I believe that the instructor needs to be able to successfully navigate and work the technology so that the instructor can answer student questions, give the students the technology that is needed to succeed in the course and any additional cost that may be incurred by the student.
John,
You are right, particularly with bandwidth. Although it surprises me who many institutions register students for online courses knowing the student didn't have easy access to the Internet.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, there are a number of factors to consider but I think the three most important things to consider are:
1. Bandwidth - In an on line environment, you do not know how students are connecting to the classroom platform. If the technology you choose to use requires a large amount of bandwidth, it may be difficult for the student to use.
2. Familiarity - Familiarity with the technology is very important. To keep the classroom vibrant, the instructor should be fairly well versed in the use of the technology. The student should also have a level of familiarity with the chosen technology because it could be a bit frustrating to the student to learn a new technology in order to learn the material for the class.
3. Technology dynamics - If a technology tool is being selected for use within the classroom, the operating dynamics of the tool should meet the need of its intended use. There are technology tools that limit the number of characters allowed for postings, have a time limit on the availability of information, etc. As an instructor, the details associated with the use of the given technology must be understood and kept at the forefront.
JCL
Richard,
I love your strategies. There is nothing wrong with humor and learning. It works. We would do that in f2f!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
I LOVE your statement "capitalize on the benefits of the tool" ! Many times we look for other tools when some of the tools we use can be used in multiple ways and students are comfortable with them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Very important to utilize multiple tools to engage the students, as said, they will tend to wander after awhile. I add "guest speakers" on each chapter that I download, as well as funny, subject appropriate cuts from movies and tv.
I think the most important tools are the usability and capability of the tools; ensuring they are added value for the student; that it aids in supporting student learning and is not just another layer of technology to have to implement. The other consideration is the instructors ability to capitalize on the benefits of the tool in the course room, so that it maximizes the ability of the instructor to facilitate learning.
Abby,
So the tools need to match the subject matter that is organized by objectives? Is that what you mean?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nancy,
You have great strategies. I also use the discussion board to foster interaction among students. I have a rule if you have a question regarding the course, you have to post it in the discussion area created for those questions. Other students have to watch the area. if they answer the question, I give them participation points. I always monitor to make sure all answers are correct.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
1. The tools that are specific to the subject matter
2. The content to be reviewed to match the instructors personality
3. An organized curriculum of objectives and expectations.
I currently use a discussion board in my online classroom. Is this the same as a blog?
I use the discussion boards for two purposes. One is academic. It's a good way to make students think about and respond to elements of the material covered during the course.
The second reason is because I can interact with the students. I can ask additional questions and provide more information about the specific than I can during the course.
There's a third reason as well: it gives students and teacher the opportunity to interact. I always include a greeting, a positive comment about whatever they said, some additional comments, an encouragement and a motivational quote.
Nancy
Raeven,
I agree with you. I really try to use tools that I know students will use in other courses to meet course objectives. I also think the instructor should be able to use the tool if they expect the student to!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Agnes,
I agree with you. You want the technology to enable students to meet learning goals not to be a barrier . Hammers are great tools but a screwdriver may be the best tool to screw in a screw although the screwdriver may not be as "sexy" as the hammer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the function of the technology tool is the primary criterion to consider. Another one would be tool effectiveness. In other words, are the students meeting their learning goals? Are the course objectives addressed by the incorporation of a specific tool? More specifically, an instructor may be using a fantastic tool, but if it is not helping achieve the learning outcomes, it needs to be reassessed, and if possible, changed.
I believe it is important to use tools that are best suited for the course objectives, the students' skills, and to be selective in choosing tools. That is, sometimes I think giving the students too much can be overwhelming and results in no one using the tools. Additionally, the instructor should use tools that are actually going to help students meet the outlines course objectives.
-Raeven
krystal,
I agree with you. You don't want the technology to be the learning barrier. I try to use technology that is within the LMS so students are comfortable accessing it. It is now always possible but I always look to the LMS first.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kelly,
You make such a great point. It is learning not learning with technology. Consistency and communication makes this possible.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Your students level of understanding and engagement
The resources available to instructors
Not to use too many tools as this could be overwhelming for our students
Hello All,
First make an attempt to "hide" the technology, design the interaction as intuitive and natural, simple direct navigation with alturative options, such as symbols interchanged with text. The technology should not over shadow the learning.
In addition, always consider the end user at all times when designing or setting up assignments that require varying levels of technology experience levels.
Provide clear orientation and direction and attainable deliverables, with understandable outcome objectives. Provide feedback and the ability for interaction in the form of user posts.
Thank you.
Kelly
Jim,
True, it can be so frustration although MyLabs are popular.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
