You pay dearly when technology does not work.
Students are not very forgiving when equipment or technology tools do not work. They are even more aggravated when a tool takes up more time than it saves. Another issue is technology that is not understood by a majority of the class.
These are issues that must be worked out quickly or you may lose the focus of your students.
Ed,
You are right. We definitely have the technology procrastinators. We need to encourage them to work ahead and test everything. I typically have an assignment for testing equipment the first week.
Sometimes the convenience of online learning allows learners to wait until the last moment to test equipment for classes.That doesnt always yield desirable results as java issues,pc security and missing windows patches may delay your start and frustrate the learner before they even get started. I encourage learners to test everything out well in advance before the start of any course.
Harry,
Agreed. There should be no surprises or hurdles for the students when they get in the course. Thanks for your input.
I think this is why students need to be informed of what they need to know re technology before enrolling in the class
Joseph,
You are right. When the students become frustrated, the use of the technology decreases. It's good to have those technologies that have been fully tested in place. Thanks!
I have used several technologies within several learning management systems. Often, specific technologies may be in Beta version, or have not been fully tested with an LMS or with each other. When this happens, students become frustrated and may even drop the course or leave school entirely. When instructors are not able to help solve the problems, they become frustrated as well. ALL technologies need to be fully tested by any IT group. And of course instructors need to completely familiarize themselves with all technologies they plan to use during the course.
Breezy,
Definitely. If the technology doesn't work neither the student or instructor can be successful. We have to work effectively to help students use the technology. Thanks!
When it comes to an online course I think that it’s very important that the technology works for both the student and the instructor. Once being a student myself taking an online course I have experienced the feeling of not being able to log in correctly into a class web chat or even the course. I think that many students who are of the older generation that are returning back to school are challenged with the use of technology. I think that it’s very important that the school and also the instructor of the course should take the time to provide them with very detail instructions so that they can use technology while earning their degree.
kelia,
You are right. We have to provide technology support to meet their needs. Without effective/efficient technology support students will be frustrated and it will show on the instructor course evaluations. Thanks for your input.
