Keisha,
Ease of Use; Help & Support; and Instructor Familiarity --> You hit the nail on the head. We have to be able to use the technology, get support when we can't figure out what to do and rely on the instructor to be able to effectively use it as well. Thanks for your input.
Ron,
For sure. If the communication tools are not easy to use - and used - we can't reap the benefits from the communication process. Thanks for your input.
When accessing the use of technology in a virtual learning environment, I believe that the three most important things to consider are as follows:
1. Ease of Use - Technology should be user friendly. I believe it is best to keep things as simple as possible so that the focus remains on learning course material and not how to actually use the technology.
2. Availability of help and support - Help and technical support should be readily available and easy to access when troubleshooting is needed. A posted list of FAQ is also extremely useful and a time saver when things go wrong or students need assistance with common and known issues.
3. Instructor Familiarity - Instructors should know and understand the process that students must go through to use the communication tool. Familiarity with the tool makes it easier for the instructor to be the first point of contact to assist students with basic questions and technical support.
The most important is how well it improves the communication process. For that benefit to be realized, the tool needs to actually be used. Therefore, its ease of use for those that have to learn it for the first time and the familiarity for those who may already be using it.
Ron
Michael,
Excellent. Without easy to use communication tools, the students will become frustrated when they communicate or won't communicate at all. That would be a big issue. Thanks for your input.
The technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment which I consider important are:
1) Ease of Use; assists with the process of effective communication because it streamlines access and most forms of commination should be a one stop shop, so if you need to talk and rules are established one shouldn’t have to navigate around to find out where the information for a virtual classroom is.
2) IT support; this must be a 24/7 support operations as malfunctions in any system (to include the instructors) could occur and sometimes this is a result from updates, patches or even things as simple as delayed processing speed could deter students from wanting to participate, especially if it occurs often.
3) Telephonic outreach; either by VoIP, the old land-line, talking and hearing a voice does wonders for everyone (including instructors), it is the most direct means of communication and helps with clarity of information being disseminated.
Michael
Frank,
Good point. We do have to understand where our students are "coming from" and they background. This can enhance our teaching and how quickly/slowly we can help them move toward the learning outcomes. Thanks!
You need to consider the capabilities of the class and their technology capabilities before deciding on which method to pursue.
Monique,
This is so true in so many instances. When we give an oral presentation, it's the same. When we teach, it's the same. We want the message to have impact on the audience for sure. Thanks!
The three things to consider in my opinion is the message, the audience, and the feedback.
Your message must impact your audience in such a way to get the feedback that you intend. Sometimes that is not the case and can send you back to the drawing board.
Monique
Bonnie & Katrina,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. You are right - when frustration levels increase, learning can many times decrease. Thanks again for your input.
Bonnie,
Right on! The tools have to be available and meet the needs of students and the instructor. We have to strive for that enhancement in communication. Thanks!
Edward,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This is how we continue to learn from each other. Thanks for your input.
Patricia,
We do have to carefully think about communication tools and want to make sure all students can use the technology and that it meets the needs of the course, students and instructor. Nice job.
I believe that these are the three most important things to consider with assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment:
1.) Student and instructor accesssability
2.) Student and instructor knowledge of usability of the technology (training resources)
3.) function of the technology to meet the needs of the learning environment and objectives
Hi everyone,
I've enjoyed reading through these posts. There are so many great perspectives offered on the use of technological communication tools in a virtual learning environment. I'd like to share a few of my thoughts on this topic as well. In my experience, students highly value promptness when communicating with their instructor. Adhering to a 24-hour turn-around time strikes me as best practice, and allows students to know that their instructor is present, available, and engaged with their progress in the course. Variety across communication tools is also beneficial to various learning needs of students. Checking in by email and following up by phone, for example, gives students well-rounded access and a range of engagement. Also, incorporating imagery, video presentations, interactive whiteboards, etc., also helps to keep things dynamic in live chat seminars and lectures. I look forward to hearing more of your thought.
Best,
Edward
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment the three most important things to consider are the tools available, virtual classroom design and capabilities, and student generational roles.
The instructor must decide the purpose and the need for the communication tools that will guide and enhance course delivery and encourage student participation and trust.
Katrina:
Students who cannot navigate the technology are already at a disadvantage when the term starts.
Students are less likely to succeed in the class if they are frustrated. Students who start out behind because they can't navigate the course, will be more likely to drop.
Sarah,
Yes - without access to the material through the tools, the students would not be able to meet the course objectives. Finding that "happy medium" is not always easy, but you're right, we have to keep trying to find it. Thanks!
Easy access and readability of the material. If the students can't understand it, it is of no use.
Tech support is vital and often times a difficult thing to master for a school. Because there are times that items can not be solved and the students are frustrated.
And relevant material - it is information from 10 years ago - I am in the medical field and nutrition and things change all the time and there are new ways to do things every month - it seems. You need to find that happy medium where it can be brought together and feedback from students is vital.
