Terry,
Yes, I don't think anyone would argue the fact that communication is essential in the classroom - whether online, blended or F2F. We have to keep striving to do our best in that area. Thanks!
Josh,
We do have to make sure the students can access the technology and that it's user-friendly. Without these two things, the students won't take advantage of the technology. Thanks!
Certainly we all agree that effective communication with our students is important in achieving the goals of an online education course, and technology helps us communicate. Three important things to consider when choosing a means for communication are:
1. Is it readily available? (i.e., a simple click on the course website?)
2. Is it easy to use? If it is difficult, nobody will use it even though it may be effective.
3. Does it enhance the personal contact issue that is so important in online education? Students respond better when they feel they are known by their instructor, that their instructor cares about them, and that they have a personal-professional relationship with their instructor.
When assessing the use of technology communication, I think it is important to consider:
1. If it enhances the communication process in some way. This is pretty obvious, but I think a large part of this just has to do with user-friendliness. I think the technology should make the communication easier and not get the class bogged down in trying to figure out how to use it!
2. I think it is important to consider how the technology can be used. So much of the online course is based on interaction between the participants. Not all the communication technology is going to be used for the purpose of group participation. So, when using it for group participation, it is important to consider how effective it is in connecting the group.
3. I also think it is important to assess where the students find the technology in the classroom. It should be easy to find to make the communication more accessible.
Rachelle and Stacy,
There are many tools that are already "in play" that, you're right, we may not need to add anything else. Just keep communicating. Thanks!
Rachelle,
We, as instructors, do have to stay up to date with the technology and understand how to use it to best help students through the learning process. We need to assess the technology we do use to make sure it is doing what we want/need it to do. Thanks!
LaBoore,
Accessibility is one thing that some people don't think about. I'm glad you brought it up. I'm glad you also mentioned training and support. So necessary. Thanks!
LaBoore,
Interesting. I do teach a class in which I require students to purchase a Web cam, but they are really getting cheap, so I haven't had any problems. Thanks!
James,
You bring up some great points. We do have to support students and make sure they can use the necessary software. Alleviating as much technology anxiety as possible, it a great thing. Thanks for your input.
Hi All,
1. Students first need access (they’ve got to have it). This might seem a small point with Small Group or One-to-One Meeting Software, but it becomes a larger issues with Large Group Meeting Software, some of which is very specific, and Social Networking Sites, which will require students to establish accounts. My experience is that some students are very resistant to Social Networking Sites.
2. Students second need usability (they’ve got to be able to use it). I teach an introductory course and so many of my students are new to the school and to online learning. They are not all tech savvy, and so the systems we employee needs an ease to them. Students who find the interface challenging can disengage with the course and communication before even fuller delving into the materials and lessons.
3. Students need support (they’ve got to have help). When students have non channels for answers they become particularly distressed. Again…in the case of the introductory course I teach, I even try to minimize sending students to tech support. I try to have as many standard answers prepared as possible. If students are reaching out, then I know I need to offer potential solutions as much as possible. It’s my hope this will alleviate any tech anxiety as soon as possible and keep them focus on the class and the communication.
James.
Anne, affordability is important especially for the student. I have noticed that apart from paying tuition, students expect everything else to be "included"
The 3 things that are important to consider when assessing the use of tech communication tools are:
1. ease of use- students and instructors can become frustrated very easily if technology is hard to access and will quit after several failed attempts
2. accessibility is important too because a student's inability to access the technology will inhibit the message. Online, students want to be able to access on their terms and timeline.
3. training & support- no technology is important so if a student or instructor are willing to try it, then training and support are important in case problems arise.
Stacy:
I think that is an important point. The tool should not cost the student anything extra.
I have so many tools available to me I really don't think I would go out and add something extra. My students already have the ability to use IM and we have the chat room where we meet a couple times a week. They have email and I encourage them to text me when they need to. I find that students like that option.
Rachelle
Greetings:
I think first and foremost the instructor must understand the technology and understand how it will benefit the students.
It has to be technology that is easily available to students and doesn't cost anything. I don't think the instructor should be asking students to make any additional investments.
Technical support needs to be available. If students can't obtain support from technical support they will be asking the instructor which may take a lot of time and energy.
I think most of all the technology has to be something that adds to the learning process. I have seen technology used just for the sake of using technology. I would think that the instructor should select a few ways to enhance the communication and stick with those. Too many ways to communicate will be confusing and will begin to detract from the learning.
Rachelle
Katrina,
You are right. Some types of communication take less time than others. It's important to consider that in the process. Thanks!
Tomi,
These are key "E" words. We have to think about timing as well as the message -- plus, the audience. Thanks!
Katrina,
Communication is a two-way process, so everyone has to be involved and able to use the technology. For sure. Thanks!
Tomi and Sandy,
A more simple approach does many times get the job done. We forget about that some times. Thanks!
Katrina,
Good point. Many times people don't think about the type of message they are trying to communicate.
Thanks!
Tomi,
Excellent list. Students must be able to use the technology and know when and how to connect with others. Thanks!
