I agree. I began learning how to use online learning models as a student. Once there I learned more aspects about the on-line template. Then I began to implement these strategies into my classrooms. I began to use forums, and discussion boards, some quizzes and group projects. I am not a technological guiness but I am a quick learner. I think anyone can do it, they just have to be motivated to want to try it.
Disagree. Although I have a fairly high technical level, my wife teaches online and designs her own courses. She is definatley not a techie but continually wins awards for teaching and design because she understands the ISD process. LMS have automated most of the instructor required processes. Both at the Community College where she teaches and the University where I work, instructors are responsible for everything in the course room. Technical assitance is available, but we don't see alot of requests for anything other that video or audio lab use. We use an onlilne LMS introduction followed by 3 hours in the classroom for hands on experiance. We also have a Designing an online Course for new instructions. We find we can teach most instructors how to use the system in a few hours. It has been very successful, even though very few of our instructors have any skills programming or coding. 90+ % have approximately the same tech skills as the student.
I don't think they need to be technological wizards but they should possess strong technology skills for several reasons. First, utilizing the tools of the platform to their fullest requires a certain level of facility with the tools. Second, by understanding the details of the platform and software, the developer is more likely to spot areas where novices or inexperienced users may have trouble. However, the converse of that may be true at times as well so the developer must remember that they are developing for the lowest common demoninator (technology wise) and stay constantly aware that their knowledge and skill level may not be emblematic of the average course participant.
gilbert,
Exactly! Make sure that you have your developer or yourself do quality control often!
Shelly Crider
I agree. However, you must be a computer literate , have enough knowledge on the materials and the techniques necessary to develop online course.
Jeff,
Excellent post....a designer should check with a subject matter expert!
Shelly Crider
If the designer is not an expert in the subject that they are developing, they should have one available for Q&A sessions. The expert would help with the technicial aspect, the flow and timing of the relavent information, and to make sure the course is not over or under stated.
Hi Shelly!
Thanks so much for your response and providing this additional feedback to consider. You’re absolutely correct regarding students benefiting from online course developers being technological wizards! :)
Yasmine,
This will help the students as well. Students will always have technology questions and if an instructor has the knowledge, then this shows the student they can succeed.
Shelly Crider
Krystal,
Technology has really increased its support and ease in the recent times.
Shelly Crider
I believe the online course developers should possess technological talents. This will help out with better development of the online course design and content.
Being that online technology will be the source of delivering the online course, it’s critical for the developer to be technologically savvy. In addition, possessing the technical skills will assist heavily in maintaining an online course as well.
I agree. There are many programs available that provide support to those who are trying to learn how to create courses. Since most people on the internet are not tech wizards, the tutorials are very user-friendly. With a little time and patience, it’s a skill that can be learned.
In addition to the support that is received from these programs, the programs themselves are very user-friendly. Technology has advanced to the point that the average person can learn how to do almost anything. It’s not required for you to have a degree or high level of competency in technology to be able to create or maintain sites. There are still some advanced functions that would need an expert’s assistance, but the basic information is very learnable.
Exactly! Perhaps a new kind of job title is here. A online learning tech advisor who would just tell the course instructor what is or isn't possible technically. Why limit your dream online course presentation and style just because you are not aware of the latest Web (and now Smart Phone App) technologies?
Christopher,
This is true, at least have the developer have some technology background.
Shelly Crider
I think it is easier if the developer has a technological background. If he/she does not then they need access to someone who does have the answers and can assist them when they need it.
It is easier for someone to show you a simple step than trying to spend hours trying to figure it out yourself.
that is so true! I know an awesome accountant...knows his laws inside and out, but cannot teach a lick!
That depends on two variables: the definition of responsibilities between a course content matter expert and his technical support and your definition of a "technical wizard." Your course developer may be a great teacher and truly know his or her material but, if he or she has not been schooled in the programs used for developing on-line course material at his/her institution, he will not be very effective at producing a quality course. Just about anybody can do a PowerPoint presentation but that is no longer an acceptable option.
Good point on where you are at with your LMS.
I guess that depends on which phase you have your developers working in and how advance you want your LMS to be. Not everyone working on content, graphics, audio needs to be technological wizards but they have to be experts in their field.
I agree. They do not have to be technological wizards but do need to have a bit of an adventurous attitude toward technology. I am working with a faculty member right now who is afraid to touch the computer for fear she will break it. We need to feel that we can try new things. If they work, we have learned something; if they don't we have also learned a valuable lesson.
