David,
You make a great point about user friendliness. I have seen this soo overlooked, particularly within a LMS.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Margarette,
What a great post. I think you have to "experiment" with the technology but that can be hard as that takes time and who has that! :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
1. Ease of student use
2. Clarity of presentation
3. Reliability in a cross platform environment.
Dear Dr. Wilkinson,
When people “think of most importantâ€, they tend to disqualify other aspects that should be considered.
1) I would like to have technology that the students can not only use as a learning tool but can also use in the workforce as well. An example would be using software in class that is used in industry, think flight simulators. If we can have a way to assess the progress of their competency of knowledge of this software, we could quantify the results and have a decent benchmark of success on which to build.
2) Tools are only as good as the person using them, whether they are instructors or students. Both instructors and students must master the technology. There is a distinct difference between learning and application of what was learned. Knowledge of the technology is only a piece of the equation. One may know how to fly using a flight simulator, or other applications but true experience is really the only true learning environment. We must remember that the map is not the road.
3) Knowing what to do when technology fails for any reason is essential when engaging students. Students must understand that life goes on with our without such technologies. Using an interruption of technology is not a valid excuse to stop learning. One must know what to do ahead of time when technology fails. Students must realize that thinking ahead is not only a sign of learning but one of maturity as well.
First of all the technology tools selected should meet the needs of the instructor and the students in order to enhance the learning process. It is also important to match the technology tools to their appropriate function. In addition, it is important to use appropriate technology to provide content to students in an organized, user-friendly environment to facilitate teaching.
Hello Dr. Wilkinson and Colleagues,
I believe the three most important things to consider would be:
1) Will they help the students meet the course objectives? The technology shouldn't be too flashy; it should get to the point of the lesson.
2) Will they meet the instructor’s needs? Whatever the instructor uses should allow him/her to present material in a variety of ways.
3) Will they meet the students' needs? The technology should be simple enough for most students to easily use.
Kind regards,
Sara Fine
Online Instructor
I think the three most important things to discover are
1) whether it will benefit the objectives of the course
This is the main consideration on some levels
2) appropriateness. Just because I have a tool doesn't mean I have to wedge it into the course.
I do try to keep up on the technology, and when something comes out I "play with it" myself, see if I can figure out a useful application. But not everything works well for my classes. If I think it might, I'll give it a try, experiment with it in class in a low stakes setting for the "guinea pig" class. And I tell them they are the testers. Students usually take that role seriously.
3) my teaching style & my discipline
I am sure there are things that work wonderfully in my discipline that aren't as useful in the sciences. and vice versa.
LaBoore,
I agree! accessibility is the key. If a student does not have a computer, they are at risk for failure in the online environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sheila,
You are the first to bring up the idea that each of us has different teaching styles ant that could affect technology use. Great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Aida,
yes, and I am still surprised when students take online courses and don't have a computer and institutions let them!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Aida,
Who will provide 24/7 support? Does your university provide it? Is it you?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Theran,
I love your analogies! You have really tied this to the business world. I think I will use this in explaining the virtual environment and its similarity to the business world. LOVE IT
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sean,
Love your post! I agree with so much with what you say. You teach in some very different learning environments! Also, you are right about tech support. In an online environment, the first tech support is the instructor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MeriAnn,
I really like how you used the term "product" of information. You also have to use the technology correctly!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
I agree also! It is important that instructors find a "groove" in using specific technology and not jump from product to product for the sake of changing.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
You make a great point! Repeated use of a technology will help students value it!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that accessibility to the tools, ease of use, and reliability are the three most important things to consider.
The following are the three most important things to consider.
1. It is important to make sure that the technology tool meets the needs of both the students and the teacher for effective facilitation of learning. The teacher can also expand the function of a tool such as the web page to accommodate the needs of the students.
2. Teachers have different teaching styles and preferences, just as students have learning styles. Teachers must select the appropriate technology tool that supports their teaching style.
3. The feedback from the students on course evaluation is valuable in assessing the effectiveness of the tool.
Sheila Rogers
Unless students have taken a Basic Computer class, many of them don't know how to create a simple table.
Aida
I believe that it should
-be easy to navigate for both the student and the instructor.
-have tech support available 24/7.
-instructions that are understandable.
Aida
