Sharon,
You started your posting off perfectly! Yes, communication is the key and in your second paragraph, the last question is crucial: Can the same results be achieved with a more accessable technology?
The questions you ask throughout your posting are very helpful. Online instructors should ask these questions for every class they teach.
Thank you for your input.
Communicating effectively with students is key to a student's success in the course and the overall program. Online students often feel disconnected and the right communication tools can help to bring connection and cohesion to the classroom.
The first consideration should be accessability to the communication tool. Students may be facing a number of challenges as they attempt to access technology. What are the technological requirements for using the particular tool? Is there an additional cost to the student? Can the same result be achieved with a more accessable technology?
Next the instructor should determine the ease of use for the particular technology communication tool. Even though students may opt for an online program or an online course within their program, their technological knowledge will vary. It is easy for online students to feel overwhelmed by the virtual classroom environment, especially if they are not traditional students. A communication tool that is complicated to use will only add to their frustration. Additionally, instructors will want to consider how easy it is for them to use the tool. What kind of set-up is involved? How easy is it to track student participation? Is the communication tool more efficient or is it more time-consuming than alternative tools?
Finally, what are the benefits of the technology communication tool? How does it help students to be successful in the course? Does it connect students to the instructor and to each other in a way that builds community and improves retention? Do the students find the tool beneficial or cumbersome? Evaluating the tools on an ongoing basis will help the instructor find the combination that provides the best outcome for the most students.
If a communication tool is accessable, easy to use and beneficial, there still may be some work to do with students who are having difficulty with a tool. It is important that these students not be left behind. What are some things that can be done to help these students?
Allen,
Thanks for you great contribution to this forum. I like that you covered communication thoroughly. It's good to not just rely on email, but provide other options for communicaiotn.
I also have the 24 hour rule. Some people have a 48 hour rule, but that can seem like forever to students. ;-)
Thanks again.
Hello All,
Good evening! When it comes to online teaching, I do believe that the most important and basic work for communication technology should be done be the admissions and administrative team before the students even take online classes. By this I mean the students should be notified and have as part of the admissions process high speed internet access, contact phone number, a computer, an email address, and so on. These items are basic and it does the instructor and student no good if these items are not in place. Instructors should never come across a situation in an online class where students do not have an email address. If this happens it must be dealt with of course. However, it is always better to have the basics covered first.
Once the basics are covered, it is important to then determine the best way to communicate with students. It is of utmost importance to actively participate in the class and be responsive to students within 24 hours. Sincerity, rather than just going through the emotions, is very important. I use email, discussion threads, and announcements as the primary way to communicate with students. I do make a daily posting of some kind in the courses in all three mediums. When necessary, I do also have telephone calls with my students. Skype is another tool that I like to use. Bottom line...be sincere and communicate with students...and provide a quality learning experience is what is important.
I welcome any comments and insights. Thank you and have a great night!
Allen
Shanel,
You are correct. These are important components to consider when using technology in an online environment. Thanks for your input.
The three most important things to consider when assessing the use of technology in a virtual learning environment would be:
1. Ease of use - Some students are not a technologically advanced as others and may already be frustrated with learning the LMS. Therefore, I feel it is more important to use technology that is easy to use so that you are not teachning the technology along with the lessons in the class.
2. Purpose - Does it benenfit the class? In other words, are we using it to better assist the students?
3. Cost - You want to ensure you use technology that is basically free as to not burden, the instructor, students, or school.
Quiana,
Thank you for your organized and comprehensive thoughts. Student vary in their knowledge, abilities, etc. including IT competency. Understanding where they are coming from and how to communicate and help them in the best way is important.
Nice job.
1. Ease of use
2. Compatibility with various systems and equipment
3. Allows for multiple mediums
As an online instructor, I have found that the degree of computer literacy varies a great deal and any communication tool would need to be assessable to any and all levels of IT competency.
I have also noticed that many students do not have the same software or even versions of software, so that may be something that would impede their progress.
Lastly, a communication tool that would appeal to as many learning styles as possible would be optimal. Allowing students to hear the conversation and see what is being accomplished would create the best results.
Michelle,
Thank you for the depth of information you have provided in this forum. You are right on target with thinking now about accessibility, course content and technology/tools.
Nice job.
I believe the three most important aspects to consider when utilizing communication tools in an online environment are:
1. Accessibility - Can the students easily access the communication tool?
2. Subject matter translation - Does the subject matter translate across the medium being utilized?
3. Cost effectiveness - How much does the software or “tools†needed cost?
It has been my experience, that if students do not know how to use something, many will just “suffers in silence†and not ask for help. I would want the whatever tool I choose to use to be user-friendly for all levels. Some course material or programs of study may not translate well when using certain types of communication tools. I teach in the Allied Health Field and many of my classes would benefit from a synchronous environment due to the nature of the material presented. I have had great success with programs like Adobe Connect Professional. Lastly, if the students have to pay extra for a communication tool, you run the risk of the majority of the class not purchasing the required components.
Ms. Melendrez,
Thanks for the questions. I think many students don't necessariyly need supervision, but they may need assistance especially if they have not learned online before. Technology is essential and it's important to tell students what is exepcted of them so they are prepared with the technology.
Is the psychological change referring to learning online? Thank you.
Hello Nicole: I was wondering if you could elaborate on your number one: Subject matter? I agree that some courses required hands-on training, but many medical and dental courses (to name a couple) offer virtual hands-on training. Thanks.
I believe the three most important things to consider for technology communication tools are:
1) The technology comfort-zone of the instructor and students
2) The user-friendly tools and software
3) Effective communication to enhance student retention
Both instructors and students must feel comfortable using technology. If either struggle, communication might be lost. The communication tools should be user-friendly because educators want the students to concentrate on the concepts of the lessons, not which buttons to click. Finally technology communications should be positive and avoid flaming so that learners can feel comfortable throughout the communications of a course.
Hi.Three things we need to ask:
Can they take the course without supervicion?
Do they have access to technology in their environment?
Are they psychologically prepared for this change?
Ms Melendrez
Doug,
Good input. You are right. If the students are already using it, there is no learnig curve and they'll be checking it often.
Thanks!
Popularity among students may be one thing to consider. If the students are alreading using the medium, then it will be easier to stay in touch. Anther point would be the nature of the information being passed along. If it is more personal or specific to one student then a one-to-one type of technology would be better. Also the amount of data that is being used will also dictate which technology needs to be used.
Sharmalan,
Thanks again for your input. It is difficult at times for instructors and students both to transition from the F2F classroom to the virtual classroom. You bring up very good points.
there are few main criterias to ensure effective virtual learning.Examples as what's been stated in the discussion , availability of the technology , subject matter , objectives and goals to what they have to achieve at the end of the course , to what extend the practicality of the subject matter is met, ability of the students to cope , their psychological preparation on the changes from classroom teachings to virtual learning.there are more that can be stated but every aspects has to be evaluated carefully to ensure the effectiveness to virtual learning as this is a drastic change from one learning environment to another
John,
Right on target. The assessment of what technology is available is a great place to start. It's also important to know what the technology can do for you and your students. Technology should not replace the instructor, but facilitate communication and learning.
Thanks!
First and foremost what technology is available to the students and instructors.
Second, is the students level of knowledge and capability with the technology that is going to be used in the course.
Finally,is the instructor's level of knowledge and capability.
