Dwayne,
Compatibility is a big deal. We have students using so many different devices to connect online and it's important that they can connect wherever they are. Through this they will become engaged and interact with others. Thanks!
I believe that the three most important things to consider when assessing the use of technology communications in a virtual learning environment are:
1. Is the tool compatible with multiple technology platforms / connection speeds / etc.
2. Is the tool a 2-way communication model that is interactive and engaging for the student
3. Does the tool enhance the learning experience and if so, how
These are all questions that need to be answered in order to effectively assess the tool. At the end of the day you want a tool that simply makes things better. This means the tool is consistent, and clear to use and a compelling way to better the course experience.
Thank you,
Dwayne Roark
Margarette,
Excellent. Students need to be able to easily use the technology and afford it as well. Without these two, they will not communicate. Thanks!
Hello all,
So many great answers already on the board, but when I consider what to use, my top three considerations are:
1) Ease of use. Many of the students I teach are online newbies, so too many bells and whistles can throw them.
2) Cost. I teach a lot of students for whom this is a major consideration.
3) Availability. What is available to my students? And one of the schools I work at also bans use of social media, so that's not "available" as a source.
A fourth consideration is what is that task that needs to be done? Will the tool fit the job? That's at tie with three, perhaps!
Donald,
We have so much to assess, but assessing the technology is important. If we don't know what works and what doesn't work, we can evaluate the best technology for the job. Thanks!
In my opinion, the three most important things to consider in assessing technology is:
1. Ease of use.
2. Availability
3. Commonality
By ease of use. I mean that the software application should be easy to use. This means that fewer keystrokes, the better. Availability means that anyone can use the system and that it is typically for a or at least paid for by someone else other than the user or the student. Commonality means that the as software application must be in common usage. Everyone should know about the software, or a least virtually everyone. These are the three criteria that I consider are important.
Russell,
I have taught courses in which compatibility has been a big issue. It's good to provide troubleshooting guides to assist with this. Thank you.
The three most important things to consider is the compatibility with other systems, as we do not want to have systems that do not work together and upset the students.
Two, we want it to be user friendly, meaning that most people can use it without training of some sort.
Third, there should be technical support available so students can call in or faculty can as well to solve it.
Janette,
Definitely. Without technology that can be easily used, visually appealing and adaptable, there won't be much benefit from using it. Thanks!
1. Ease of use. The technology should be user-friendly and intuitive. It should be clear where to go to find information.
2. It should be visually appealing. It doesn't need bells and whistles necessarily, but should not look like mostly blank screens with type.
3. Adaptability. Can the site be changed to suit my needs as an instructor. Can I adjust pages on my own without needing IT support.
Anne,
Excellent. If it's not available and easy to use, the students and instructors won't use it. With a 5 week course, it's essential the technology communication tools work effectively to quickly get through the course. Thanks!
Eric,
It's great to have 24/7 technology support as long as it's not the instructor. Many publisher now provide the support and technology which is great. Thanks!
1.Availabiity with affordability. Many of our students are managing their lives on a very limited budget.
2. Ease of use for the student and instructor. Both groups have limited time. If the use is difficult it could hinder both from fully participating.
3. Use across all courses. Our courses are 5 weeks long. There isn't time to be learning a new system for each course for our students.
Hi.
Here are my thoughts:
*Ease of use: All online communications should be user friendly...This should have a positive impact on retention.
*24/7 Student Support: This kind of real time support will enhance student learning.
*Leveraging all communication tools: Instructors should use all course related communication tools in order to keep in contact with students.
Best, Eric Freeman
Jeremy,
Can you elaborate on why these are effective and how they will enhance the online environment?
Look forward to your next post. Thanks!
Ease of Access
Student Understanding
Ability to convey info to students.
Russell,
The technology must be used to help students communication and achieve the learning outcomes. Facilitation and communication both can be enhanced through the technology as well. Thanks for your input.
When assessing online technology for the virtual environment the development of these systems should depend on compatibility to course and learning outcomes to be achieved. Technology should be streamlined and customized to fit the specific needs of the course and learning objectives. The available technology should be easily accessible and understandable to the student and the facilitator, and have the capability to fit a variety of learning and teaching styles. New technology tools should also be able to change and conform to the evolution of the virtual classroom with minimal disruption.
F. Javier,
You are right on target. We have to connect the learning outcomes to all we do and improve our communication with students through that transparent technology. ;-) Nice job.
The three most important things to consider:
1. The group of students (audiencie)involved in the communication process. Many times the group is not as homogeneous as we think, specially when coming from all over the world.
2. As instructor named, "transparency" degree of technology. The more you ignore it is there, the better.
3. Learning objectives. To what extent technology tool is crucial for them
