How much technology is too much technology?
In today's every-changing education landscape, new learning tools are created each day. While these innovative tools have opened new vistas for instruction, for some instuctors and learning, the options can be overwhelming. So, when is technology too much? I believe that using online tools can be wonderful, but the pace with which new choices and options are presented to both instructors and learners must be matched to the personalities, teaching styles and learning patterns of all involved in online learning. When the online tools become the focus, and the course content takes a make seat to the same, technology becomes "too much."
Elizabeth,
You make great points. I think we have to understand that good teaching with or without technology takes time. Many of the ideas that you mention are not technology related but are just examples of good teaching. I think we have to use items that are effective for teaching for both the student and the instructor. I think we have make sure that we look at technology and make sure it does what its suppose to do. We sometimes use technology when we don't know anything about its functionality. Great posts and great thinking.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kam,
I'd like to respond to this part of your post: "I think sometimes in the effort to move forward we are pushing some away. We lose students and miss out on good instructors because they cannot cannot keep up with the technology."
Time has become my most precious commodity. I teach an upper level capstone course where students are developing their own business models/concepts in the hopes to take it to market. My topics must be relevant, so I revamp the course every summer. I can't even begin to track my hours both here let alone during the term as I try to research and provide challenges for students to reflect on/try to solve.
The latest and greatest technologies are time consuming to learn....to teach....to use....to apply. For BOTH students and instructors. Are we sometimes moving on to "newer" just to be the innovator? Are we throwing away old material/methods that still have merit? Are we wasting our precious time just to be noticed? OR....have we discovered something that solves some of our previous concerns/issues?
What are the best reasons to learn new technology?
~Beth
Karen,
I think you make great points. I also think support teams within institutions should play a role regarding being the "gatekeeper" of technology. I guess what I am saying is someone needs to run "interference" regarding to determine if the technology worthy to learn.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kenneth,
Yes, you don't need to be on 24/7. Although we feel compelled to do so! I also think you make a GREAT point about not overwhelming the learners by bombarding them with "stuff".
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree Ginger, there is so much technology available it can be overwhelming to students and instructors alike.
When I first started teaching online, we only had access to text based chats. Now I find myself getting in trouble for not vlogging and using other tools, that frankly I do not understand nor do I [as an adjunct] have time to learn.
On the student side, I have seen numerous students leave school because there were too many technical things to learn.
I think sometimes in the effort to move forward we are pushing some away. We lose students and miss out on good instructors because they cannot cannot keep up with the technology.
I think once we are not in our "baby stages" (we are well past infancy) the technology will fall into place and there will not be so much expected of everyone. Does anyone agree, or disagree, with this?
Karen "kam" Maiorano
Far the most part I spend a lot of time online either facilitating different courses or conducting some type of research. However, I do feel as though it good to step back and shut down the computer at times. It helps to create a sense of balance.
Just as within the classroom I used different delivery methods and illustrations around the APA format. Technology is a help tool in this class because provide interactive examples. Considering most of my courses are business related, I do back off, not making it overkill and overwhelming for the learners.
Ken
Vivian ,
Great point. It is just finding the right tool for the right learning experience. WE also need to remember that all of us are "lifelong learners".
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Samantha,
What a great story! You make the point that students that are not comfortable about technology that doesn't mean they can't learn it! Good point to remember.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Ginger,
I concur with you that too much technology is and can be overwhelming for students and instructors. All of this new technology challenges older learners as well as older instructors. It is difficult to keep up with the likes of such technology as blogging and screen capture programs when you are not familiar with a computer. Yet, I believe these tools are essential in reaching a full spectrum of learners. I think being user friendly is the answer to combatting too much technology.
Vivian Washington
One of the most touching stories I came across was of a student who explained in a post to classmates how her granddaughter came to her home and wrote each step necessary for reviewing and submitting assignments and boards. The older student was so please with her ability to follow what was outlined.
Our the years, I find that many of the online students are adult learners who did not grow up in the technological and are more apprehensive about technnology. If they are required to do more than click a few buttons, they are lost. However, many of these students are great learners who have great insight to offer to classroom discussions.
We must assure that the technologies we use in the classroom are justifiable and will not hinder their ability to learn. For this type of student more technology when not necessary creates a learning burdon.
Susan,
You make great points. I think it should be ubiquitous (a word my students had to know this week). It also cannot distract from the content.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ginger,
YOu make a great point. I have to watch this as I LOVE trying new technology and applying them to student learning but I have to temper that with the realization that not everyone sees technology MY way.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I definately agree. The technology needs to be almost "invisible" where it adds to the learning experience. Many of our students are returning and at first they find the technology challenging and it distracts from the content of the course. But once they get the hang of it, they are fine. I would also love to see more course specific technology- for instance in the area I teach we need better technology for recording and submitting video and it needs to be very user friendly.
