Mark,
This is true and I believe we will see more and more of the packaged courses. Make sure that you add your own touch!
Shelly Crider
In today's academic world, much of the instructional design elements for online courses have been packaged and made very user friendly (yet flexible) for the instructor. It used to be the case that online instructors needed to have quite a bit of know-how to pull together tools and make them work for their own purposes. Platforms like Blackboard make much of the "nuts-and-bolts" knowledge out of the equation so that instructors can focus more on developing their content rather than focusing on the technology itself. No longer does the online instructor need to be a wizard; however, it doesn't hurt to make internet tools and new technologies a part of professional development. The more technical awareness an instructor possesses, the more opportunities will be open to him/her to try.
Lyn,
Each time a course is offered, it only gets better with the instructor and the class itself!
Shelly Crider
Dennis,
This is true. We need to make sure that students understand what they are using as well.
Shelly Crider
Sabahudin,
Makes you wonder what the next 10 to 20 years will bring us in the change of technology!!!
Shelly Crider
Kenjiro,
This is true. We need to use all types of media and sometimes that takes time to research.
Shelly Crider
I agree. I believe developers of online courses must have, at the very least, an awareness of how and what the equipment and software can do for their student's learning experience. The developers comfort level and confidence will undoubtedly increase with each successful conclusion of a course.
I agree that they do not have to be technical wizards, but that does not relive them of the responsibility of understanding which technologies might have a significant impact on the visual and cognitive receptiveness of the courseware being contemplated. The rendoring of electronic media and imagery that can be viewed across the host of available software platforms in today's marketplace presents a sizeable level of complexity in understanding or predetermining what will work consistently and predictably from a students perspective. Instructional development like computer application development may actually be more art than science but it certainly comes with a substantial set of assumptions regarding the feasibility of the artwork, videos, interactive graphics, and photography working flawlessly regardless of internet provider or software platform.
The last decade was revolutionary in terms of advanced teaching technology, and we as educators need to have a variety of technical and time-management skills that are necessary to teach successfully in technology-saturated society. I enjoy learning about innovation in the classroom and utilize tools such as podcasts, voice announcements and email, hyperactive texts and other progressive technologies.
I disagree, to actually design and make sure all of the digital functions are working properly and are appropriate is a very difficult task. I concede that it is fairly easy to design a basic html website, but the types of media and digital files required for a successful and engaging course required are way outside the realm of basic html and require a deep knowledge base of digital programming.
I would disagree with wizard part but would have to say that developers need to be technologically savvy. The need to understand the software that is being used as well as where to find help if necessary.
Maureen ,
A good class is even better when we collaborate with others to get the best of the best.
Shelly Crider
I agree... I just feel as though the developer needs to know how to develop an online course that allows for easy navigation so the student is not intimidated by the course.
Hi Shelly and Class. I do agree that developers do not have to be technological wizards. There can be a team with varying degrees of expertise in different areas of the course. As a subject matter expert, I would feel confident in my design for the course content, but would have to defer to others for the technical aspects of the course.
Maureen
Mountasser,
The developers need to be in communication with the instructors so the instructors can trouble shoot with the students as well.
Shelly Crider
Cally,
There are times I would like to have a handy dandy wand to make things work in a classroom!!
Shelly Crider
I disagree. Online course developers should have a minimum basic knowledge of technology use and application. Online students are tech savvy and they want content in online courses that is dynamic, techology based, and engaging. To make this happen you online course developers must be tech savvy too.
I think some wizardry is handy, but you don't have to be Harry Potter to figure it out. Most of it uses common sense and I think as instructors we need to constantly re-evaluate our courses and make sure they are up-to-date. Having the tools to do this helps out a lot, without having to rely on tech support to do it for us. So some training may come in handy when it comes to developing your own courses.
Robert,
Excellent post....and very true!!! The more you work (play) in a sandbox or your class, the more you will learn what works and what you want to stay away from!
Shelly Crider
Elias,
With technology changing on a daily basis...the packaged generic platforms are not too bad!
Shelly Crider
