Technology Communication Tools
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, what do you believe are the three most important things to consider and why?
The first is how the technology communication tool will be used by the students. Second, is the technology communication tool going to advance communication or hinder it. Third, is the technology communication tool easy to use.
James,
Glad you brought up the idea of having a plan B. We always have to make sure we have a back up plan. Thanks for your input.
I believe that the tools chosen to communicate should;
1. Be readily available to all participants and at no cost. Most students taking online classes are very familiar with the technology mentioned in this block. I feel that by asking students to "purchase" additional software/hardware would promote many of them dropping out.
2. Be flexible enough for the instructor to customize and make changes if necessary to adapt to changing learning methods
3. Have a "Plan B" method of communicating to all participants just in case one of the methods has problems.
Gracie,
Students' access to technology is key. I always put in my syllabus, along with an announcement, what technology students are expected to have access to. This "sets the stage" and puts the expectations up front. Thanks for bring your list to this forum.
1. I think it is important to consider what your students have available to them. Do they mostly have their own computers or do they use a computer lab at specific times?
2. I think it is important to see what your students are most familiar with and be sure to provide tutorials for students who aren't familiar with technology.
3. I think it is important to consider how big or small your group is. Also, consider what they prefer...take an online poll at the beginnig of class to see where their level of comfort lies.
Jacqueline,
Good ideas. Thanks for the information and making us think about the resources you have provided. Thanks again.
1. Will students be able to use the communication tool properly? I would want to try and provide resource, videos, or help desk contact information for all of the communication tools I will be using.
2. What am I going to be using it for? Do I want to talk to one student, start a class discussion, or provide a way for students to communicate with each other. There are a lot of great resources out there that offer all of these options. For example: Google has email, they are working on there own social site, instant messaging, and VolP that are all free to users.
3. How easy will it be for me to monitor the time I am seen as available to the students. I want to make my classes to where I can contact them from anywhere to answer questions, but I do not want to be seen as being available every minute of every day.
Elizabeth,
The technology type, accessibility to the technology and clear expectations are all key to the success of the students in the online learning environment. Thanks!
Carolyne,
The course content plays an essential role in the teaching process. Without effective communication tools, students will not be able to effectively reach the learning outcomes. Thank you.
Perry ,
Live lab and synchronous environments provide opportunities for students to ask questions and help them understand the course content. Thanks for your input.
Perry and Nicole,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Students do need to know that they have support also to help them achieve the objectives. Nice job.
Perry ,
It's important to consider the audience and make the technology readily accessible for students to use. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Darcel,
The technology tools and how students can access them is important. The students must be able to use the technology to help them reach the learning objectives. Nice job.
I believe that the three most imoportant things to consider when assessing the use of technology are
1. The type of technology that is going to be used to communicate with the student.
2. Does the student know how to properly access and use the communication method.
3. The student must know the rules of the communication method such as what is expected of them and what to expect from the instructor.
Elizabeth
The first thing I could consider is the content of the course taught: An English online class might use technology communication tools other than what an Introduction to Computer online course would use.
The second thing to consider is what type of technology communication tools are available for the type of online course I am teaching: to enhance the teaching of the course and communicate effectively with the students.
The third thing to consider is the ease of learning and using a particular technology communication tool and what works for one student might not work for another. A variety of technology tools should be utilized.
James and Marie,
I like the idea of the live lab based on the students who are auditory learners in the class being engaged in this format. Seminars, chat sessions, or brief meetings online that are live offer insight and clarity about the course content through mediated interpersonal communication.
The techniques can be good for students to have to supplement their learning in our courses.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
Nicole,
I enjoyed reading your feedback, and I listed the audience as a main consideration. I think you are correct that if the students are not able to comprehend and apply the tools, then issues can occur. I think noting system requirements is also important when considering how the tools function and operate with ease.
Technical support being able to help students is also important to consider in case an issue occurs with the tools.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
Greetings!
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, I believe the three most important things to consider and why are:
1. The audience because students have to be able to have consistency and the ability to use the tools if needed or not to be impeded by the use of the tools in the online courses. The size of the audience should be considered to determine what tools are best.
2. The design for comfort, ease of use, availability, and reason the tools are being used should be considered to have the proper learning occur without obstacles based on functionality, as much as possible, per se.
3. The popularity of the tools because students may be more likely than less to use materials or tools that have already been part of their learning in a ways that is beneficial and has a positive pattern.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
Since I am a computer teacher, I would have to say the three most important things to consider when assessing technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment would be:
1)A reliable computer capable of performing the task set forth in the course syllabus. For example if the task is to install an operating system then the computer should be capable of performing that task. I find some students sign up for an online course, and then go out and purchase a new PC or the MAC with no knowledge on how to reach the virtual learning environment or how to submit an assignment.
2)It is also important to have the correct version of Microsoft Office software. Some new systems only come with Microsoft Works, Word Pad, and Note Pad. A trial version of Microsoft Office is temporary.
3)A reliable Internet connection is a must. I would recommend Verizon FIOS or Cable. In a remote locate staying connected during chats, submitting assignments, tutoring sessions, and discussions is important. Last thing is to have a have virus protector such as Norton or McAfee.
Darcel Tolliver
