I believe that the three most important things for considerration is:
(1) Does the instructor understand the technology
(2) Do the students understand the technology and
(3) Is the technology suitable for the course.
The technology must be a good match between the instructor and students, which means that it should be current technology, which is user-friendly. It should also be technology which is not so high-tech and costly.
Students nor the instructor should not have to spend much time navigating through the system or contacting a help desk or support just to post a discussion, submit or grade an asssignment.
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, what do you believe are the three most important things to consider?
It all depends on what tools are available within the LMS itself. Some allow more functionality than others.
I find the Live chat is a key communication tool for online classes, since the virtual f2f for the students to get the sense of community.
Providing announcements to keep students up to date on what is the next task and due dates is as important, since it keeps the students on track on what they need to do.
The last item would have to be the course material, which could be powerpoints, DB threads, chats, and any supplemental resources that will enhance the students' learning.
I don't know that these are three of the most important tools to consider, but anything that provides a way for students to connect with other students and/or instructor is important such as:
1. A LCS (Lecture Capture System). When the lecture is synchronous, students interact with other students and the instructor. Also students can review seminars (lectures) at their convenience and in their time frame.
2. Email--Emailing students regarding progress, assignments, PowerPoint presentations and other attachments, grading of work, is a great way to have students interact with the instructor.
3. Jing presentations, PowerPoint presentations,youtube videos, online tutorials, and screenshots are great tools to show students how to perform a specific task.
I have recently found several instances of online students spending about 2K on an Apple iPad and are then very upset that all of the online tech tools don't work with it. We have several apps that flat out don't work in a non-Microsoft environment.
I get the convenience of ipads, but I wish there were more consideration to getting them to work well with traditional business applications.
I believe the 3 most important things to consider are: (1) the type of course being taught and the objectives of the course
(2) the need for more tools
(3) the ability of students to use and learn from the tool.
In using technology tools in a virtual environment a facilitator must remember 1. their audience making sure instructions are clear and are connected to the curriculum
2. meet the needs of the class or the curriculum objectives
lastly, foster autonomy and an opportunity to foster growth with the students.
Hello Krista,
Your #2 jumped out at me immediately. Training is a crucial requirement for instructors. Also when a new platform is being introduced there should be appropriate testing time allowing feedback to be considered for necessary changes needed. It is very discouraging when an instructor isn't properly informed regarding limitations pertaining to the tool.
Kim
I agree with you, Linda! Online Instructors should not be completely responsible for teaching the students how to access pieces of information online. This can be a very time consuming thing for the instructor to be responsible for. Students should be required to take training before they take an online class.
Great Point!
I apologize for my first post. I think that the most important things to consider in a virtual learning environment are:
1-You should be comfortable in what you are using
2-You should know how to explain it to others
3-You should know all of the ways you can use it
The three most important things to consider would be Wikis, Digital Portfolios and Learning Management Systems.
I think that Wikis may be helpful for students to be able to see and learn from each other. Digital portfolios would assistance in being organized. And LMSs like Moodle allow students to learn online--and for people that work or have families that demand their attention--this is a good option for them.
Cynthia,
LOVE your post! You are right. Use technology to connect students to the technology. It does work!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mary,
That is true, isn't that like a f2f course? You do have to change your material, just like f2f. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mary,
What a great post! I agree that technology has to be the vehicle for good student learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
megan,
You are right, it can be overwhelming. Make make great points. It is best to take technology and build. Choose one to focus on at that time and learn to use that. If you focus on several at one time, it becomes frustrating and the students nor you benefit.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Charolette,
Yes, and it provides a multimedia experience. Good comment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eryn,
I agree to a point. I have had students particularly nontraditional students that want to take an online course but do not want to learn the technology as they just want to talk on the phone. There has to be effort on the part of the student to learn and we can't give them excuses either.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
ANTHONY,
Great answer and they are part of the LMS! It is important to utilize the tools in the LMS, as the student has easier access and it is password protected.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Three things to consider when using technology tools are:
1) Assure that your audience understands how to access and manipulate the tools you use, if not,
2) Add quick links for students to access help
3) In sequential coursework, do not hesitate to review important steps previously learned.
Donna,
What great post! I agree that we have to look at the best way to reinforce learning. Multimedia is the a great solution and an efficient way to learn.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Angela,
You have to make sure that both the instructor and the student can use the technology. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
