A tool is good only so much as the person using the tool understands how to use it and its place in the real world. It is funny to me that sometimes tools can become the focus rather than the actual information that needs to be taught. I say this because I find myself engrossed in new technology and yet I hope I do not lose sight of the fact that Albert Einstein lived well before the first computer arrived. I am not putting down technology. But technology is only one tool that does not replace work, study, and your IQ.
Your comments are well taken. Engagement doesn't mean multimedia, it means people.
As an instructor in the online environment for 8 years I have seen incredible changes in technology over the years. Some technological applications I have embraced and applied within my classroom. Other technologies I did not utilize because I did not feel they were the right fit. This experience has helped me in answering this question.
First I consider the value the tool will bring to the classroom. Is the tool likely to facilitate the learning process? Sometimes I see technology being implemented just for the sake of “something newâ€. I ask myself if the tool will lead to higher student engagement, increase collaboration with other students, and help to clarify course concepts.
A second item I consider is “will most students have the means to utilize this tool"? Any tool that becomes a component of my classroom must be one that all students are able to utilize and understand. With accelerated classes, students have enough on their plates with keeping up with course readings and deliverables. If they feel intimidated by technology or struggle with using one of the tools in the classroom, this could impede their learning.
One other item I consider is whether the technology will be a distraction. For example, in the live chat sessions instructors in my school have access to using voice and video features. Often times the use of those tools has led to some “cutting out†and static. As a participant in meetings where that happens, I find myself begin to tune out, and multi-task. If I want to keep the student engaged, I need to ensure my presentation is clear and interactive. I have even found that in many cases just typing my chats has led to more engaging chats. Students see me as an equal participant in the room and stimulating conversations tend to develop as we share real world experiences and two-way communication is generated.
The three most important things to consider when using technology in a virtual learning environment are:
1. The technology must be user friendly. If The student spends hours trying to make sense out od the program it is naot a n effective program. Frustration may cause students to give up before they master the information.
2. The instructor needs to know the ins and outs of the program. Nothing is more embarssing then being called out by the student An instructor can lose the confidence of the learners if they do not know how to operate their own assignment.
3. Technology has to work no matter where it is being used. Being able to run in windoes 2010, XP or Mac OS whatever..
Great use of technology! I think you are creating a comprehensive learning space not dependent on time of "space". It does take quite of bit of work!
I like what you said about connecting your online info to your face to face info if you are teaching the class. A blended course should be just that, blended.
You are SPOT on. I agree with you.
Yes, I totally agree. We must know our equiptment.
However, in the techno world we live in (school grade students using computers efficiently)we need to keep up on the times. We need to learn and be comfortable with LMS.
Today technology is changing almost daily. The education system today relies on the ability to spontaneously communicate with others thousands of miles away. Technology has helped us create a global think tank for education. As an instructor I can share within secods with my students as well as colleagues, information. Interaction through technology is a vital part of learning.
Students will succeed if the are knowledgable and comfortable with the tools they are using.
Yes, I agree with your third response. Rarely do we facilitate one course. Therefore, supporting numerous courses is definitly an asset.
1. Communicating clearly is important.
Be clear in your wording.
2. Organization is second. Organized material will allow the student to follow the material easier.
3. Know your equiptment. Having full understanding of how the equiptment works will keep the class timely.
I think it's important to understand the content of information which you must deliver to the student. I also believe you should organize the information so students can understand it clearly and easily. If we rely on virtual technology to support our classes it's important to connect with the student so they want to continue to learn. The subject should be interesting without being boring. Finally, it's important to build a relationship through communication that gives the learner a comfort level. If the student is 19 years-old or 52 years-old both should be able to communicate and contribute to the class "as-if" they were seated in class.
I would consider the need to use technology, the appropriate tool to use in meeting that need, and the ease of students in accessing and using the tools. I have been teaching online (and otherwise) for 7 years and do the majority of that online. Even in the brick and mortar environment technology has its uses. I use LMS and incorporate “rooms†or forums (Discussion Boards) that allow students to share with the instructor (Coffee Shoppe) and also a lounge where students can share whatever personal information or school experiences they want to. I have synchronous chats where I present videos as well as a short Powerpoint presentation as a subject oriented lecturette. I had students that had to “dial up†the classroom and needless to say they were challenged to enter the virtual classroom. For that reason the live events are optional and students are able to post to Discussion Boards in the asynchronous mode. I have also used podcasts to some success. Students will not take the time in many cases to do anything but the “bare necessities†unless I really sell the advantages of technology to the possibilities of improving not only grades but a grasp of the material in their pursuit.
I like that you added computer literacy and it is not about communicating, it is about hardware and software. Good answer!
yes, but is that an efficient use of YOUR time?
Computer tools are used to support the teaching/learning process. The instructor must help the student learn with computers. The three main areas are (1) teaching students about computers, (2) using a computer as a teacher, and (3) using computer tools to assist students to acquire and learn information and develop higher-order thinking skills.
(1) Computer Literacy: There are certain things that students need to know about computers both as a life skill and before they can use them as a cognitive tool. Students need to understand basic computer terminology, hardware and software usage, in addition to the fundamentals of the tool software they use.
(2) Computer as a Teacher: There are three types of instructional software. They are usually identified as tutorials, drill-and-practice, and simulations and modeling. Tutorials are used to explain a specific topic and may allow students to explore information, practice using the information, and take a test when they have finished exploring and practicing. Drill-and-practice contains questions and problems which students answer and on which they receive feedback. Simulations and modeling, if they are well written and really do represent the real world, are the most complex and helpful of the three types of instructional software. Simulations require higher-order thinking skills: analysis, judgment, and synthesis.
(3) Computer as Cognitive Tool: Computers provide new and effective ways for students to gather, analyze, and present information. Computer tools provide motivation, incentive, and even feedback to students doing tasks that lie at all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and other learning models. Computer tools support three components of the information processing tasks that students use to acquire facts and skills: gather, analyze, and display/present information.
Educational technology is a broad field, with potential for high impact on teaching and learning. It is more than computers, more than computer tutorials, drill-and-practice, simulations, or tools. Proper use of educational technology requires an understanding of the computer and its associated software and peripherals and how they all support the teaching and learning process.
Dr. Bill Lembke 01/29/11
I think the type of tool used isn't as important as:
1. whether or not it works in the students computing environments(connection, video card, browser, etc.)Not being able to use the tool is frustrating.
2. how robust it is, and how the server it is installed on handles the traffic. Hangups and crashes are frustrating.
3. how bandwidth- intensive it is. Hi def video and rich multimedia presentations that get chopped up because of low bandwidth connections are useless and frustratiing.
If those requirements are met, then I think almost any tool can be adapted for use in a virtual environment. I could create an LMS out of Wordpress, for example, if I needed to.
