Patricia,
there are definitely a lot of wizards that can help you through any creation.
Shelly Crider
Although, technological wizardry would make it a whole lot easier. I believe technology is simpler and easier to do than originally thought. It is amazing how much help there is on the web to design online courses.
Karen,
Nice way to state this fact. We need to teach our subject matter first and foremost. We hope the students will learn the content not just a platform.
Shelly Crider
I don't think it is possible for one person to be everything: tech wizard, subject matter expert, etc. I think a designer needs basic knowledge and the ability to delegate or seek assistance when needed. Fortunately, a lot of platforms are now using WYSIWYG which makes it much easier.
tina,
You are definitely correct. There are many programs out there that can do just that.
Shelly Crider
It does help your confidence level if you have technological savvy. However, there are so many places that walk you through the steps to create that it feels like you are good when you finish! I don't believe in reinventing the wheel so if I find something that already does what I want, I will use it.
Deborah ,
Working knowledge is a definite need. Students like instant gratification, I guess we all do actually!! Students will rely on their instructors to help them with technical issues.
Shelly Crider
Vicki,
There are a few free websites where you can get some practice:
http://www.mikogo.com/
Free web conferencing service with low subscription rates.
http://www.wondershare.com/guide/democreator.html
This service can take your powerpoint presentation and turn it into a video file. There is only one free trial
Another good place to start would be Moodle.org
It is a community share point site.
Deborah Balentine
Good Morning,
In my opinion, in order to develop an online course you will not need a lot of technological expertise but it is very important to have a working knowledge of LMS system in order for you to be able to interpret how your ideas about how the course should be structured. You can have some very good ideas and design plans but they may not be compatible with the LMS that you are using.
Deborah Balentine
Veronica,
Absolutely! A student can tell through email or lack of email when an instructor is stressed.
Shelly Crider
I disagree. In order for an instructor to sucessfully conduct an online course they need to have a moderate amount of computer experience without getting "stressed out."
Peter,
Students like all the wisdom you bring to a class as well oh and humor!!
Shelly Crider
They have to be a lot stronger than I.
Iam a ywo finger typist ,"anmation"? no way.
Kelly,
Oh so true! A link on a webpage can change at the drop of a pin!
Shelly Crider
Yes the online course developers need to be technological wizards because they have to know how to build courses in an LMS, know how the LMS reacts using certain file types, a developer may need to modify the webpage code to make the page look more appealing.
I think they should have basic technical knowledge due to the nature of the class. They should be computer literate, understand how to use various software programs and know how to navigate and troubleshoot basic problems. However, I don't think they need to be an IT guru, if they run into problems, there is always technicical support they can reach out to.
It might be beneficial if they weren't. Sometimes too much knowledge can be expected of others to also have and they may believe that something may be too simple for the students when in reality it is exactly what they need.
George,
lol well my dark side friend....you will find that the chats can make or break a class. I have had some discussions that everyone was in and very active. Then there were those that I kept saying "hello....anyone here"! My advice, make the chats exciting! Personal experince or hands on experience from the instrutor OR in the news type of chats really get the students opening up.
Shelly Crider
basic computer skills and desire are the only things neccessary. After that practice will develop greater competency and confidance.
However, my question is the volume v quality. I have taught on the ground for 20 years.
I have a need both personal and professional to do more online activities. I have finally crossed over to the dark side I think.
How many students can you handle in a synchronous chat while maitaining quality interaction.
For that matter has the idea of "quality interaction" changed with technology.
This course for example would be an intro to this topic. How does it progress to competency particulary in a degree granting situtation.
Do you believe the there is a quality - quantity - and minimization of individual instructor value in online.
Kendra,
Course management systems are nice, but still need to be checked for quality....links, spelling, ect.
Shelly Crider
