I believe the most important is if the tool fits the need. By need, I mean the need of the students, the course material, and the teacher. The use of technology is neat but it shouldn't be used just to say you use technology. The second is the functionality needed, for example don't use a PC if all you need is an eBook reader. And of course the third is the learning curve for the students. In a virtual learning environment the students need to be supported in their use of technology. Don't implement the "Enterprise" if the capability of the student and the student's support is no place close to that. This can and will affect retention.
Sean,
You make a great point for all of them but particularly 2. I sometimes forget I see my LMS everyday and not all my students do. I want to make sure my familiarity become a barrier for my students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Being a desktop technician for over 15 years there are a lot of things to consider. However, for three things especially with students are:
1. Does the tool meet the needs of what I am doing with the students.
2. Ease of use. I certainly could figure out how to use it but not everyone is a computer nerd and its very important to take that into consideration. If the tool needs more than a couple of point and click options it shouldn't be used for students.
3. Compatibility - is the tool able to work on what the student is using? If the tool is for Windows and the student is on a Mac, well, it's not going to work.
Erica,
I agree with you. Have you thought of creating your own using screen capture to explain the syllabus and other course issues. Then give them an exam over it. It will help students learn to take an online quiz and it insures they know what is important in your class.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Erica,
Great post. It is so important to remember it isn't about the technology it is the tool. I love technology but, you have to be able to control it and use it for a purpose.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Marie, orientation is a great idea. Our school has an orientation, but it mainly covers school policies and our LMS navigation. However, when students come to my English classroom, many of them do not even know how to use Word. I often feel like there should be some applications prerequisite course students must take to help support their success once in the classroom.
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, it is important to remember the objectives of each assignment because depending on what the assignment requires, different technology tools may be more effective. Additionally, it is important to consider one's students. I constantly run into the problem where I suggest students to use a certain technology tool and many of my students don't have access to the tool or they do not know how to use the tool. Finally, it is important to consider one's own comfort level with technology. I understand that some technology tools are fantastic, but I will not use or assign student to use tools that I do not fully understand because I need to be able to trouble shoot any problems if they do arise. If I can't, I can very easily lose credibility.
Amgad,
What does this mean? Would your students answer your discussions this way?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Blogs
Digital Portfolios
Learning Management Systems
Katherine,
I am not sure what your answer is referring to.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Katherine,
How do you determine that? Does your institution provide tutorials to help students meet the technology needs for the course?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Laurie,
You have a good perspective regarding your course. I find it interesting your comment about the technology be sophisticated. I think that can be very important for the look and feel of the course. The more you look organized and together the more comfortable your students will be. I know that sounds goofy but it is true!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Your audience, your course content and your teaching style.
I think you need to consider the student's level of technology knowledge, the type of content you are trying to convey and the learning styles of your students.
I have thinking about this for months as I work my way towards creating an on-line course. The three factors that at this time I think are vital are:
1) the objective and content of the course
2) do I want the course to be synchronistic/interactive or asynchronistic/something the participants can do in their own time at their own pace.
3) What tech. tools will serve the teacher/student/learning goals in a dynamic, sophisticated and easy to use way?
John,
Ease of use for both the student and the instructor is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Martin,
How lucky you are to have that those resources. I agree with you it seems that we use a tool for one thing. Bringing to the course multiple technology can become confusing and frustrating.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Wendy,
What a great point. This really needs to be done. Also, there needs to be a technology tutorial that students can review. That is important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the objective is very important in online learning. I also think the teaching style plays a critical role in how the course content is delivered. Lastly I think ease of use has the potential to frustrate students.
Being in the field that I am in, we have often sat down and discussed what is the most important thing to consider when developing learning and using our virtual learning environment.
1. The end user and their ability to move around the environment comfortably.
2. Accomplishing the learning objectives effectively and ensuring the end user grasps the concepts.
3. Utilizing the technology to it fullest. Often times I sit in meetings where we discuss virtual and face-to-face learning and when technology is used to develop learning, the programs are not used to their fullest capacity thus leaving a void for the learner in my eyes.
