Mark,
It's important to verify the technology is the best option for what you need it to do. And, as you pointed out, if it's not easy to use or learn to use, the students won't use it or they will be frustrated - which is a bad thing. Thanks for your comments.
The three most important things I consider when assessing the use of technology tools in a virtual learning environment are the following:
1) Will the students know how to use the technology or can they learn to use it quickly and easily.
2) Is it the best option? (This often necessitates planning out different options and choosing the one that is most amenable to the instructor's purpose).
3) Is the technology stable. I've used plenty of "neat" technologies that have become obsolete rather quickly, forcing me to adopt something else and make changes to the class. Choosing a stable technology will require less forced change in the future (or at least changes that are less intrusive).
Each of these considerations is important. The first concerns the students, the second concerns the course subject/structure, and the third concerns both the course/structure and the instructor's time and planning efforts.
- Mark Wegley
Erica,
The course, instructor and students - all essential elements. The student population must be taken into consideration along with the course goals and outcomes. Thanks!
Alfred,
Good plan. You have to know why you are using the technology and what it can do for the students. The prerequisites are very important. Thanks for bringing that to the conversation.
Michael,
Yes, we don't want the students to get frustrated while using communication technology. We want them to be able to use it fully and have it help the students as well. Thanks!
Dr. Christopher,
You are right - it's a hard decision to narrow it down to three, but you have made good choices. Thanks for your input.
Gail and Sandy,
Thanks for your input and for continuing the conversation. A dependable tech support is essential.
Audrey,
Excellent and succinct list. These are essential components. Thanks for your input.
Michael,
If the communication tool is not appropriate and/or useful, the students will not use it or will be frustrated. Either way, it won't enhance the communication process for sure. Thanks!
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, it is important to consider the course, the instructor, and the students. It is important to consider the course because communication tools should be based on what will effectively serve the purposes of the course. Next, the instructor should be considered, because the instructor will need to provide instruction on how sites work and can be used, and will also be sought after by students when students run into problems with the communication tool. Therefore, instructors should only use the tools they are comfortable using. This does not mean that instructors should not try and get comfortable with new tools, if the tool they typically use proves to be ineffective. Finally, students should be considered because students have to be able to access and use the tools chosen by the instructor. If students do not have the software necessary to support certain programs, the programs will be ineffective. If the student population is one that typically can't afford to buy software, or does not have reliable internet connection, the instructor should consider sticking to communication tools that are asynchronous and readily available, so everyone can access the tool.
Three things I would consider are:
1. Purpose - what would this technology communication tool do for the classroom?
2. Adaptability - can students use this with ease/little training as possible?
3. Prerequisites - what resources are needed to run this program? (processing power, microphone, etc.)
I believe when using technology communication tools, it is important for it to be appropriate or useful for that course. If the tool is not useful, it will be of no benefit to the student. Secondly, the tool should not be complicated for the student to operate or access. The students should be able to access tool without going through a long tedious process. Students will feel as though it's a waste of their time, become impatient and never utilize the tools purpose. Last, I believe there should be support/assistance for the user. Some many times there are issues that the students have with different tools and trying to solve them on their own can be nerve-wracking. If there is a support team available the issue can hopefully be resolved without deadline and assignments being missed.
Michael
Limiting to three things is really difficult as there are so many. But, what I look for is:
1. Does it make sense? I am not a fan of using technology just to use technology.
2. Is it sustainable? By that I mean can the students handle it and is there support. It is great to start with technology but this can go very wrong if there is no support structure for both the students and the faculty.
3. Cost.... I know this isn't discussed that often but one of the things I look for is cost. Can the students afford it?
I think I want to add availability as well. In this global market is the technology available to all students?
-Chris
Great list Sandy,
I also believe that you must have a great Tech support to help with the technology you are using as depending on the number of student you have, it can be very time consuming to have to walk each student through the process. As a new online instructor I depend on my tech support for the students that need extra help.
The most important considerations are:
1. Accessiblity / Navigation Ease
2. Communication Tool
3. Technical Support
Audrey
I believe when using technology communication tools, it is important for it to be appropriate or useful for that course. If the tool is not useful, it will be of no benefit to the student. Secondly, the tool should not be complicated for the student to operate or access. The students should be able to access tool without going through a long tedious process. Students will feel as though it's a waste of their time, become impatient and never utilize the tools purpose. Last, I believe there should be support/assistance for the user. Some many times there are issues that the students have with different tools and trying to solve them on their own can be nerve-wracking. If there is a support team available the issue can hopefully be resolved without deadline and assignments being missed.
Michael
Sloan,
There is such a variety of students and classrooms, that - you're correct - one type of technology may work better for one class than another. This factor may affect the relationship with students and how the class moves forward. Nice job.
Shirley,
Starting with the instructional design is key. It's great when instructional designers work closely with the instructor to make there there is a match between design and learning outcomes. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Desiree,
I bet you have learned a lot in those three years. ;-) We all have time limits on our time and should work to structure time for us and our family within all we have to do. Engagement is essential and the number of students can affects that effort as well. Thanks!
Janet,
I know it's hard to narrow it down to three things, but you did a good job. Reliability, affordability and user-friendly make the communication more accessible and students will use it more often. Thanks for your input.
