Jacqueline,
Yes, accessibility is such an important part of the technology as well as support. You always hope support is more than just the instructor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Pamela,
Great post, you are right. Both the student and the instructor need to have technology that works with minimal barriers.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
(1) the Course being taught
(2) how user-friendly the tools are and
(3) accessibility of the tools and available support
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, I believe that the three most important things to consider are:
1) Working to ensure that the tools are functional and able to meet the instructor's needs not only in terms of being able to build the course but also in terms of provide a learning environment that includes content that students are able to comfortably navigate within. Many instructors report that one of their greatest frustrations involves the amount of time that they spend helping students to become comfortable with the online classroom.
2)I also believe that student training and support is critical to ensure that the technology tools meet the needs of the student. It is important to understand that underprepared students can negatively impact the online learning community.
3) Finally,I believe that it is important to make sure that the technology tools that are available within an online classrom are tools that students are able to utilize with minimal training.
Mary,
Your post is "spot" on. You have to be able to manage the technology and make sure that the students can too. Great job.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ben,
Interesting comment, being aware of your own abilities is so important. You build from that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Esther,
You are right. Just like in a f2f course, some tools work with some students and not with others. It is also important for the instructor not be overwhelmed with learning several technology tools and becoming frustrated.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jacqueline,
Great points, yes the technology must be a good match and user friendly. Also, shockingly enough the technology may work with one set of students and not for another; just like a f2f course!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ola,
You share an important point. You have a technology that works for your content and your students. That is important in your technology use.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the three most important things to consider when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment are (1) recognizing which technology tools I, as the facilitator, can use most effectively to reach my students in order to enhance their learning experience; (2) having some understanding of the general ability level of my students so that I can plan appropriately by selecting tools that would be best suited to meeting their needs; and (3) planning the course in such a way that I can adjust to my students needs as I better get to know them.
Carolyne,
I agree, I would put LCS and Jing in the same category but you are right, it does make it easier for the instructor to provide a more "classroom" environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
You make a great point. Blackboard does not work well with an ipad. We have to be clear of the technology as the apps are not platform agnostic.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cathleen,
Why do you need more tools? Please explain.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Monica,
Great comments. I agree you have to make sure that everyone knows their roles in the class.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
I agree with you. Faculty have to make sure they can use the technology before they require students to use it. Good point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ben,
Yes, many online programs require an orientation before you take an online course. I find that students both in f2f and online will ask YOU how to do something before they try to find out for themselves. This is a pattern that will cause both you and the students trouble.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ben,
You are right. The best way to make sure you know it is to be able to explain it to others. . Good point!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ben,
LOVE your post! I like your thinking. I find that Wikis may be the most versatile tool in the technology tool box. Students can collaborate and have accountability.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
1) Effective communication: Being aware of the your own ability to communicate topics that are translated by some online technology
2) Course Structure: Having solid structure that well communicated to the student, so that the student is well aware of what is expected
3) Feedback: The instructor must provide enough meaningful feedback and the virtual environment must be adequate enough to handle that demand.
The purpose of each learning tool; matching the appropriate tool with function; and effectiveness of a particular tool. It has been my experience that I try several to see what works for a particular set of students.
