In order to be successful in the online learning environment, we need to have appropriate "tools" for communicating. First, students should possess the skills needed for enrolling in an online course. If students are lacking basic "communication" or "technical" skills to operate their computers and communicate from a "distance," they may need additional assistance. Secondly, an outstanding technical support center will also aid in communication. If students run into problems with technology, a technical support center should be ready and willing to assist in order to eliminate any technical problems. And, finally, the material used in the classroom should be suitable for an online class situation. These are only three tools that may aid in effective communication in online learning.
LE,
You bring up a very important point: FERPA. It is essential to keep student information secure. The course should also be accessible to all students and making sure the students can use the necessary technology is essential. Thank you.
Michael,
Making sure students have access to the course and course content is important. Communication is also essential and making sure students know where to submit assignments and how they will be evaluated is key to their success as well.
Alfretta,
Excellent. Making sure all students can access the course content and making sure the students are engage in the content is essential. Thanks for your input.
The most important element that I consider are:
1: Security - Will this product place me at risk of creating a violation of FERPA privacy rules.
2. Ease of Use: Is the tool easy to use with an intuitive user interface. I try to use tools that the students will find easy to learn and easy to use.
3. Compatibility: Will the technology selected work on most popular personal computing platforms (Apple and PC)
Does every student have equal access to the communication tool?
Is the communication effective for Student to teacher and teacher to student communications?
can the students communicate with other students easily to increase their social awareness?
Clear channels of communication open up the online experience to increased levels of participation and knowledge sharing. One learns much from working with the group that may be difficult to achieved on their own. Writing style and dialouge are enhanced in the online environment and improve over time with good communication tools.
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in the online learning environment I believe the three most important things to consider are:
1) Accommodating – the classroom should provide feedback opportunities for and to students. Also instructors should provide regular contact with students in order to provide guidance and support throughout the course.
2) Interactive Environment - courses should be designed to promote a good and ongoing dialog in student to student and teacher to student communications. This of course should include constructive interactions using such tools as discussion boards, emails, and chats.
3) Accessibility of course materials - course materials should be easily accessible, as well as easy to understand. And any multimedia tools available for use at a level that the average student would be able to understand how to access and use the tool. So students should be provided with good instructions on how to access and use tools available in the virtual classroom.
1. is the technology user-friendly or does it require you and the students to jump through upmteen hoops to do one simple task?
2. does the technology fit my needs as an instructor?
3. if the tech fits my needs as an instructor, does it fit the needs of the students?
Cheryl,
Nice job and thanks for your input. There are so many things to think about but using the right tool, makin sure it's accessible and assessing it's effectiveness are all essential.
Three important things to consider when assessing the use of technology in the classroom are: 1. Whether you are using the tool that is best suited to easily allow for communication. 2. Whether all students have the ability to access the technology. 3. If there have been functionality issues associated with the particular technology in the past. This can be assessed through formative and summative feedback.
Noreen,
You are so right. It's a constant thing to keep up, but we must. Thank you.
It is very important to keep up with the current trends. We are in a very fast paced world therefore using outdated technology produces frustration.
Mary,
We all learn as we go. I never really understood what students felt until I took an online course. I did this to get the student experience. I learned so much about what to do and what NOT to do. Those are good lessons. Thakns for your input.
Tipton,
A welcoming message is a great idea. Using discussion forums, email and a variety of communication tools helps communicate to all students. Nice job.
Reading the responses from others; I wish I had taken this course earlier in my distance education career. Even though I read many times that technology depends on the user as to how effective it is, I never understood the impact of the user (student) as I do now. There are so many things to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools but I believe the top three are cost, available technology and skill level of the user and how you will fill the gap in skills if there is one.
It is so important that the user be able to afford the software/hardware or at least to have several options should one of those not work out. In a 100% online program, what happens if the student's computer self-destructs? In orientation, we tell students to not only have Plan A and Plan B but they may want to consider several more options if their Internet or computer fails them.
The second most important is not only the student having the correct equipment to interface with the LMS but they must have some basic technological skills. When a student lacks the basic skills, the student typically feels frustrated and finds time management (time being spent on learning basics) to be a challenge. Time management is one of the key components to an online student's success.
If basic knowledge is missing, then the last item is how will the platform, instructor, and curriculum communicate the information so all students can learn without fear of technology "eating their homework".
Email, telephone and discussion forums. In our course we use an initial email I2S communication that is a welcome message with instructions and overview the course and online navigation to our site. Email works best at if there is confusion, student responds with questions, we make a phone call for backup and clarification. After that we monitor discussion forums with student reponses to questions and where students submit assignments for grading and feedback.
Joseph,
You hit the nail on the head when you noted that taking the feedback from the students is essential. Excellent.
The class size does affect how you teach and what tools you use. Thanks for your input.
Paula,
Knowing what the students kmow, even about technology, is essential. Using a variety of tools allows all students to be able to get information and participate.
Thanks for your input.
You should consider the size of class to pick what type of media to use. Then you should evaluate the class to see which media for those students will be most successful. By this I mean, look at the equipment available to the class. Finally, I would consider the feedback from the students to see if it is successful in teaching.
I think the three most important things to consider are:
1) In terms of their computer system, will it allow for installation of the communication tools discussed? (i.e. is it compatible with the programs)
2) How technologically inclined are the students? Do they know how to set up an email account, how to reply, or how to attach a document if applicable? Do they know how to post on Facebook or use an instant messenger program? Are they capable of learning it? Is there technical support that can assist the students if they are technologically challenged?
3) In terms of the different types of tools, is the student able to utilize the method used? Facebook or a discussion board would be a very effective tool for a student who was deaf but telephone communication or Skype may not be.
