I think one of the most important things to consider is the student able to access and utilize the tools? Secondly, do they have knowledge of how to use them? And thirdly, assess how effective is the tool chosen? Students need to be able access them on their computer system and they need to be able to navigate and use the tools otherwise they will be ineffective. And if one tool proves ineffective it may be more advantageous to use a different tool that will.
Paula
Carlos,
You make a great point. I think accessibility is overlooked too many times.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Reliable equipment, accessibility, and operational knowledge. It might be difficul to assess someone in an online environment when the computer crashes for a student, or no internet access is available to them, and a student is unable to navigate through an institution's platform.
Michael ,
What a great post. Yes, technology should be assessed for the items that you mentioned. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Dr. Wilkinson,
Assuming that the students and instructors have access to and can use any of the available tools without difficulty; it’s important the technology:
1) Is a good fit for its intended purpose. For instance, programs for online quizzes and tests would be appropriate for diagnostic and formative assessment.
2) The technology ought to be suited for the type of course. Some courses require more practice, more hands on learning. Simulations might be better suited for such a course.
3) In other courses, students should work on projects to learn a particular programming language, for instance. Digital portfolios would be more appropriate in that case.
Sincerely,
Michael Luzius
Carolyn,
You are correct. You make a great point. You should always review the documentation to make sure that is is correct and it is an effective guide to perform and use the technology. Great point!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
My three choices are: availability to the student; is it user friendly; is the instructor trained appropriately to use these tools.
What good is it if the student does not have to tool on his/her computer. It could very well be the student is using outdated soft and hard ware.
One thing I hate is trying to figure out a new program! If the instructions are not step-by-step AND crystal clear, then forget it!
If I cannot use the soft/hardware with easy, the student will, in most cases, have more trouble than me!
robert,
Several students have stated that they have students that are in dial up. How would you feel if dial up would not be allowed?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
Great post! You are asking the right questions particularly about flexibility and adaptability.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Peter,
I like the idea of a virtual lab experience. Can you share more?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Joan,
You are so right. As we say in the assessment world; you have to "close the loop" .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kerri,
True, this is where tutorials can really help.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Janis,
True, this is the one thing that can really set a student back in learning particularly with assessments.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
You make a great point. I really have problems using phone in an online course but you make a case for it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
True, students must take the time to learn how to navigate the technology. That is their responsibility.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Adib,
You are correct. All the technology in the world can't ensure validity and reliability.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Deborah,
Great post! I think you are right; tools should be ubiquitous. I also like the comment about how to best use technology to assess learning. What different ways can we do that?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Joseph,
I agree! The feedback that students receive and that we as instructors get as well.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Austin,
that is true! You don't want to add a barrier to student learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Austin,
I have to ask, why did you say paper format retention? What would be the purpose?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
