The technology communication tools need to be easy to use and navigate, the availability of technical supports, and the integration of different features that will be needed to facilitate the communication process.
Furthermore, instructors need to assess technology communication tools in both formative and summative formats. Instructors take advantages of formative feedback so that they can apply immediate changes throughout the course if necessary. Moreover, summative assessment is used such as using an end-of-course evaluation to decide based on the feedback if the particular tool can be used the next time the course is taught or there is a better alternative.
The feedback not only from the students but also from the Instructor needs to be considered to keep or replace the technology communication tool. Keep in mind that instructors use any particular technology communication tool mainly to provide and enhance the communication process in the virtual learning environment.
Christopher,
Good point on the size of the audience. We don't need to do a WebEx session to answer a student's email question, or to create a FAQ.
Rodney C.
Dr. Crews,
Excellent point, technology should be the enabler without extra steps, efforts, or problems.
Rodney C.
I believe the three most important things to consider are:
1.) Ease of use, for both the student and the instructor. Example, today many schools are trying to move towards classes on multiple devices, e.g., computer, iPad, iPhone, Android, etc. Yet there are often challenges where even the Browser being used on the basic computer session can cause issues.
2.) 24/7 Quality Tech Support. If students or instructors are trying to use and there are problems, Tech Support can help to narrow the issue down to a system problem or an individual computer/device issues. Without this, students can get confused and anxiety can happen, thus disrupting the learning environment.
3.) Students and instructors meed to have some type of basic training available to help move from a "texting" environment to an academic environment. Example, proper grammar versus texting abbreviations.
Rodney C.
Brian,
Great questions to ask. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Nice job.
Steve,
This forum does provide for a lot of excellent advice in using communication tools. Thanks!
I think the most important qualifications to consider in communication technology are the following:
1) Will the student use it? As the instructor, we bear a lot of the responsibility for communication. We must use tools the student will respond to. If they don't respond to one method, it is often our responsibility to try another. In order to prevent having to use an egregiously large array of tools, the one that most students respond to is the best medium for normal communications.
2) Ease of use. For me ease of use is my ability to communicate with the most students in the least amount of time. Using this perspective, email is much easier than the phone. Sending one email to everyone is simple. Calling everyone takes much more time and can be very challenging.
3) Ability to convey images. I teach math, which can be difficult to explain without writing things down. I find that for communication purposes it is very important to have a visual element. This could be the ability to attach files, post pictures, or share a whiteboard.
Best,
Brian Stout
After reading various responses to this question I would have to agree with Sandy. 1. Make it user-friendly and simple for the student to use and navigate. 2. Tech support is key because their are glitches and issues from time to time either with the online website or with the student's laptops issued by the school. 3. We have a fake student account for all instructors. This helps us log in under the 'student role' so we can see things just as it would appear for the student.
Jonida,
You bring up some good points. We have to make sure the tool is easy to use and available to all students. We all need support for technology as well. Thanks!
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment the three most important things to consider are:
1) How easy it is to use the technology. If the students can’t use the technology because they don’t have the right skills, then there is no point in utilizing the technology.
2) Availability of the technology. We should not use technology that is not available through the school or it cost a lot of money for the students to get it.
3) How easy it is to get support on the tool.
Heather,
Students have to be given guidelines such as "Check email daily" to help them remember to check email often. Then, the communication process can continue. Thanks!
I agree with these three points. Especially point A) It seems a major problem with students I work with is that they are not checking their e-mail for my communications. Finding a tool they are comfortable with will help to rectify the communication problem.
Wenda,
We do have to personalize the environment for sure. The more we communicate the more the students will feel a part of the community. Thanks!
Wenda,
You are right on target. The technology is the key in communication and it's also important to assess what we are using to make sure it's doing the job. Thanks!
Also, technology can seem impersonal and students that feel a part of the course tend to invest more in the course (through assignments, participation, etc.)
Lastly, technology isn't perfect and it's helpful to anticipate the problems (to prevent students from getting discouraged or feeling overwhelm), as mentioned in other posts.
1) Ease of use
2) Does it help the student feel a part of the class/course?
3) What are the issues that can arise, if I use this tool?
Students are not always the same age and may not operate on the same skill level. It's important to help them and guide them, especially if they are unfamiliar with a technology communication tool.
Brenda,
What do you mean by "apply to your audience?"
Thanks for the clarification.
Tonya,
Technology tools need to support the learning and be able to be used by all students. The points you bring to our attention in this forum are excellent. Thanks!
I think the tools apply to your audience and what you wish to accomplish in the course.
1. The tool should be easy to use for both the student and the instructor. There is enough to learn (like being a self-starter), there should not be the hardship of having to learn the technology.
2. Technical support should be 24/7 not just by posted hours, but accessible. That means by phone, chat, email or whatever what is fast for the student.
3. FREE...ok, let's say "cost friendly". Books and tuition are expensive so the tool should be a part of the process or simply free.
(heavy)4. The instructor needs to be versed in the tool as well. It is not nice for the students if the instructor is trying to learn the tool while teaching the course.
