Having some idea of what your students experience with technology would be helpful. I also think that knowing how to use each tool for the appropriate use is crucial. Finally, having as many tools available to you as possible would be helpful in an online environment.
1.Both the instructor and student need to be able to understand how to use the tool.
2.The tool must be used effectively, as determined by the outcome.
3. The tool must be supported by Tech support, so that when an error occurs it can be fixed.
Barb Chappell
1)The purpose of using the tool
2) how well the tool meets the purpose of the activity
3) the level of creativity allowed by the tool
I work in an online environment and I find that sometimes assignments are given that use a specific productivity tool like PowerPoint for no reason other than variety. Some assignments really do not lend themselves to a PowerPoint response. When planning a class we have to be careful to use technology when and where it suits the activity. The reason the technology is chosen should be because it will enhance the learning process or encourage student creativity and higher order thinking skills not just to have variety. On the other hand variety can help motivate students so it should not be ignored just not be the primary purpose.
The three most important things to consider when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment include:
1)choosing tools that engage all learning styles
2)activities and learning must be carefully guided as not to create a noisy, messy classroom - and one that is not active in the learning process
3)the tools chosen must lend themselves to exploration in order for students to learn.
Exploration is about providing students with ways to learn; rather than simply giving them technology to use.
Guided activities must allow teachers to be part of the process rather than passive undertakers. Teachers must be involved in choosing the tools needed.
Tools must engage all learning styles. Teachers and administrations must choose tools that all learning styles can benefit from.
Engaging all students can be difficult. What are some tools that engage all learners?
Cynthia,
I like your mantra. We do become so "wrapped up" with teaching online, that we don't always enjoy it. Who makes it hard then?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
You have put a tremendous amount of work in your course(s)! Great use of technology for learning!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Cecil,
I will add to that in that can students use the minimal set of technology tools? I see students coming with inadequate technology skills, particularly Excel.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Cecil,
Nicely said! I like the analogy to location, location, and location. You are right about students and the frustration that they feel when all of "this stuff" doesn't fall into place.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dori,
Well said! Do you assume that the students "know" proper tools? (I am playing devil's advocate)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yes, Dr. Wilkinson, I do think that sometimes we make it too hard for ourselves and students, too. Simplify, simplify, simplify is my mantra!
It has taken me years to acquire effective online teaching skills and to learn how to use the available tools. The overall lesson I have learned is to make whatever I use user-friendly for students based on what I have learned about what motivates student engagement and retention in my courses over the years.
Cynthia
Dr. Wilkinson,
In our virtual classroom there is both multi-media and print material for students to learn material. We also use e-books which are interactive and allow students to insert notes, bookmarks, print or share. Students can also listen to Podcasts, archived live chat sessions, and download print material containing live chat material.
In my classes, students have access to an interactive composition lab (supplement) where they can listen or watch tutorials on writing skills and take interactive quizzes which provides them an assessment of their skills and recommends review based on outcome of diagnostic tests.
Overall, the way the virtual classroom is set up, it appeals to all learning styles.
Thank you for your question!
Cynthia
Hi Michael,
Your answers are very well-stated! Do you think that the way the minimal set of technology tools (word processor, presentation software, spreadsheets, and databases) is presented and delivered to the student and the way the student submits the course deliverables are critical? For example, all of these tools could be two-way communicated by emails, but could that be effective for learning?
To paraphrase the old real estate adage, “Location, Location, and Locationâ€, I believe the answers should be “Student, Student, and Studentâ€.
1) The Student should be able to access the technology tools on his/her own terms and the technology tools should seem appropriate to the student for their intended use. The learning venues that the technology tools present should seem natural to the student.
2) The Student should be able to achieve all of the course objectives using some combination (or combinations) of technology tools available to the course. The instructor must make sure that this is facilitated by proper use of the technology tools.
3) The different Students’ learning styles in the course (visual, auditory, logical, social, kinesthetic, and solitary) should be facilitated by the combination of the technology tools used.
If the technology tools and their appropriate use in our courses do not support and enhance the students’ learning experience, then a lower quality graduate will be produced, or many of our the students may not graduate at all.
Yes. The student will learn to work independently using proper tools, and by doing so will also gain confidence in the system and himself. In addition, he will be working toward being successful in the course, the common goal for all involved.
Tony,
I love the statement "relevance the tool has to the facilitation of the learning objectives". I think we overlook this at the beginning of course development. Great statement.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dori,
It is interesting you say Creating independence working toward a common goal, what do you mean by that? Does this mean confidence in being able to work the technology?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Roy,
You are soooo right! When students struggle with technology, it is teacher credibility that suffers even if its the students' fault!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tony,
I am going to use your statement techno0toxicity! That is soo true. We really must look at fit and avoid the overwhelming wow factor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sharon,
Great answer! Bridging the gap is the key particularly when the gap is different for each student!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
That is great. Thought. . . how do we teach our students to adapt to different learning styles? Are we providing strategies for them to learn in a variety of ways? Just thinking. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
