Get Your Students Hired
The first thing I would look at is if the tool is appropriate for the class. Depending on the structure of the course, a wiki may not be useful. I would also consider how easy/hard it is for me to use. Technology is great if we can use it. Finally, I have to consider if the students will understand it. many of my students do not have a lot of computer experience, and are intimidated by it. So the technology has to be user friendly.
Tony,
Great post. I agree, with the idea of capabilities of the students. It is important to make sure that the technology fits with the technology requirements the university has imposed on students. I actually saw a university that required students to use a technology but didn't require a students to have a computer. That becomes problematic!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When considering technology tools in the virtual classroom, my primary concerns include: 1)What are the needs and capabilities of the students, 2)How familiar am I, as an instructor with the tools so that I can teach/explain them effectively, and 3) Are they the best approach to achieve the learning objectives defined for the course.
Alfred,
I hate that for you. The LMS MUST work. It is the classroom. You are in fact, locking students out of the classroom when the LMS doesn't function. Sometimes I don't think IT and others realize how isolating this can be for students and frustrating for instructors.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anne,
You make a great point. The technology does have to be completely tied to the learning process and proven to work to achieve the goal you want it to achieve. The technology should fit the task not change the task to fit the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
David,
Wow, you are so right! When technology doesn't work, instructors "take the hit". It does need to be user friendly from both student and the instructor side.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The quality of the platform is the most important. For example at my school the virtual campus frequently does not function. This is a huge problem for students and faculty. The next most important thing is the ability of the student to use the technology. Last is the schools choice of which technologies to use. At my school the instructor has no input.
I believe the three most important things to consider when using technology are ease of use for the instructor and student, availability/affordability, and whether it is a true enhancement to the learning process and not just a cool tool.
1. It must work right the first time, every time (this requires adequate equipment, rehearsal--including trouble-shooting techniques--by instructor). Glitches kill teachable moments.
2. Students must be able to learn to use the technology QUICKLY and not consume too much time (and generating frustration) while learning the technology itself. When educational technology is intuitive--and much of it is--and the instructions/outcomes are clear, then technology can increase student engagement. Hey, text 'em a question, they WILL read that !!
3. Keep it moving. Teachers today know that 10 minutes (15 tops) is the time module (attention span), so MULTIPLE approaches must be used, changed and kept on topic, be time-limited and allow for structured student feedback.
Petrice,
Great post. You make such good points. Compatibility is so important. With the advent of tablets and smartphones, students are using a variety of devices for learning. We as instructors are going to have to leverage those devices for apps and software that provide students with unique learning experiences. I see much work for the instructors in the future!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Russell,
The one thing I know that is so important in this situation is to get IT, students and you involved early. You want to make sure that you and the student provide detail about the problem and if needed get the vendor involved before credibility is lost and frustration is built.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Michelle,
Great post. Reliability of the virtual technology has recently been an issue with my online classroom. In what ways would you suggest handling situations where there are problems with the learning environment between the students and facilitator?
Thanks,
Russell
Russell,
Wow, you make such an important point about the ability of new technology tools to change and conform as learning changes. I find technology doesn't always do that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When assessing online technology for the virtual environment the development of these systems should depend on compatibility to course and learning outcomes to be achieved. Technology should be streamlined and customized to fit the specific needs of the course and learning objectives. The available technology should be easily accessible and understandable to the student and the facilitator, and have the capability to fit a variety of learning and teaching styles. New technology tools should also be able to change and conform to the evolution of the virtual classroom with minimal disruption.
Brian,
You make great points. You do have to think about what students may be using. You also discuss price. At my institution, we are charging for proctored exams; per exams. You have to think about how your are going to facilitate the learning and will it cost.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, I first consider if it is something my students will be able to use easily. For example, if the tool is implemented with Java, sometimes students have a hard time using the tool because of the constant Java updates. This could discourage students from participating. Also, if there is a price associated with the tool, it may be prohibitive for some students.
Next, I consider what kind of value will be added to the course. For example, consider a real-time office hour. This definitely seems like a good option, but it seems like in the online environment most students do not participate. The benefit may not out weigh the cost. However, doing a series of screen captures that can be used repeatedly, may accomplish the same goal and allow students to access it at any time.
Lastly, I consider the ease of implementation for me. Students come and go- they take the course only once. I facilitate the course over and over. It is important for me that the tool is easy to use and administer.
Brian Stout
Sarah,
That is true. I would also add that you need to be able to get the information from the assessment tool.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The three most important things to consider is who will be using it, what they will use it for, and why they need to use it. Looking at all three of those points will clearly illustrate which technological tool would be most appropriate.
Lynette,
You make great points. You don't want the technology to be a barrier to the learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
You make such a great point. I have seen so much money spent on a tool with no consideration for training and the everyone questions why it failed! I have also seen money spent on a tool that worked well but didn't produce data. That was a problem.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson