This is a great way to engage students. Also, is beneficial for visual learners.
Walter,
Nice job. Communication is essential and dependent upon technology. Keep up the good work.
I believe the three most important thing to consider when assessing the use of technology are the following:
1. Who is your audience? Are you trying to communicate with people that are not as techically saavy as others? Can the technology be easily taught with simple step-by-step instructions? Many older students can be easily frustrated with some of today's technology and do not readily accept some of the new techological advances in communications. Many times it needs to be taught to them, so the simpler it is to learn, the more accepting they might become.
2. Technical Requirements - Many online students are dealing with financial issues and may not have access to all of the neccessary technological requirements some of these tools need. Often times these students cannot just easily upgrade their computer to meet the requirements necessary for these newer tools.
3. What is/are the most effective communication methods to help ensure the students can understand the subject matter? As an on-line math instructor, it is extremely difficult for me to visually communicate with my students without an audio portion to fully explain the material. In my particular case, I find it most effective to have the ability for the student to see my computer screen simultaneously with hearing my voice explaining the problems. Conversely, I can better gauge the student's retention of the material by asking them questions and hearing the tone of their voice after reviewing problems with them.
Shana,
Right. The communication tools are essential in all of these areas.
Tammy,
It is great to think about the visual learners. Thanks for bringing them into the conversation.
Lanny,
Audience analysis, technical requirements, and communication are essential. Asking the audience questions to assess their knowledge is excellent. It's a kind of disgnostic assessment that is easy to do. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Tena Crews,
Good to see you in the class. I believe being seen in a class is an important communication tool.
Sincerely,
Walter
9-12-12
Walter,
Yes, seeing is believing. ;-)
Dr. Tena B. Crews
I think the three most important things to consider are:
1. The content of the message- If the communication needs to immediate then an instructor may use email versus another communication tool. The instructor has to decide how what information needs to be sent out.
2. The length of the message- I find that students are reluctant to read long emails therefore posting a video or voice note may help the students gain the most of the information.
3. The number of students- Large groups require more sophisticated communication tools to incorporate the large group. Smaller groups can benefit by simple instant messaging or chat tool.
I think the three most important things to consider are:
1. The content of the message- If the communication needs to immediate then an instructor may use email versus another communication tool. The instructor has to decide how what information needs to be sent out.
2. The length of the message- I find that students are reluctant to read long emails therefore posting a video or voice note may help the students gain the most of the information.
3. The number of students- Large groups require more sophisticated communication tools to incorporate the large group. Smaller groups can benefit by simple instant messaging or chat tool
As an instructor both in-class and online I really feel the most important things are:
1. Will the in-class material translate to an online venue? Also evaluating that the material is effective.
2. Ease of use: they must be able to easily navigate all the inormation to maximize learning and decrease frustration. This is especially true if you have a student that is not "technology friendly"
3. Accessiblity: can presentations and videos be easily downloaded as well as printing out lecture notes, posting in forums, sending homeowork assignments.
Kimberley,
Right on. It is important to connect the students to the proper tool. Communication is the key. Thanks for your input.
Kimberley,
The communication tools are essential to get "the point across.". Keep up the good work.
Jill,
You bring up some very important points. You do have to seriously consider how to transfer a F2F course to an online course. The technology must be appropriate, user friendly and accessible. Thanks!
The three most important facets would be:
Ease of use - students have quick learning curve to intuitive technology
Accessibility - All students, despite geography or wired connection, receive the same learning experience as everyone who may use different things such as a different browser, MAC or PC, etc.
Presence of FAQ and Help files for tool readily available and visible so that students do not have to go searching for answers when they get stuck in a certain area.
Do you think every IT department within an online school should provide FAQs and guides for each of their software used, and not just third party software? This would mean guides for how a particular software would work at a certain school?
- Eileen Wibbeke
Eileen,
Communication tools must be user friendly and work in a variety of environments. I use a FAQ discussion board and students can add issues as they arise and how they solved their own issues. It works well. Thanks for your input.
The following three things are important to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment:
1) What are the minimum hardware requirements of the program?
You want to make sure that you are asking students to use a tool that they actually have the technology for.
2) How difficult is the communication tool to learn or use?
Because students have varying levels of proficiency when it comes to operating a computer or the internet, you want to select a communication tool that is user friendly and relatively easy to use. Otherwise, it can create frustration on the part of the student and make them feel even more distant from the course.
3) Is the communication tool adding to the overall class experience or further complicating it?
A technology communication tool is most effective if it allows students to reach the course objectives. A tool should not be implemented just for the sake of doing so. It should have a specific purpose that is made clear to students.
The three most important things to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment are as follows.
1. technological capabilities of my computer and those of the students
In other words, I have to ensure that my computer can effectively operate the technology and that students' computers are capable as well. If there is a complication that diminishes access, the tools aren't useful.
2. content
It's important to ensure that the information that's being conveyed can be clearly provided through that forum.
3. students' technological abilities
It's significant if students aren't technologically advanced. This also diminishes their access to important information.
Jennifer,
Thanks for your input. You bring up some very good points. Thanks for continuing the conversation.
I think it is important for students to be familiar with the format and be comfortable with how it can be used both on a computer as well as portable devices. With that being said I think the 3 most important things to consider are:
1. Compatibility with different devices. This is due to personal computers and smart phones being used.
2. Familiar layout. Introducing a tool which is 'new' and may seem really cool to developers, may not be so to the students. I would want to ensure that screen layouts are the same and that the menu items are self-evident (no strange names for familiar tasks, etc).
3. The communication tool should meet the needs of the classroom. Having a tool with limited features could hinder the ability of the instructor to share active content, as well as communicate synchronously.
