Robert,
This is great! It is really hard to work with technology tools when "we" (instructors) cannot control the end-user machine or person!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Samantha,
I think you would be surprised how varied the tools schools have to help students. I will have to check on Screen-O-Cast. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ava,
You make the great point about it being used effectively to present the material. I like that you used the term effectively.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the three most important things to consider when selecting a tool in a virtual class are:
1) Make sure the tool provides all the functions it was selected for. For example a LMS that does has all the functions except submitting assignments might not be the best tool for the job.
2) Make sure the tool is easy to use and has good documentation or how-to examples for the novice. This would keep the instructor on the task of teaching the material and not spending time on teaching the tools.
3) Make sure the tool is compatible with most or all systems, if a tool only works on mobile devices and can’t be used on laptops or PCs the students and instructor may not be able to use it.
I think the three most important things to consider when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment are:
1. Purpose of the technology
2. Ease of use
3. Technical support availability
Vivian Washington
1. What the student can do
2. What the instructor can do
3. The information that is being taught
The three most important technology tools in a virtual learning environment are a reliable live lecture platform, accessible textbooks, and 24/7 technical support.
Todd
On-line courses have become the new venue for cyber-bullying which came to light during my doctoral research. We have to find a way in which we can express academic freedom as much as the student without creating an issue for bullying. Because we don't see things nor hear the reflection of voice, it can be difficult to pick up on issues unless you are aware of the potential issue.
That is what I meant.
Thank you Dr. Wilkinson. Before I went into education, my background includes public safety and information technology including the designing of data centers. Now I teach cybercrimes, biometrics and other courses. So when I look at tools, I look at things very differently.
Also my earlier content on academic freedom is learning how to encourage students to speak freely especially when on-line courses has become the new arena for cyber-bullying, which I learned during my doctoral research. So there are many complex issues to address when developing an all inclusive online course.
Many things to consider but here's a synopsis of my top 3:
1. Appropriateness of technology tool - to course curriculum and learning objectives.
2. Effectiveness of technology tool - again to curriculum and attaining learning objectives. Ensure user (student and facilitator) feedback is included in measuring effectiveness.
3. Common denominator online learning - any technology tools must meet your course catalog technology requirements that students adhere to for online delivery. Too many bells and whistles in technology will undoubtedly leave some students behind. Online learning environments/equipment capabilities are not equal for all online students. Employed technology tools need to meet and facilitate the technology requirements in the catalog. This does not prevent "surveying the class" for delivery capabilities and "jazzing" up technology use as appropriate given overall class technology capabilities.
These are important components. However, to achieve these three objectives it becomes important to keep in mind some students are not as advance technologically as others. Therefore, providing students with video tutorials of how to use all tools mentioned in the classroom is helpful. These videos can be created with Screen-O-Cast (my favorite screen capture tool). Most schools already have video explaining how to use common technological tools in the classroom, but what if a teacher requires students to use Wiki to create a website, templates to create a plan of some sort, etc. A video by the instructor on how to use these tools will help students who are not as technologically savvy.
I think the 3 most important things to consider are:
1)the tool should meet the needs of the student
2) the tool should be meeting the expected outcome of the activity
3)tool should effectively present the content of the material
Alejandro,
You make a great point. Accessibility is so important. I also like the point of clarity. That is a very important aspect of using technology. Great answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Gretchen,
I don't really understand this answer. What do you mean academic freedom?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Gretchen,
You make a great point. I have had some colleagues at other institutions use certain "cloud" apps only to find them disappearing becoming inoperable. I think you make another great point in that you need to know "platform agnostic" the is the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Timothy,
Wow, that is a great statement. You have to "put the technology in its proper place". Nothing is a perfect but it cannot be a barrier. Great answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lisa,
You make a great point. The technology cannot overwhelm the subject matter. An instructor must keep that in mind!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nate,
You make a great point. Both the student and the instructor needs to be able to use it and to answer questions regarding students using it. That is not as easy as it sounds!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
susan,
I agree with you. If the tools is "shiny" but hard to use what are you accomplishing? I may "test" a new technology in a class but I make sure that there are no "high" stakes attached to the content or the skill .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Susan,
Do you use a start here button on the first few days of the course to walk them through the content and tools? This is a great way to begin the learning process.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
