Marcia,
What a great answer! You discussed the nontechnology part of technology. It can be these details that can derail learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When considering technology tools in a virtual learning, I believe the follow three considerations are the most important:
1. Will this tool allow the instructor to provide the necessary information to the students.
2. Will this tool allow students to learn the necessary concepts.
3. Is the technology tool easy enough to use that students can concentrate on the classroom learning and not be frustrated with technological issues.
The three most important things to consider when using technology tools online are:
1. Clear, concise information: I find that many instructors write very long responses that are convoluted and difficult to understand.
2. Audience: It is important to realize that not all students in the online environment are tech savvy.
3. Functionality: Be sure that the technology you are using is functional for the task.
Technology tools need to function properly and work well. In a graduate technology class I took a year ago, according to the text and several articles, technology can sometimes be created with the main purpose of having staff such as administrators understand how to use it. This focus is not always connected with how students may need to use or understand technology. Often, it can be very helpful to allow instructors and possibly students or student aids to do some beta testing before a technological application is put into place.
Instructions and writing displayed in visual applications should be clear, understandable, and present information in a similar manner as students are to use written languages in a class. Students often learn from what they see.
Many times, even if students do not use a kinesthetic approach as a regular learning choice, a hands-on approach to learning technology can be of benefit. It can be helpful if labs are available wherein students have someone to ask questions of and work with while learning technological applications.
Jodi,
great answer, you added the different relationships.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe that the three most important things to consider are:
1. Ease of use. Many students in an online environment are very new to technology in general, and certainly to an online course. I believe the technology should be technically easy to navigate to ensure student buy in from the start.
2. Ability to transfer information- whether this transfer goes from teacher to student, or student to teacher, there must be a way to share information
3. Interactive feature- I believe that there should be an interactive opportunity between teachers and students, and also between students. Students can be a great help to each other.
Richard,
Yes - connecting your lectures to relevant information the students can relate to is essential. Students do appreciate humor and there are many real world examples that are actually funny. Sounds like you are helping students develop some "commmon sense" in your teaching. Great! I have found out that common sense is not common. ;-) Nice job.
I think wording lectures in a way that makes it easier to understand is a start. Proving real world examples and how you would use this technology in a professional environment would be helpful. I try to use fun or silly examples that students can use as a reminder can help eliminate some of the intimidation than can arise from technology. Teaching them how not to over think things.
Also having a good set of resources for the students will be a huge asset. A list of the basics laid out clearly that the students can reference throughout the course.
Richard,
How do you make students comfortable with the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
organization
a complete understanding of the technologies you are usinf
making sure the students are very comfortable with the technologies
Michael ,
Great answer! I agree with you. I may use the line "i use what I got".
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Thanks.
We often assume that students have up to date computers, internet connections and software. But, a lot students take the "I use what I got" approach. Their budget constraints might not allow them the best access. So, we have to adapt the course to meet their needs as well as those with the more advanced equipment and access.
Monique,
You say two things that I really agree with, one is the "don't be afraid of the technology" this is true. You have to take some time to learn it. Also the comment of It support. this may not always be something an instructor can control. Great comments!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael ,
Very thoughtful answer. You do have to think of the students technology
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the three most important things to consider when using tools in a virtual environment are:
1. Know what kind of tools are available to you.
2. Learn about each tool so that you can choose which ones will be most effective for your goals/objectives. DON'T be afraid of technology!
3. Excellent IT Support....(actually this may be number one)
When using a particular technology tool, the following are important:
1) the appropriateness of a particular technology, 2) making sure the technology that is used matches function and 3) the use of technology to facilitate teaching.
To be appropriate, the technology tools must include or accommodate the equipment that students most commonly use: PC’s or laptops. The basic features should accommodate word processors, a spreadsheets and databases.
These are the tools that will enable students to view presentations, to read supplemental materials and prepare assignments. That is, the tools must match the function.
Learning Management Systems allow instructors to manage the functions.
They can allow instructors to make voice-over Power point presentations available to students; to provide spaces for assignments, assignment submission and grading of assignments; and to set up live chats between instructors and students. The software programs for live chats now allow not only real time interaction, but also allow those chats to be saved, to be archived and to be available to students who prefer asynchronous delivery modalities.
Lanny,
You have articulated well! I think it is important that technological competence is address and at least comfort with technology. I also agree with your student input/feedback. Very well said!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, there are many factors to consider. The three factors I believe to be most important are the following:
1. Technological Competence: It is important that the instructor become trained and/or self taught in the particular technology tools so that they fully understand the capability of the tools they can select from. With so many to tools to choose from and the multi-functionality of the tools themselves, it is essential that the instructor become comfortable with each tool to figure out how best to use it to help achieve his/her desired outcome. It is also important for the instructor to have the ability to teach the students how best to use the tool(s) so that they can be used effectively in communicating and achieving their goals as well.
2. Goal Realization: As an instructor, ask yourself what you are trying to achieve? Will this piece of technology help you achieve your goals? Having a full understanding of what you are trying to accomplish and matching it up with the capability of a particular technology tool(s) is crucial in a virtual learning environment.
3. Student Input/Feedback: Even if you select what you believe to be the most appropriate technology tool(s) and have a level of understanding and competence in using that tool, this may not always lead to effective teaching without feedback or input from your audience. If the students do not possess the technological capability (either hardware or software) or capacity (understanding of how to use the tool) to effectively use the tool, then it would be extremely difficult for the instructor to accomplish his/her goals. It is extremely important that each of the students have the proper equipment to use the tool and fully understand how to use the tool(s) to help create an effective learning environment. The instructor must ask the students if they have the proper hardware and software to use the tool. They also need to make sure that the students are comfortable with using the particular tool(s) and have a certain level of competence using the tool(s).
Miriam,
I agree with you thoughts. It does very by institution.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mark,
Interesting comment! I particularly like that idea that students have be able to access the material!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
