Carol,
Excellent input. Thanks for bringing up the point about the course being student-centered and thinking carefully about the students and their abilities. Nice job.
1. Based on what we've read and the desire to be student centered, it would seem that the first thing would be to match the tool to the objectives and goals of the task/course.
2. I would think that it would be necessary to get a feel for my students' comfort level in technology. For example, if I could achieve my goals by using email or social media and my students were not comfortable with one or the other, then my objectives may be defeated just for that reason.
3. From there, it would be a use, adjust, and modify as needed..
Derek,
Right on! These are important concepts to think about when we are choosing communication tools. Thanks!
Thomas,
Thanks for your input. You bring up some good points. We have to always think about each of the communication tools and what they will do for us and our students.
The three most important factors are availability, tech support, and ease of communication. Students must have the tools available to them for the communication to work. If some students cannot gain access, this is a definite negative. Tech support is also a must for students who run into problems so they do not disengage. Finally, ease of communication is perhaps the most important factor. The tools must allow instructor and students to communicate easily.
1. What is the group size
2. What would generate the most student engagement
3. What tools are available
Joe,
Excellent. We do want to consider the versatility and reliability of the tool. If we are unable to connect with the students, the tool has failed us. Nice job.
When considering communication tools for a group i think the three items are:
1. reliability/connectivity stability
2. Versatility; being able to toggle between a power point, to the web, to other documents
3. Ability to interact with participants.
Lindsey,
We will definitely be working with students with various interests, abilities and learning personalities. Your considerations indicate you are aware of this fact. Thanks!
Three most important things to consider:
1. What is the best way to convey the information? Depending on the subject this may different, requiring different levels of visual and audio and interactive components.
2. The ease of the technology. Not everyone taking an online course may be very tech savvy so you will want to stick to easy to use tools and avoid things that are unnecessary.
3. How many students need to be communicated with.
Diana,
When students can solve their own problems, it's always good. Thanks for your input!
Diana,
So glad you are learning from the postings.
Nice job.
Diana,
Excellent input. Thanks for adding to this forum. If we, as instructors, don't know the technology, how can we expect the students to use it effectively. Nice job.
I tend to agree with this. Helpful tips and FAQs may help students do some problem solving on their own. This will be a definite plus for the student when they go out to the workforce.
I never thought of using IM for the virtual class. This is a great idea! The readings so far have provided excellent resources that I will look into.
Students and Instructors should know the technology prior to participating. Proper training is imperative to both the instructor and the student. Tech support services are also necessary in the event the student or instructor runs into a problem in the virtual classroom. I feel instructors should be knowledgeable of the class platform and help students with minimal problems. Sometimes the problems can be out of our control so having information handy for the student on who to call is also helpful.
Catherine,
Details, details, details. . .it's all in the details. ;-) Thanks for reemphasizing this.
Catherine,
Right on! If students can't use the technology, nothing will get done. The faculty's proficiency will come into play as they help students effectively use the technology as well as use it effectively themselves. Thanks for your input.
Excellent point about providing students detailed instructions.
The three most important things to consider when using technology in an online learning environment are student access (without it the tool is not effective), faculty proficiency (so they will utilize it to its fullest) and technical support so it all works smoothy.
