Taryn,
You are right! Technology which should be the conduit for learning can be the first barrier a student encounters.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe it is important to understand the function of the tool, the accessibility to students, and their ability to adapt to and implement said tools. From there instructors/facilitators have a platform for engaging students in a way that enhances the learning environment, while not replacing personal instruction. Unfortunately, technology has a way of becoming a barricade between teacher and student.
Yes, it is a big challenge that I try to bridge through providing the student will materials that don’t require a fast internet connection.
robert,
Great post; you are right about it fitting to a particular class. So, how do you adapt to the dial up. It does become a challenge, I am sure!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I my opinion the three most important things to consider in using technology tools in a virtual environment are:
1. To ensure the tool meets the needs of the course. Can the tool be tailored to a specific class?
2. Will students be able to use the tool? What are the minimum technology requirements? I still have students that use dial-up to login to the classroom.
3. Does the tool increase the efficiency of the class and does it meet the different learning styles of students.
Annabel,
I agree with you Annabel, we do tend to get to comfortable and not explore other ways of teaching.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Tony,
That is a good term to use "Techno-toxicity." At times it seems that we do things, because that is how it has "always" done. I think that constant evaluation of the classroom needs to be performed in order to ensure that the course is effective for all types of student learners.
Warm Regards,
Annabel
Erica,
What a great post. You are always assessing the purpose and the relevancy of the technology. Great work technique.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jaclyn,
You have a great game plan. It is important that they learn how to use the tools productively. Great job.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christine,
What a great post! You make a great comment. Online courses may not be the traditional semester long session they may be modular which can be shorter. Students can't spend 5-6 weeks learning a technology when that is the length of the course. Great observation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
You are so right! I am so with you about what an LMS can do! It is a shame that we don't take advantage of the applications. LMS costs are not cheap!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
I agree with you! Students appreciate when you bring new uses of BB or other technology that makes their learning more efficient ( and your workload easier).
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Darlene,
I agree with you! Typically, when a learn a new technology it impacts every course I teach regardless of its delivery.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Elizabeth,
Great comments! You are right, you don't want the technology to become the first learning barrier!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jenifer,
You are a institution's dream. You are willing to learn and adjust/assimilate; not everyone has your attitude. Good for you!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dee,
Yes, you make great points. Students have to be able to use it. Although they are considered technology "literate" it isn't necessarily so.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Janis,
You make such a great point. I am always concerned when students don't have a computer yet take an online course. It becomes the learning barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Todd,
True! Number 3 can't be done without student learning how to use the resources; your no. 1
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sandy ,
You make such a great point. It is important to offer support on the technology used. It really does matter. It is is interesting to see the differences in the services institutions provide for online students; it does vary.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sandy ,
You are right, technology should be platform agnostic and browser agnostic. We are better than the situation in the past but there is still work to be done.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
