Rickey,
You make such an important point, it is so important that it adds to learning and the value to the course. You don't want it to be a barrier to learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mischel,
Great points. All are so important in evaluating technology for learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When technology tools you should consider your student, the difficulty level to use the tool, and does it add value to the course.
The three things I would consider when evaluating technology tools for a virtual learning environment are:
--The learning objectives of the course
--The functionality of the tool
--Does the tool meet the needs of instructor and students
Paula,
Great points. I do think instructors can use too many tools that will confuse the student. I encourage instructors to ALWAYS look to the LMS first before investigating apps that may or may not be the best tool for the job.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
i feel your pain about LMS upgrades. You are right, you need to have consistency in the tools to make sure students see the technology as an asset not a barrier to learning. You make a great point; will the technology allow students to be independent thinkers. That is a great observation. You want them to use their critical thinking skills beyond how to work the technology but to view the technology as a tool manage learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The first thing to consider is that instructors need to recognize that each student learns differently and that a tool that is suitable for one student may not be suitable for another. Another thing is that using too many tools may be counter productive as the students may get overwhelmed and not do well with any of them. Thirdly, it is important that the students be taught how to use each tool so they feel comfortable with them.
Hi Dr. Wilkinson,
It is important that tool is easy to use. Many students have problems with maneuvering through the system and if they have to utilize a tool to submit an Assignment, they might not submit it if they don’t understand.
I think that it is important that students are not introduced to too many tools or changes in a short period of time because it can become frustrating and overwhelming. For example, my school just completed another upgrade to the LMS system (the previous upgrade was about 5 months ago) and the students have communicated their frustrations in not being able to get where they need to go and how do they submit Assignments.
It is important that that tool used will it encourage participation and learning? Will it allow the students be independent thinkers?
Simone,
Love your post. You are right, you don't want the technology to be the barrier. I really like your third point. Technology should also be able to be the supportive hand to help you as the instructor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe that three very important things to consider when using technology in a virtual learning environment are (1) Providing thorough and comprehensive training as well as assistance/support for users, (2) Choosing appropriate technology that will accommodate and best benefit both the student and teacher, and (3) the fact that Instructors must be a consistent presence to facilitate the learning process to students not only technology-wise, but also to make students feel comfortable engaging with each other in the active learning process - a pseudo "supportive hand" in addition to mere facilitator.
MALCOLM,
I LOVE your name Math Calisthenics! It does allow you to see their process doesn't it. You may be able to identify problems with their process and help them quickly.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Philip,
This is a great strategy. You do want to make sure the technology doesn't overwhelm the learning. You are right, sometimes the technology over complicates the subject matter and anxiety sets in.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Kelly,
I teach Algebra classes F2F, but the students, as part of their grade, need to complete some on-line math exercises (as I call them---Math Calisthenics) ), which they do not like to complete. I try to assist them when time allows during class-time to show them I want them to succeed--that I care.
Malcolm Bartlett
Since I teach Pharmacy Technicians I like to keep it simple. Is it something that benefits the student's learning experience? Is it something that enhances your ability to teach the subject matter? Is it something that simplifies the process for better understanding for the student (will they get it)?
If it complicates the subject matter for the students, it isn't going to work. If it makes it easier to understand and is done in a manner that they will retain the material better, then it is beneficial. If it helps me teach better to where student comprehension is improved, then it is beneficial.
Sandra,
What a great post. You make such a great point regarding the technology fitting in the course design. Also that it "takes the focus of of the instructor and focuses on the student and their learning." The technology should be ubiquitous in the learning process; at least that is the goal.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, the three most important things to consider are:
1. that the technology be appropriate for the teaching and organizing of the online course that I am teaching
2. that the technology that has been selected can perform the function that is required, i.e. projects, discussions, or assessments. Choosing the more effective tech tool will assure that the students can access, learn, and remember the course material.
3. that the technology that I choose facilitates my teaching and the learning process, taking the focus off of the instructor and putting it onto the students and their learning.
Sandra Silvestro
Sodang,
Great points. the course training is so important and you need to have it for JIT, just in time learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The three factors I believe are important for success among the users are course training, video tutorials, and active technical support when needed.
Donald,
You make a great point, we so many time overlook the output that we make the decisions.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my opinion, the four most important things to consider are:
1. Easy of use
2. Easy to learn
3. Easy to get things (discussions, assignments, etc.) done
4. Easy to collect and analyze data collected from the VLE
The most important thing about a virtual learning environment is that the student have the ability to do whatever he or she needs to do in an effective and efficient manner. This means that the number of mouse clicks or key strokes to get something done should be minimized. Additional and unnecessary work is not appreciated by anyone.
