Dr. Ruth Reynard

Lindsey, I agree - it also provides a "window" into the students' thought processes and that can be very insightful for the teacher as well as the students. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Nancy, I agree that every learning environment must be understood by the students if they are to be successful: this includes course navigation and flow; learning objectives; available resources; teacher support; assignment expectations etc. This must be understood whether online or on ground. Sometimes, however, actual online tools may be unfamiliar as well to students and more time is needed to learn those. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Nancy, I believe that MOOCs are the first step in what is next - open and continuous connectivity and access to education :) Dr. Ruth Reynard

Lindsey, I totally agree - now with multitudes of information sources, critical awareness and analysis is more important that ever. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Nancy, Very true! With new technology, visual learners can benefit not only from actual images but from the visual flow and logic of learning itself. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Lindsey, Yes, good points! New real time connections as well as asynchronous dialogue do really help students become engaged in the learning process - particularly those students who are usually intimidated in a F2F large group setting. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Donna, I agree - new technology skills are expected in most jobs these days. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Edward, Yes, very true. The capture and distribute functionality is so helpful with students. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Edward, Yes, so that the notion of "discovery" in learning has a whole new meaning :) Dr. Ruth Reynard

Edward, This is true for students familiar or "native" to the technology. Older students or students who have not been exposed to it may struggle at first but then respond well to its intuitive nature. Dr. Ruth Reynard