Su,
Good list. Accessibility, impact and feedback are all essential. We do have to assess the communication technology tools to make sure they meeting your and your students' needs. Thanks!
Hello Dr. Crews and thread,
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, the three most important things to consider are:
*Accessibility-- As one would introduce a new learning tool, students and instructors would need access to the tool. One may ask if all learners have access to the communication tool.
*Impact of communication--there are many pros and cons to the technology factor and communication. For example, one may think that technology(i.e. computer) takes away the human aspect, but at the same time, technology has taken care of that by introducing cameras/live chat video, etc. This can add a human element to a course.
Cheers,
Su Yen
*Feedback--feedback is very important, and could very well be number one in assessing the use of the technology tool. For example, the survey may emphasize the communication factor within the course. The results can help to either cause a change, or work on the current challenge(s) One would want to gather enough data to gauge the effectiveness of the tool. Did it do what it was supposed to accomplish? How successful was it?
Michael,
We do need to make sure we use tools appropriately and they are available to students. I agree that the FAQs do help and students will know exactly where to go for help. Thanks!
1 Make sure the tool is widely used and available, and if the tool is free that is even better.
2. Make sure the tool allows for recording or logging if it is a text only tool, so the conversation can be reviewed at a later date.
3. Make sure the tool is easy to use or easy to learn, online help or a FAQ helps.
Darakshan,
Good list. If the tool is not easy to use and affordable, it will be difficult to implement. There are many tools we can use that will do the job for free and are easy to use. We just have to fine the right tool sometimes. Thanks.
The 3 important things to consider are:
1. Performance: It is important to select a communication tool that has performed in a reliable manner with no down time. It should have been used for several years with no technical issues before I will adopt that for my course.
2. Ease of Use: The tool need to easy to use for all users because tools that are hard to use cause a lot of frustration and waste of time.
3. Cost: The tool must be free to use for the students otherwise many students will not want to use the tool.
Karen,
If the technology communication tools are not easy to use, people won't use them. This is especially true with our students. Thanks for your input.
Donielle,
Can you explain a bit more about the vertical learning environments to help others reading this forum?
Thanks!
Vertical learning environments are great for those who want to learn in an different environment.
When assessing technology communication tools the most important things to consider are the compatibility with various computer operating systems. Each time a new version of an operating system comes out it can be a challenge if the tool does not easily adapt to a new or older system and not all student are able to have the latest and greatest. Second, technology tools need to be user friendly, if not the student will become frustrated and possibly stop communicating or participating in the course and finally the technology needs to be cost effective as this can be an additional hardship for the student.
Douglas,
We do have to work to efficiently identify the best communication tool or other technology tool for the job. Then, we have to make sure it works. If the technology can help us be more interesting, informative and engaging, we've hit the jackpot. Thanks!
For me the key to understanding communication tools in a virtual learning environment is knowing when to use which communication tool. I have to remember to take the time to call students when a more personal approach is needed to address a situation. I also need to encourage students to use e-mail for the daily operation items and questions in the classroom. Finally I have to remember that when using live seminar technology I need to make my sessions informative, interesting and engaging. These three items are the most important things I need to remember to do when I am teaching an online course.
Tina,
Technology usage and technology knowledge is important. We, as instructors, need to stay up to date as much as possible and help the students build their usage as well. Thanks for your input.
1. My understanding of the type that is most appropriate. If I do not understand how to use the different types of technology in my courses, it may hinder the overall needed communication message that needs to be conveyed and for me to explain to other students who might inquire how to use the technology.
2. If the students understand how to use the technology in order in order to allow for them to have a more enjoyable learning experience.
3. Understand the pros and cons of the different types of technology and use those that are most appropriate and effective.
Tina Means
Kenneth,
Good list. You have added some things that others have not. You do have to think about the function and size of the group. It's good to ensure the technology tool will do what you and your students need it to do. Thanks!
When assessing technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, the three most important issues to consider are:
1) the size of the group you are working with
2) the specific functionality you are seeking to accomplish (e.g., small group interaction) and
3) the flexibility of the technology. I would rather use fewer tools that were for flexible than many that served only one purpose.
Ken Burger
Khal,
Excellent. Students have to be able to get to the information/course content and use the technology to achieve the learning outcomes. Nice job.
Willie and Miriam,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We want to make sure we can use the technology and the students can as well. Nice job.
Willie ,
If they can't navigate the technology or the online content, they can't as easily reach the learning objectives. The technical support can really serve them well in this matter. Nice job.
Jacqueline,
I could see where that could be a problem. Students should know up front and it should be in the syllabus if they are to purchase anything. Thanks for the example.
