1) commitment
2) knowledge of tools
3) teaching fundamentals.
Hi Everyone,
When using technology in the classroom I would try to assess some key points.
1. The fit to the content material. In other words, how will the technology inform and marry with the concepts that I am trying to share with my class?
2. Is the technology user-friendly? When we think about students in the military, or those who may be using public computers, is the technology user-friendly?
3. Is the technology tranlatable to the real world? Students like information that is hands-on and applicable to real-world issues. How will this technology help them in their careers?
Best,
Julie
Hello Christi. I agree with your assessment. I have also had issues with technology. Although most students do not use MACs in my online classes, I have found that those who do sometimes have compatibility issues.
Hello Tia. Your point about additional "checking in" is well taken. In the online environment, students often need to have frequent communication with the instructor in order to feel that they are meaningfully involved in the class.
Hello Nicole. I completely agree that the student's system capabilities are a major concern. If the students do not have the minimum system requirements, they will not be able to effectively participate in the course.
Three most important things to consider:
1. The technological ability of the students in the class.
2. The expense involved...can the students afford the required technology?
3. The course iself. Some courses require extra care because they are not as readuily adaptable to the online environment as other courses.
Hello Donna
I agree the technology you are using should be a good fit for the task at hand.
1. Is the technology easy to use
2. Does the technology display the correct content
3. Is the technology readily accessible to the students
Tia,
You have provided some good points. I totally agree with point number 3. We really need to check in with our students as we don't have the advantage of being face to face.
1. Accessibility of the tools - are they easily obtained, easily installed if needed, easy to access and is cost included with their tuition or are they free.
2. Usability of the tools - are the tools straight forward to use, can the students understand how to use and find what they need fairly easily.
3. Do the tools fit the needs - do the tools provide the capabilities needed, such as real time collaboration for live chats or classroom sessions, asyncronous tools such as discussion boards, etc.
David,
Excellent. These all help provide for a successful learning environment. Nice job!
David,
It takes some time to get use to new technologies. Keep it up.
Arijana ,
Human contact, email and social media - they can all be beneficial. Thanks so much.
Hi Tena,
1. Knowing the aspects of the communication program completely.
2. Insuring the students understand the use of the software completely.
3. Establishing protocol for proper civil usage.
Hi Nicole, I think that another issue is the technological understanding the instructor has as well. I have been in a position where there is new technology and I have also observed instructors fumbling with new technology. I have been there myself.
Dave
1. Telephone- Nothing beats human contact. If we can’t meet face to face I think that talking on the phone will be most useful to set the tone, feel out attitude, get to feel like you know the person. For instructors it is very important to give students that option so they feel comfortable to call. I think that most of us are so very comfortable with using technology to communicate that it is very hard to realize that there are still a lot of people out there that aren’t
2. Email- Most widely used and gives you a lot of room to put certain points in writing. Can be impersonal but if we need to record something in writing with proof of when it was sent and to whom no better way to do than email. Unfortunately there is a lot of times when we have to go back and defend ourselves to prove that we sent something so e mail keeps best records for that.
3. Social media- Good way to communicate but not professional and most definitely not private type of information
Kimberly,
It's so important to choose tools that meet your needs and the needs of your students and that are easy for everyone to use. Nice job. Thanks for your input.
Jennifer,
I also stress to students that the course I teach is a professional course and we communicate in a professional manner. Your discussion about the issues that arise are important to think about. Thanks!
William and Mike,
I also put a "troubleshooter's guide" on my LMS and students can check there when they have issued. And, I add to it each semester so it continues to grow. It helps.
William and Tia,
Thanks for your input and thanks for continuing the conversation. It's good to get different ideas from each other.
