Technology Tools
By completing this training, I have learned loads of information regarding technology. I seem to struggle with knowing with technology tool to use and how to make sure it is effective for the course.
I definitely lean toward email and discussion board, and have little knowledge of twitter, facebook, and other networking tools.
Does anyone have this challenge, if so, how have you overcome it?
Chanel
Ron,
Good point. There are many features of so many tools we use that we should take advantage of - so much more than "the basics." Thanks for your input.
I would take the use of social networking tools one step further and say that I want to not only know how to use the tool, but be comfortable with it. There is often much more to these tools beyond the basics, particularly in regards to privacy settings and sharing of content. I feel this should be understood as well to avoid the social media equivalent of a "reply-all" when you wanted to reply privately to someone.
Ron
Chanel,
Glad you are learning through this course and you'll be able to put some of the suggestions into action. I just used email and the discussion board until I thought I would try Facebook. I set up a group just for my class and when students asked to join the group, I gave them permission. Many students like the Facebook interaction and many liked the discussion board. I now ask - what's your preferred way of learning and the class votes. Texting comes up more and more these days, so the next online course I teach, I'm going to try Remind 101 in which I can send one message and it texts all students who have signed up. We just keep trying.
Sharon and Chanel,
Thanks for continuing the conversation about technology communication tools. We don't have to make it complicated, you're right. We need to figure out what works for us and our students.
Chanel, I've decided that I just needed to start by selecting one new technology tool to try; talk to someone who is experienced in that tool and ask for assistance and then dive in and give it a try.
But I did not expect, when I started this unit, that the telephone would be mentioned as a tech tool. Yet I use it. And I believe that it's effective because a phone call is unexpected by the online student. And its a great way to develop a positive relationship. The student, hearing the teacher's voice, can tell that the teacher respects him/her and is genuinely concerned. So sometimes applying simpler and older tools and applying the KISS (keeping it simple)method can be extremely valuable- until the online instructor gets set to introduce more modern tools.
