Technology Needed
I am not much of a computer person - am 60 years old!
Nonetheless, I am starting to become fascinated with what it would take for an on-line course to be truly fascinating to the student.
I do think that seeing the instructor talking will make a higher quality of connectioni - rather than just seeing text or even hearing a voice with no significant visual.
What technology do you all recommend for a novice to come up with video-lectures that could work well? Also what do you now about video-emails?
I may be jumping the gun re media (Topic 4) - but I'm curious already.
David Lauterstein
Kevin,
Interesting idea. Do you think that all students would feel comfortable with the Android?
Shelly Crider
In my opinion the difficulties of technology largely stem from the use of PC's which have a nearly infinite range of technologies within them, and few are exactly the same. Different operating systems, browsers, RAM, hard drive, etc. are only the start of these differences.
My solution is to issue every student identical Android (since they are cheaper) tablets and create the whole course around that specific device. In a later course everyone gets a newer tablet.
Sound impractical? Its still cheaper than buying textbooks, and it eliminates the tech issues entirely.
Ron,
It is nice to get feedback from the students with various technology.
Shelly Crider
I was surprised by my students reaction to having my webcam on when I taught my first online class. They said that few if any instructors turned on the video and they said that they very much preferred having it on.
I think that is important to understand what the level of student's abilities to work with basic
computer resources such as word, excel, power point, etc.
As a matter of policy, I believe that the Course Syllabus should state what the perquisite
computer skills should be, in order to attend the course.
Also, the syllabus should give students information on what online access and computers
are available to the student at the institution of learning, in case they do not have access at their
home.
There are many perks for the adult learner to prefer an online course, especially those with young children, jobs, and transportation issues. I teach at an on-site college, and some of my students have said they fear they would not be motivated enough to succeed online, or they would miss the interaction with their fellow classmates. But with technology what it is and growing, becoming more interactive, I feel this form of education will just become more and more viable and mainstream. That's why I'm trying to learn more about it!
Billie,
Great example - sounds very useful!
Jon
We teach keyboarding online. If there is a new problem that we as instructures are unable to answer, we have a emergency support number just for that program that is supported by the publisher. When you call, you are asked if you are an instructor or a student. The tech will help either the instructor or the student with technical issues. It is wonderful to have because I am not a hardware expert nor do I understand how to explain some of the issues involed because of people using different computer systems.
Resources that are non-fee based include: The Public Library, Goodwill Industries and other charitable organization. Careful not to acquire a computer that does not meet the course's minimal technical requirements. The library is terrific for a student without financial means and technical abilities.
Hi Alysha!
There are resources for students on the internet, of course, that provide computer technical support, but most of them are fee-based. Many schools provide their own assistance to their online students regarding access and technical issues. Additionally, if you are using a publisher's text or material in your online course, that publisher would also be a tremendous resource for both you and your students.
If any of our other course participants know of specific resources, plaease feel free to respond.
Jay Hollowell
Guest Facilitator
EL101
Most students are not technologically savvy, what resources are out there for the students to access if they need help?
Ann:
If you are not comfortable with your voice, then you should avoid using video-clips of yourself. The text version will not solve the problem; it will be an excellent alternative. The prearation of video instruction is costly. If the quality is such that students are likely not to use it; and to use the text version; then I suggest moving with the text version only.
Satrohan
What if you have an unpleasant voice? I think videos cannot be beat, but if you have an unpleasant voice, it defeats the purpose. A text alternative would be a good thing to have. Do you agree?
Colleen:
The use of the communication technologies you have mentioned are acceptable, provided that students are open to using such technologies.
Satrohan
Like you I have attended online courses. Seeing a face and hearing a voice I may have not felt so alone. The concept of webcams and chat rooms would certainly provide the feel that someone is out there.
Dario:
Please join me to further explore your contribution to this Discussion thread by answering this question.
Question
What is the primary criterion that determines whether content is suitable for delivering all learning and assessmnet measures online?
Satrohan
I think it all depends on the subjects, some would be better if taught in person, at least that’s my personal opinion, but also on line courses today are well designed and they can deliver all the information as well as making the students to participate.
Charlotte:
The integration of audio-visuals in course content is supported by many course Delivery Platforms; Blackboard, Moodle, IntraLearn, and WebCT are examples. The primary consideration one has to give surrounds downloading times for the audio and video segments especially if some of their students are on low internet speeds. Course Delivery Platforms also support video-streaming which reduces the downloading times.
Satrohan
