Technology
Using technology in online courses, are FANTASTIC! But you have to make sure that your students understand how to navigate and use the tools properly.
Holly,
You are right, there has to be some guidance on how a course works? Don't we all do that in a f2f course? Good comments!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Technology is great, but "we" as online instructors have to realize that some students maybe lacking in the navigation areas so personally in beginning classes or in the beginning of a class I might start out with just the basics. I always think it's a great idea for the instructor to have a tutorial made up on proper navigation. Every instructor is different so I'm sure every class an instructor puts together is different as far as the tools used. I think tutorials help alleviate some of the stress a new online student may have prior to their start date.
The navigation part seems to be the down fall of some areas. But once the student is comfortable with it, wow what a great influence.
Miriam,
Love your statement that "everything that shines is not gold." And, we don't have to have everything that glitters. ;-) Use what you need to use and don't overwhelm the students. Thanks!
I agree 100%. Many times we get excited over tools that are very fancy but really do not accomplish anything different than standard tools, yet are more expensive and difficult to use. Everything that shines is not gold.
Arvice,
Thanks for your input. As long as students understand the course expectations and how the technology will help them achieve those expectations, it's helpful. Thanks again.
The use of Technology is great when it comes to teaching online courses. It helps the students to take full control of the system itself and allows them to navigate throughout.
