Ease of student use.
Is the tool appropriate for the class being taught.
Does the tool include a variety of media for teaching and learning.
I believe first and foremost you need to consider the learning objective. What tool would help you achieve the objective?
Next should be ease of use. As the virtual environment is new to some, academic frustration can come solely based on the IT issues of the program.
Finally, Time line should be a consideration. The length of the program vs. the technology should match.
Jim,
It is nice if the technology has multiple uses and has consistent use throughout the institution. Students do become frustrated when they have to learn a technology that is so specific in its use and they never will use again.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Bill,
You make great comments. Yes, the learning objective should drive the technology. You don't want a barrier to learning be the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the three most important components for an effective on-line class are: Course out come and how it is broken up into modules. Second do the modules correspond to the syllabus and they clearly demonstrate the objectives. Is the material prepared in such a manner the students can be successful. Obviously there is much more but that would be my first three concerns.
William,
These are correct concerns. You really want to make sure they are aligned. You want to make sure your course design enforces the alignment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree. I teach math at another college where the students are required to use mymathlab for 1 math class another software product in another class and so on. In that case I share the students frustration.
jim
Jim,
True, it can be so frustration although MyLabs are popular.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello All,
First make an attempt to "hide" the technology, design the interaction as intuitive and natural, simple direct navigation with alturative options, such as symbols interchanged with text. The technology should not over shadow the learning.
In addition, always consider the end user at all times when designing or setting up assignments that require varying levels of technology experience levels.
Provide clear orientation and direction and attainable deliverables, with understandable outcome objectives. Provide feedback and the ability for interaction in the form of user posts.
Thank you.
Kelly
Your students level of understanding and engagement
The resources available to instructors
Not to use too many tools as this could be overwhelming for our students
Kelly,
You make such a great point. It is learning not learning with technology. Consistency and communication makes this possible.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
krystal,
I agree with you. You don't want the technology to be the learning barrier. I try to use technology that is within the LMS so students are comfortable accessing it. It is now always possible but I always look to the LMS first.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe it is important to use tools that are best suited for the course objectives, the students' skills, and to be selective in choosing tools. That is, sometimes I think giving the students too much can be overwhelming and results in no one using the tools. Additionally, the instructor should use tools that are actually going to help students meet the outlines course objectives.
-Raeven
I think the function of the technology tool is the primary criterion to consider. Another one would be tool effectiveness. In other words, are the students meeting their learning goals? Are the course objectives addressed by the incorporation of a specific tool? More specifically, an instructor may be using a fantastic tool, but if it is not helping achieve the learning outcomes, it needs to be reassessed, and if possible, changed.
Agnes,
I agree with you. You want the technology to enable students to meet learning goals not to be a barrier . Hammers are great tools but a screwdriver may be the best tool to screw in a screw although the screwdriver may not be as "sexy" as the hammer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Raeven,
I agree with you. I really try to use tools that I know students will use in other courses to meet course objectives. I also think the instructor should be able to use the tool if they expect the student to!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I currently use a discussion board in my online classroom. Is this the same as a blog?
I use the discussion boards for two purposes. One is academic. It's a good way to make students think about and respond to elements of the material covered during the course.
The second reason is because I can interact with the students. I can ask additional questions and provide more information about the specific than I can during the course.
There's a third reason as well: it gives students and teacher the opportunity to interact. I always include a greeting, a positive comment about whatever they said, some additional comments, an encouragement and a motivational quote.
Nancy
1. The tools that are specific to the subject matter
2. The content to be reviewed to match the instructors personality
3. An organized curriculum of objectives and expectations.
Nancy,
You have great strategies. I also use the discussion board to foster interaction among students. I have a rule if you have a question regarding the course, you have to post it in the discussion area created for those questions. Other students have to watch the area. if they answer the question, I give them participation points. I always monitor to make sure all answers are correct.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Abby,
So the tools need to match the subject matter that is organized by objectives? Is that what you mean?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
