Cynthia,
You are correct! I can use a screwdriver to drive a nail into a wall but a hammer works better! :) Don't you you think sometimes we make this too hard?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
Great answer! Confidence in the technology will help the environment but it has to be an appropriate tool.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe ....1-ease of use, 2-the value that the tool provides to student learning and 3-the relevance the tool has to the facilitation of the learning objectives are the the major factors I consider. Using bells and whistles are fine , but they need to offer clarity, capability and congruence to the teaching and learning goals of the course.
I believe the three most important things to consider when using technology tools are:
1. Teaching style and proper function;
2. Creating independence working toward a common goal;
3. Engaging students
When using technology in a virtual learning environment, I believe that the three most important things to consider are the function of that tool, what type of technology will be used, and is the tool going to be effective in the classroom. Without these three things, students may lack inter-activeness, lack learning and the teachers credibility may be at risk also.
Thanks,
Roy Hawkins
I believe the use of technology should:
1) be a good fit for the content to be delivered.
2) provide a clarity of purpose to learners
3) not become a learning obstacle just because its available and instructors feel compelled to "fit it in". Avoid "Techno-toxicity".
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment,we really have to take into consideration the level of technology that is appropriate for the subject matter. Secondly we have to take into consideration the technological skill of the student. The struggle then, becomes bridging the gap. Finding ways to introduce technology to the student that does not distract from content of the course.
Anne,
Yes it is. Then communication follows.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anne,
You are correct. The technology infrastructure must be considered. How many times has the faculty been blamed for the failure of the infrastructure.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Peter,
I have found that if I use different types of technology(Wikis, Podcasts,voice over PPts, etc) along with other traditional materials (e.g. handouts but in PDF format), my facilitation of learning does apply to a range of learning styles, and students will have options to learn the same material but in different format. For example, some students prefer to watch, others prefer to read, etc.
Based on years of online teaching experience and on the information in this module:
1. What is the function of this tool?
2. In what ways can I best use the tool to facilitate learning and encourage active learning, critical thinking, and problem solving?
3. Is it user friendly (e.g. students are not overwhelmed)?
Cynthia
I think the most important things to consider are:
*Appropriate use of of technology. Does the technology suit its environment?
*Purpose of technology. By using the technology, is the learning environment enhanced?
*Comfortability. Do both instructor and student feel at ease when the technology is used?
You are so right... the commitment to using the technology is often strongly tied to the confidence in utilizing the technology. Well said!
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, first it is important to consider the level of understanding and commitment the instructor has to the tools. Second, the level of understanding and commitment the student has to the tools must be appraised. Lastly, the technology infrastructure must be considered.
Edward,
How do you determine this? Do you take an inventory of your students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
For me, I would say;
1) Who am I presenting the course to? In other words, what is there educational level, their degree of computer skills, etc.
2) Taking into consideration the demographics of my students, and the subject matter to be taught, I would then want to consider which technology tools would be must successful to accomplish my goals.
3) I would want to establish a system whereby I could judge the successfulness of my virtual learning environment to ensure that things were working out as hoped, and if not, be able to make mid-course corrections.
shane,
I like that you added "confidence in utilizing the technology. That is a great answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the three most important things to remember are
1. what students have access to
2. depth of knowledge about current technology
3. confidence in utilizing the technology
Anthony,
Great answer! I love the efficient part. Technology should improve speed and dimension.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
June,
Great! that is a great idea about using Word!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
