Personally I look to:
1. The stability of the system
2. The capacity of the system
3. Ease of operating in the system
From a student perspective:
1. The ability to hold discussions
2. The ability to communicate with the student/classmates
3. Repository for assignments and grades
1. As an instructor, I would look at the school’s policy and procedures concerning technology and students. Instructors can not only be inappropriate by the technology they use but it may not be within boundaries of the student’s contract.
2. Checking with the school’s IT Department is crucial. While a tool is appropriate and an excellent product, it may not be compatible with the resources of the IT help desk, even if it is a “free†product. If the student can’t get help from the help desk, this is not a good a good thing.
3. The end users are most important, if the end user does not like the product they won’t use it. It does not matter if who the end user is, student or instructor. Remember, if a product is used by one instructor another instructor may not embrace it. This will put the students in an awkward place.
Lawrence,
Thinking of it from a senses perspective is excellent. This helps us all think about how to deliver the content. Thanks!
Erina ,
I always say use the "lowest common demoninator." Something that meets your need and everyone can use. Nice job.
Alan,
I like the idea of a survey every four weeks. I typically do the stop, start, continue informal survey about three times a semester. These types of periodic surveys give us good feedback and get the student in the habit of providing information so the end of course evaluations are typically better and they involve the students. That's a good thing. Thanks!
I think that tools should engage all three of the student senses. For example, through audio/video and text based through discussions and email. The tools should be easy to use and friendly, such as what we have through a browser.
I think that technology tools should be easy to use, accessible and free. If something costs a lot of money, students will not be able to afford it. Tools that are difficult to use will cause student complaints. Usually web based tools provide the best accessibility.
Several ideas were shared in the lecture including an opportunity to evaluate the ease of use of the tool, where the locus of control is succeeding or failing, and whether or not the technology requirements are actually being met.
We utilize a survey every four weeks in our organization to evaluate instructor performance and course design separately. We can, and often do use the information to identify opportunites for improvement, which sounds a bite rote with the advent of TQM ideas, but that is our intent.
Darrin,
Yes, getting to know your students and knowing what they understand and can do with technology is very helpful. It's good to try to get them all on the "same page." And, the information you can gather from students at the end of the course (and during the course) is essential. Thanks!
Dr. Crews,
I think it's important to know the technology skills of your students, so as to match them with tools that will enhance - not hinder - their communication. I think we can then build on those skills and introduce new tools as time progresses.
I believe it's also important to determine if anyone has any hardware limitations. Determining this as the beginning of the course can help students find the hardware they need and limit frustration later on.
And finally, I think it's important to query students at the end of the module or course to see what worked and what didn't. This can help when planning for future courses.
Trina,
Excellent. Your three all revolve around communication which is a very key element in online learning. Nice job.
Trina,
Nice you have that support.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Trina,
The more you can do to alleviate confusion, the better. These tutorials are helpful.
The three most important thingd that I thing need to be concidered when using technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment are:
1) Are the tools working in a way that is useful to the student ( is the sound working, are things placed when recording a Live Chat so that students can see them, is the recording, recording correctly.)
2)Am I communicating well? (No matter how good the technology is, if I am not using good examples and explanions, none of this technology is going to matter.)
3)Do the students feel comfertable asking questions when they don't understand something? (In a virtual environment there is already a disconect in a personal connection. Student often feel lost. If they know the can ask questions they feel more secure)
Our technology is provided by the institution. It really stream lines things.
This is a good idea. For beginning level courses I need to create tutorials on how to use the different technology systems. Some people get very confused.
Beth,
Your list gives us many things to think about. Thanks for your input.
rick,
The LMS is a big factor. Students need to have access to be able to communicate effectively. Accessibility is key. Thanks.
Dr. Tena Crews,
There are many considerations when accessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment. Three important considerations are:
1. Does the technology have a purpose and value for the students? The technology communication tool need to enhance instructor-to-student and student-to-student communication.
2. The ability of the students to use the technology communication tool. Technology can be intimidating for students, and it is important that they can be provided with clear information on how to access and use the tool.
3. Is the tool most effective for one on one communication or with a group of students.
Beth Burak
They have to adequately support the course communications requirements and be compatible with the LMS. If it's not compatible with the LMS then it's useless and if it's not capable of supporting the instructors requirements it's limited at best.
They should be easy to learn and use. Students have different levels of technology experience and capabilities. If the technology is not user friendly and/or takes a significant amount time and effort to learn then many students won't bother with the tool.
3- Cost is my third factor. Students will be reluctant to invest a substantial amount of money into technology that may only support one class.
