Personally, I will use the following in a virtual learning environment:
Providing information to assist learners complete tasks. Secondly, suggesting ideas or strategies of learning and finally, helping learners with content with prior learning.
Clearly communicating to students is vital to understanding.
Directing students to the appropriate information and giving them feedback.
Communication between students and instructors is aplus.
I think that the comfort in using the particular technology is critical.
I also think it's important that technology required is generally available to each student otherwise the end result would differ in a manner not acceptable.
Three most important things to consider in a virtual learning environment are the facilitator, the student, and the content. The technology tools should enhance the learning event and be tools that both student and facilitator understands. Dr. B
I recently had a student who just bought a new Mac and found it was incompatible. It took some time to find ways around it using tech support.
Kelly - I believe the most important consideration, beyond how cool or next generation a virtual tool may be is the weak link in the chain. Can the least connected of my students access the material.
Next would be ease of use and ease of access. It should not be so complicated that students get lost half way into the super tool.
Does the technology tool enhance the learning. Sometimes cool new toys actually do enhance the learning mainly be grabbing the student's attention.
William,
You are right on point! I also like that you include always both student facilitator. Good answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
William,
You are so right. Even the versions of browsers can cause so many problems. It is important to at least to try to know the pitfalls of the different technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jeanice,
I agree! I actually "grade" papers by talking through them rather than just marking them. Students can make that connection as part of a relationship.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would say that the 3 most important to me is
1. the ease that communication can be made by the student and responded to by the facilitator.
2. Compatibility of the tech tool to be used by all of the students and facilitator.
3. that the tools match what I am attempting to do and my teaching styles.
I have ran into this problem several times in online courses when equipment and browsers or even programs are not compatible with the LMS. For example Mac does not always work with every LMS and the various versions of Microsoft Word may not load in every LMS system. Many students buy a computer without Microsoft Office loaded and try to use Word Perfect which is seldom compatible with LMS systems.
When I have this issue I will provide the student with an opportunity to resubmit a new assignment without late penalties yet it does irritate the students to have to go out and look for the right programs and computer systems.
I have taught online for several years now and I find that students really want to feel a connection to you which is hard when they don't actually "see" you. I think it's very important to share yourself with the students so that you become "real" to them.
The ease of operation is another factor that I feel needs to be considered, particularly for students who have never taken an online class.
Contact with the student on a consistent basis is very important. It's amazing how much they appreciate encouragement even just in the form of an email them asking them if they are doing OK.
Jeanice Porta
Brian,
You do need to be familiar with the tool and determine that it is the right tool for the job. Good answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual environment I believe the three important things to consider are
1.Communication with the students not just the course material, but what is expected and how to relate to a real world scenario
2.Examine specific functions of the technology so that meet it meets your needs and the needs of the students while presenting the content in an online format
3. The instructor needs to be familiar with the tool and know how to use it efficiently
Carla,
Good point. Also, the fact that many traditional students "don't know what they don't know" about technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Angela,
Yes, it is important that instructors are able to "see" how the students interact with EVERYTHING. It really changes your point of view.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Barbara,
It is important that you do use tools that has institution support. I have seen the effects when this isn't taken into consideration. Great insight!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Eileen ,
I like your statement "how well the tool meets the purpose of the activity? and "the level of creativity allowed by the tools" . You are right we must get away from using technology for technology-sake!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Deana,
You make a great point. You can create too much noise or busy work and lose site of purpose. Great answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Overcoming the "fear factor"
insuring technology is matched to objectives
insure technology is "user friendly"
