Dr. Ruby,
Thanks for your input. Concise, yet you bring up some very good points. We do need tools that are easy for all to use. The tech support is essential too so that the instructor does not have to spend time with that or get "blamed" when technology does not work. Thanks!
Reliability - consistently work
User friendly - easy to navigate and use
Tech Support - helpdesk/online support available
Ruby
Donna,
Technology communication tools are key elements to the online environment and it is important to make sure the instructor and students can benefit from them and use them easily. I do use a FAQ discussion board for all questions about the course and students can email me if personal questions. Thanks for your input.
Tony and Frances,
Many online instructors agree with you as well. Orientations can provide great overviews of the course or specific assignments/projects, the learning outcomes, etc. Thanks!
Based upon my own experiences, as an online instructor, I find that it’s important to determine the appropriate types of technology communication tools to use, their ease of use for both instructor and students, and to assess the tool’s effectiveness. For example:
I use email as both an instructor-to student communication tool to address issues that are pertinent to an individual student’s success in the course; however, I also use email to send out weekly announcements to all of the students in the course. Then I use an online conferencing communication tool for my weekly office hours that gives me the option of addressing students privately through text chat or VOIP, including attachments for screen share, and giving a presentation, which would allow me to address all of my students on a call. It also has an app that students can download to their mobile devices.
Both email and the conferencing tool are easy to use for both me and the students.
Communication via email proves effective in that most students contact me using this method. The online conferencing tool has had some success when compared to the in-class chat tool, which none of my students have utilized. I believe this is because the in-class chat tool does not offer students the privacy for asking questions that they may feel are “silly.†Even though we know that no questions are silly questions.
Hi Frances-- I agree. Just as brick and mortar schools have orientations to acclimate students to their new surroundings, online programs should have the same with specific emphasis on the tools they must use.
Tony.
Tony,
Does it do what we want it to? Can we use it? Yes, important questions. Your questions will be helpful to others that are looking to evaluation communication or other tools.
Thanks for you input.
Frances and William,
It's great to see that others are doing the same thing or like the same thing we do. Student training is awesome if we can get it. Thanks!
Frances and Sandy,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. When the technology doesn't work, the instruction falsely gets blamed many times. Therefore, the more tech support, the better. Thanks!
Frances,
Definitely. The tool and purpose must go hand-in-hand and we have to make sure all students can use the tool as well. I use Adobe Connect too and a FAQ discussion board that takes care of most issues. Thanks!
I believe the three most important things to consider when assessing a communication tool are:
-Is it easily accessible? Factors such as price, hardware/network requirements and availability impact accessibility.
-What purpose/problem are you trying to address? For example, are you trying to create a collaboration environment?
-Does it enhance or detract from the learning experience? Ease-of-use impact is a significant factor. If the tool is not intuitive then it may detract from the learning experience.
Willie,
I too am a proponent of online programs having mandatory training for students to learn to not only navigate through the classroom but to also know what is available in the classroom. Sometimes I ask students in chat about some feature of the classroom and they will say that they did not know about it. Students are more successful when they use all of the resources (or at least that is my opinion).
Frances
Sandy,
That is a good comment about tech support being available. I wish I had mentioned that since tech support is essential when problems arise. It can keep everyone from a high frustration level.
Frances
When deciding on technology tools to use, it should be decided whether or not the tool chosen meets the intended purpose. For example, if you want classmates to discuss projects, a tool should be chosen that effectively allows discussion between classmates and also with the instructor.
Thought should be given as to whether there is a need for real-time communication or if everyone can access the communication at their desired times. Some tools can be used for both. For example, using Adobe Connect allows real-time discussion with students but also allows the chats to be recorded so that students can review again or view for the first time if the chat time conflicted with work, etc.
Lastly, tools should be chosen that are not difficult for students to learn to use or that would cost too much money for the student. Simple emails that are typically free or come with an online course would be an effective tool that everyone is familiar with and does not cost any money. But consideration should also be given in the delay in getting information since emails may not be checked often.
Frances
MeriAnn,
Your third point may be the most important. It's essential to get the information to students in a way they understand it and can move forward with it. The platform is essential so the information is accessible and easy for students to use. Thanks!
For me I think the most important things to consider would be:
1) access/availability to students (if they can't access or use it, they won't participate)
2) Ease of use and comfort for the students (introducing too many new things per term, may cause the students stress or anxiety)
3) Ability to get the information across to the students that you need (choosing the right platform for what you need to teach)
Muriel,
I agree too. If the tools are not usable, they won't be used. This is not helpful to the communication process. Thanks!
Yes. The tools should be user friendly or easy to find instructions and training for them.
Muriel,
We do have to make sure the technology tools meet our needs, the students' needs, and the needs of the course. There are various communication tools we can use to reach the students individually or in groups. Thanks!
The three most important things to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools are ease of use, availability for students and effectiveness of the communication.
Use of a phone alone is not as effective as the use of large group meeting software to lecture and share information.
~Muriel
