliable and researching not only what works for the instructor but for the students in the classroom as well, is imperative in having a successful class. When the students see the prepardness that the instructor has they have a better attention span and willingness to embrace what is being taught and its effectivness.
