I want to add one thing here. I do not think the developer has to be a tech expert. The developer just needs a tech expert on the team.
I have thought about this a lot since I have been thinking about creating on-line courses as another avenue for teaching our work.
I think it requires either technological expertise or a willingness/desire to learn enough technology to create something of value. I personally evaluate my time, my strengths and limitations. I do the same with my team. In the end, I know a project of this sort would fare far better by me employing someone who is really good at the tech stuff to do it under my supervision. I have handled many projects this way with great success. It is also empowering to allow those who excel at something, to be the one's to do it.
Thomas ,
A good solid knowledge base of the platform is a good thing for the instructor. Excellent job.
Shelly Crider
Shelly,
Thanks for your discussion topic. I think that to really answer this question fully, a definition of what you regard to be a "technological wizard" is required. However, in the sense that a technological wizard is someone who knows all the ins and outs of computers and knows how to do all the crazy functions that a computer has to offer - no I don't think that developers of online courses need to have this level of technological experience. That being said, I do think that somewhat of an advanced level of computer adequacy is necessary for online course developers, as it is important that a course not be completely "flat" for the students, and that they are able to interact with the course content in such a way that they will stay engaged. Hopefully there is some happy medium between technological wizard and computer novice.
-Hannah
I am not going to say they need to be wizards, but they should have a good working knowledge of the schools IT platform and various IT resources that will be used by students to complete work within the classroom environment.
Disagree. I don't think they need to be wizards, but they do need to be versed in various areas to provide basic understanding of the material and tools available.
Hi Shelly,
As other have mentioned, it depends on what "technological wizards" means. For the most basic of courses, one probably does not need to be a technological wizard.
However, it order to create an effective and interesting course, one most often have an extensive knowledge of the LMS. A test or quiz, for example, often takes "many" clicks to achieve the desired setup. To the credit of LMS designers, they are attempting to provide maximum flexibility (e.g., open and close dates, due date, max number of attempts, force completion, etc.). But, if the instructor doesn't get each of those check-boxes and clicks correct, there are often dire consequences.
cheers, mj
Paul,
Developers do need to understand as students will question them!
Shelly Crider
Kathy,
There is so much technology out there to help with this.
Shelly Crider
Ms. Crider
I am not sure that I agree with the statement “Developers of online courses do not have to be technological wizardsâ€. I am not sure if a developer can create the design from a conceptual perspective and have a technical person implement the design. If this is the case, then developers would not need to be technological wizards.
Debra
I agree with this. Collaboration among developers, SMEs, and instructional designers is very important.
I certainly agree that developers of online courses do not need to be technological wizards, even in courses that are about technology -- although they should of course know their course content. Subject matter experts need to know the material. Developers need to understand the best way to communicate that content.
I also believe that you don't have to be a tech wizard, but you do need to understand the basics of computers and applications. Even typing or navigating the web can be overwhelming to some people. Have competence in online research, use of multi-media formats and basic software would be very helpful to designing an online class.
Leti ,
If an instructor does not know how to troubleshoot their own class, it will show through when students ask.
Shelly Crider
Ted,
Project manager....I like this analogy!!
Shelly Crider
Shelly-
It would seem that more often than not the developers should be pretty well versed in technology. I am sure that there involves a group with a vision of the classroom but there needs to be a group that can take that vision and make it into something real for the students through the use of audio, visuals, animation and graphics. Furthermore, they must be able to troubleshoot issues that may arise during the development of the classroom.
Would you agree?
Leti Ramirez
I agree, most of the technology has been worked out. The developer would do better as a project manager to insure that tasks are kept on track and that the course development has the right assets.
Tanya,
Good point on the "right fit".
Shelly Crider
Ricardo,
I agree. I have found that sometimes the LMS has features that are not "purchased" by the college. For example, I have taught in "ANGEL" which has its own email system built in (if you purchase it). So, when grades go out the students receive an email with the grade within the LMS. However, the college downgraded and moved emails to Google. When this happened all of the built in communication features disappeared and students were lost. The developers never addressed the issue and it fell onto the instructors lap. If the developers don't take in account the features they are purchasing and planning accordingly for changes and updates, it can be a huge navigational nightmare for students who are not tech savvy.
Best,
Tanya
Hi Patrick,
I think the best combination for developing courses is a content expert (instructor) working with an instructional designer. If you have one without the other, the course can come up lacking.
Best,
Tanya Klatt
