Online Technology
What are some effective technology and software that can be used in an online class?
Yehia,
This sounds excellent! Thank you for sharing your 'secret' with the group.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have used Engrade (www.engrade.com) before and I find it to be very useful in the absence of an LMS in a learning environment. It is designed for on-ground classes in schools that lack a grade reporting system. The website provides tools to report grades, attendance, conduct discussion posts, and email students. Best of all, this website is absolutely free for instructors!
I like the web system as it does bring a more personal feel to the online environment, but not every college uses the same technology. I'm interested in learning about what's new and innovative as I'm concerned about my student's success.
John,
Excellent contribution - thanks. Your recommendation to evaluate the tools for specific uses/outcomes is critical. There have been some online classes in which "cool tools" were implemented and they actually distracted from the learning process. The availability and sophistication of online instructional tools are growing all the time, as you pointed out. We need to be sure we align capability with purpose.
There are many technologies that can help in an online class and they are growing all of the time. As online learning grows to a more ubiquitous learning model, so too will the technologies that help facilitate it. Some technologies are designed specifically for online learning, others were designed for something completely different but are easily re-purposed to aid online learners. Being creative and thinking outside the box regarding the traditional use of technology can often lead to unique and successful ways of delivering an online course.
In the end, it is not the specific technology that matters but the core principles discussed in this course that will make a difference. When evaluating any tool, ask yourself, does the technology make it easier or harder for the student to: a) find, b) study and learn, c) practice and apply, and d) demonstrate competency. over the material. After evaluating it from a student perspective, evaluate it from a teacher perspective. If it helps both the student and the teacher, then you have found a tool that you can incorporate into your online courses.
Hi Charles,
The CMS that we used is Moodle. We also use "Turn-It-In" technology which is integrated with Moodle. "Turn-It-In" technology is only linked to certain courses that are taught.
A list of successfull software include Open Office which is a free open source software for those who do not have Microsoft Office, Primo PDF and Microsoft Office.
Hi Charles, I have found the most effective technology tool is some type of Web conferencing system. We use Adobe Connect and it allows us to meet with learners and share documents. In addition, if a learner is having a problem in te courseroom, they can share their desktop and we can see what they are doing and troubleshoot an issue. Tina
