Let me indicate those that I feel are most important:
1. The ability to communicate--with all those in the class. We have businesses operating around the world, and a critical component of that is the ability to communicate.
2. Linked to 1. above, is consistent "tools". Like Southwest Airlines, they selected one style of aircraft and used it even though there were many varieties of planes. Training cost, inventory cost, and timely repairs were the result. We need a stable consistent platform, and similar hardware and software.
3. The platform must make it possible to achieve what is desired. Are there discussions, assignments, meetings, collaboration, team work, and how can all of these be effectively implemented in the course.
I believe the three most important things for choosing these tools may vary a bit more from the average. I worked in Web Design for 4 years and that's opened up quite a bit more of an idea of what is required.
First and foremost, when choosing tools it is necessary to ask the question "Would my mother be able to use this?"
I've taught adult learners quite a bit, and even those who are more traditional will have issues with technology tools. It's important to choose a tool that makes sense and is workable for the widest variety of people possible. The requirement therefore is for you as the instructor (if you have any control over choosing the technology, I currently don't at any of the colleges) is to look at it both from your standpoint as instructor and the standpoint from the student's side of things.
And then try to break the system. That way you'll know precisely where the students may get lost or get confused. Because one of the most important things in technology is figuring out how to help students succeed in its use. Each school I teach at (I teach at three online universities) touts their tech support, but at the end of the day they're usually the last people who get contacted.
If I know the tool inside and out, then it will be easier for me to work with students. I also will know inside and out whether or not it can be broken, and whether it'll be easy enough for my mother to use it.
The second thing, after making sure it's an easy tool to use is to match it up with the learning objectives. If one of the objectives is a portfolio of selected student work at the end of the course (including writing samples), using a blog is much better than using a wiki. Knowing what is expected will help guide the tool choice to best fit in with the objectives you are asking your student to learn.
The last thing is to be sure that there is a good reason for including the tool when considering time constraints and subject matter. I, for instance, would love to have students record videos. However, neither course type I teach (Composition and American Literature) have any use for video creation, nor do they have time for it with the speed the material is gone through. That applies with any course, really: does the course have a spot for Wikis? Is it worth it to have the students learn markup for one single assignment? Even in a traditional or a hybrid course, these should be considerations.
I realize that these questions leave off the main idea of having tools that fit the instructor's needs or student needs, but those concerns are woven in with the general idea here. If one knows their course and material inside and out, these questions will help steer them toward the correct technology tool for facilitating learning.
These are also questions that I applied for web design for clients...there is a lot of overlap.
Good point about the students time. Learning levels of each of the students would have to be taken into play to identify the time required for the assignment. Great thought!
I think you are right on about communication. I was thinking that using the media itself to create tutorials on "how to use it", and what you are looking for, would be very helpful.
The three most important things to consider would be:
-Accessibility for the student to use/have access to the media (quality of computer etc.)
-The ability for the student/instructor to create a usable "product" of information
-Understanding of the media itself, the intentions, and how to make it useful (tutorials available)
Thank you! I would also contend that motivation helps to enhance the overall learning experience.
-Tracy
Tracy,
You are right! The technology must engage students and fit learning the content.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
David,
You are right! You are identifying the learning curve of technology. This can make or break student success!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mara,
Good post! In your statistics course do you use any applets to explain certain stat content?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Amir,
You are right. It will be important to learn how to use the technology or the expectations can cause frustrations. Good answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lori,
You are right about the video. Today's traditional students can make relationships through that type of connection.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dawn,
I think you will find there are some functions in ebooks that can actually enhance learning. Enjoy!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
I agree that comfort of using a technology tool is key. That is why I suggest that the instructor guide the student through its usage as well as repeat its usage throughout the course. Do you have any other suggestions on how to achieve a comfort level in the usage of a technology?
Jim
Kelly,
I believe that you should use a variety of methods to account for diferent modes of learning. I also believe that the instructor needs to guide the students through the use of a particular technology to encourage student useage. Finally, I believe that the instructor needs to reinforce the learning of the technology by repeating its use throughout the course.
Thanks
Jim
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment,I believe the three most important things to consider are student learning curve (for technology), utilizing an audio and visual approach, and making the virtual environment as interactive as possible. Moreover, considerations for enhancing student engagement is essential, with keeping up with today's technological learner.
1. Accessibility is key to any tool of technology utilized. If students are frustrated attempting to get into some sort of tech teaching mechanism they will likely not proceed past the wall they perceive to be denying them access.
2.Once in the mechanism they must be able to navigate it. Most tech systems seem more difficult then they are at first because of the lack of familiarity. Once the student is comfortable, the tech mechanism being used will be used more often.
3.There has to be a positive result. The student must recognize a worth for their effort in entering the technology and navigate it to a learning outcome.
I believe the most important things in selecting technology tools for an online environment are (1) matching the tool and its functions to the pedagogical task; and
(2) ease of use by faculty and student.
I teach a variety of courses online. For my statistics classes, it's feasible to have voice-over PowerPoints and screen captures to show students how to do certain types of calculations or how to use Excel to carry out the calculations. In fact, one instructor for the course has videos on YouTube that we all use for the course. However, I also teach an International Marketing course which has more abstract ideas and is less about "doing" something and more about critical thinking. A wiki might be useful for group projects in this class, while a blog would perhaps be good for discussing current events in International Marketing, which occur daily in the press.
The three most critical components are:
1. Faculty and student expectations both in the classroom.
2. The importance of clear communication.
3. The importance of training for the students, faculty, and staff.
Amir Toosi, D.B.A.
When using technology in a virtual learning environment there are many things to consider in order to enhance the online learning experience. Â One factor to be considered is using a video option with audio capabilities that would increase interaction, create social networks, and provide additional guidance for students.
Another factor to consider is how user friendly the interface is. Is navigation easy in the platform.
 The third factor to consider is connectivity and what browsers are supported. Will all users be able to access the platform on a reliable basis?
This is an area where I need to feel more comfortable by just experimenting more and learning the best I can. I just bough a tablet (kindle fire HD) to make the switch to e-books. It is a matter of what you are used to I think. I am an avid reader and always have been at the same time the clutter of books can be frustrating to my office and bedroom! E-books solve more than 1 issue.
