Bruce,
Like that idea. Have a "technology" night and let them all ask questions in a synchronous environment. Good thought.
Colleen,
Excellent. You have brought up many things to think about and I like your "consideration" list. You are right that online students may be doing the bare minimum and we have to help keep them motivated and provide them with easy tools to use. Thanks!
A session needs to be implemented to discuss the technology aspects of the online environment. Students can ask questions and the instructor can dispel any issues or concerns the students may have.
I think the three most important things to consider when assessing the use of technology tools in a virtual environment are: whether the students took advantage of the learning tool,
whether the technology tool enhanced the achievement of learning objectives, and whether the technology tool was relatively easy to implement.
Many of my online students try to do the bare minimum, and won't start using the tools I provide until they receive low grades. So that's why I think the tool needs to be easy to use, and the students need to see the benefit of using the tool.
Dr. Vicki,
And the conversation continues - thank you! We do have to be careful not to make assumptions about the students skills. Thanks!
Hi Samia and Jim: Agreed. It's easy to take for granted that students are already technologically savvy. Otherwise, why would they be enrolled in an online course? And for certain generations (as in Gen X and Gen Y), they've grown up with some type of technological/electronic device close at hand. Still, making assumptions about student readiness and familiarity with the technology is dangerous and I applaud your efforts to make their learning experience more meaningful. Vicki W
samia and Jim,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We have to take so much into consideration when thinking about communication tools. Thank you for your input.
samia,
Love all of your "abilities" - availability, reliability, and accessibility. That captures what we are looking for in communication tools. Thanks!
Jim, definitely the abilty for all users to utilize the technology is a must. Otherwise, the communication flow breaks down.
Samia
The availability, reliability and accessibility of a specific technology
The user friendliness of the technology to enable the sharing of content and facilitating dialogue.
Is it for both 1 to 1 (safety)and 1 to group tool
Samia Friesen
Heather,
the content does play a key role in the communication process. It's good you are thinking this through.
Thank you.
The three important things to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools are:
1. The subject matter that I am teaching. Do I need to share my laptop, do students need to see me, is it just lecture, etc.
2. The technology capabilities of my students. Are they required to have certain software, etc.
3. The technology capabilities of my computer, and abilities.
Laura,
You bring up some very good points and given us much to think about. You do have to consider the tool in combination with the audience. That's a key factor. Thank you.
Hello,
1) The purpose for which you are utilizing the tool.
2) What sort of interaction you want the individual or group of individuals to experience; and
3)the best quality process for achieving the type of learning you want the students to achieve.
Why? Because if you are using an ill-fitting tool that is efficient but does not permit you to achieve your purpose your selection is a waste of time.
Because a student will glean very different learning experiences from, say, synchronous or asynchronous discussion forums but there are strengths and weaknesses for both. If you want to enhance the probability that a student will respond thoughtfully when s/he has the most time it may be that an asynchronous discussion is most important. If, however, the forum discussion serves a discrete learning objective upon which additional learning will be built and there is a timeframe that must be met - a synchronous conversation may be the most efficient use of time while simultaneously maximizing peer learning.
Because sometimes you want students to understand a very specific point and sometimes you want them to understand a broad and general concept. Sometimes you want them to give instantaneous feedback and sometimes you want their thoughtful reflection. There are several different types of technology communication tools available within each category of audience you are targeting (small group, large group and social networking). Thoughtful selection of the most appropriate tool for the type of audience you want to have AND the type of learning you want to achieve will most likely result in quality of learning that achieves your objectives.
Laura Smythe
Susan,
All those "ability" words. ;-) Availability and portability are essential. Thanks for including privacy as we need to definitely consider that as well. Thank you.
Madhuchanda,
Glad you mentioned formative and summative feedback. The tools we use will play a part in both. Thanks for your input.
Ben,
Many times people forget to assess the tool. They just use it and move on. Your questions will help others see how to quickly, but effectively assess the communication tool they are using.
Thanks for your input.
lindsey,
Nice list. Thanks for adding to the conversation and pointing out the the communication tool is the center point for effective communication.
Thanks!
I believe it is important to consider:
1. Availability - the communication tool must be widely available to all students and should be able to be used from virtually any computer. A student (and instructor) should be able to access the communication tool from secondary or public computers in the event his primary computer is unavailable
2. Portability - users should be able to access the communication tool while on-the-go. Those who learn and teach in the online classroom appreciate the ability to attend class via a smart phone or tablet. Communication tools should be easy to use on the go as well.
3. Privacy - students, instructors, and administration should be comfortable knowing that the communication is secure and the content is private.
1. The material to be covered - which tool is the most appropriate.
2. Students' access to the tools - some tools may be more readily accessible than others.
3. Which tool provides for the most effective way to gather formative and summative feedback.
Chanda Ghose
