Instructors may have access to many tools, but they need to use appropriate tools for teaching that particular topic. Instructors should be using tools that best help the students.
There are more tools than I was aware.
Learned the importance of choosing the appropraite technology tools.
A good instructoe will develop a delegator type of teaching style typicaly delegating assignments and projects for the students.
The online teaching style needs to match the instructor teaching style and there are different tools that can be used to meet those needs. Communication guidlelines need to be established whether using synchronous or asynchronous and both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Also there are many different teaching tools availble for use.
The different teaching tools available need to be used based on the course objectives and the needs of the students as well as the teaching styles of the instructor.
Many teaching tools are available to enhance the teaching styles of the teacher and the learning styles of the student. I plan to broaden my use of different tools to increase the effectiveness and help the students reach their objectives.
Not only is it important to know what tools are available but a full assessment of whether or not those tools will work for you as a teacher and with your teaching style is also very important.
The instructor must find his/her role in the online class. Be it authoritative or facilitator. A facilitator is a person who makes the process effortless. They help a group to reach common goals and reduce barriers that my hinder online learning.
I learned that in teaching and organizing a virtual learning environment the following technology tool steps are key: choose appropriate and varied technology from the variety of tech tools available; match approplriate technology tools with function; use technology to facilitate teaching by matching technology tools also to teaching style; and assessing effectiveness of tech tools. Just in the list of tech tools alone, I've never had prior experience or training with any of the tech tools listed, so I've learned that there is still so much more to learn, and I'm wondering how many of the tech tools listed are still current and which are not, and how to find and identify the best tools being used today.
In the Teaching and Organizing a Virtual Learning Environment class, module one I learned that there are a variety of technologies available when teaching an online class. The various technologies have a function and these functions need to be analyzed by the teacher so that the teacher uses the best technology with its specific function in mind. On the other hand, the technology chosen may be used for a different function than what it was intended to do and this can also be appropriate as long as the teacher uses the technology to assist the student in his/her learning process. I was also reminded to obtain student feedback based about the various technologies used within the class.
I have learned that the most important concept from this class was the use of technology tools can not only assist the student but it can also assit the instructor to facilitate the best training possible. Technology tools should be reviewed to see if they are working or make a change from a tool that would better provide for the students needs.
Yes use the tools that are out there, but research and learn the one that works best for you and the class.
What good is the technology if you don't know how to use it.
Overall, this portion of the course evaluates the use of appropriate technology tools as it relates to online course success.
I learned what several different options are when initially creating the course and what tools I want to use. I did not know what these programs were, although I had heard of them before. I now have a better understanding of what these tools are best for, such as the LMS, screen capture programs. virtual classrooms, wikis, and what their purpose is. I also learned that any lectures posted should be no longer than 15 minutes, which I will remember if an online class is needed in the future.
I have learned that I am more of an Authoritative teacher and that I need to include many other styles of teacher to be a sucess in the classroom, whether online or face to face.
From this module I learned that selecting technology tools should be done by matching them to the teacher's teaching styles, but these tools should alighn with critical thinking and problem solving activities to ensure they are student-centered.
The different teaching styles mentioned here are very interesting. As a teacher, we often change roles within a day from one form (say, delegator when assigning a homework/project) to another (expert or demonstrators when solving a problem/example on the board) very frequently.
While there are many tools which are available for the instructor to choose from, It is a good idea for the instructor to become familiar with which ones will be best for the chosen teaching style and lesson in order for the students to best learn.
Quite a bit of practice with these tools, apps, and programs will help the teacher gain expert knowledge of the in's and out's of the functionality of such tools.
