When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, it is important to remember the objectives of each assignment because depending on what the assignment requires, different technology tools may be more effective. Additionally, it is important to consider one's students. I constantly run into the problem where I suggest students to use a certain technology tool and many of my students don't have access to the tool or they do not know how to use the tool. Finally, it is important to consider one's own comfort level with technology. I understand that some technology tools are fantastic, but I will not use or assign student to use tools that I do not fully understand because I need to be able to trouble shoot any problems if they do arise. If I can't, I can very easily lose credibility.
Marie, orientation is a great idea. Our school has an orientation, but it mainly covers school policies and our LMS navigation. However, when students come to my English classroom, many of them do not even know how to use Word. I often feel like there should be some applications prerequisite course students must take to help support their success once in the classroom.
Erica,
Great post. It is so important to remember it isn't about the technology it is the tool. I love technology but, you have to be able to control it and use it for a purpose.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Erica,
I agree with you. Have you thought of creating your own using screen capture to explain the syllabus and other course issues. Then give them an exam over it. It will help students learn to take an online quiz and it insures they know what is important in your class.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Being a desktop technician for over 15 years there are a lot of things to consider. However, for three things especially with students are:
1. Does the tool meet the needs of what I am doing with the students.
2. Ease of use. I certainly could figure out how to use it but not everyone is a computer nerd and its very important to take that into consideration. If the tool needs more than a couple of point and click options it shouldn't be used for students.
3. Compatibility - is the tool able to work on what the student is using? If the tool is for Windows and the student is on a Mac, well, it's not going to work.
Sean,
You make a great point for all of them but particularly 2. I sometimes forget I see my LMS everyday and not all my students do. I want to make sure my familiarity become a barrier for my students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the most important is if the tool fits the need. By need, I mean the need of the students, the course material, and the teacher. The use of technology is neat but it shouldn't be used just to say you use technology. The second is the functionality needed, for example don't use a PC if all you need is an eBook reader. And of course the third is the learning curve for the students. In a virtual learning environment the students need to be supported in their use of technology. Don't implement the "Enterprise" if the capability of the student and the student's support is no place close to that. This can and will affect retention.
I think one of the points we need to remember is that there are some functions that technology is not always better for. An example of this may be drawing ladder schematics. Can it be done on the iPad and submitted? Sure. But is some quality and learning lost? Yes. So, do it on paper. Don't use technology just to say that technology is used.
I really like the wording of your post, "Being user friendly for students" as I think we seem to forget about that at times. To many times we use technology to make life easier for the instructors or less expensive for the school. The students are really what matters.
Dr. Christopher,
You make a great point. The technology should NOT drive the tool decision/ the student, the material, and the instructor should. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Christopher,
You are right. I find some of the mobile tools are still quite limited in their function. You don't want to force a usage just because it it technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Christopher,
I agree with you. The technology should benefit all. We need to think about any learning as student centered. Decisions should be made with that in mind.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment the three most important things to consider are:
1. lectures and content to students are organized and user-friendly;
2. incorporate other technologies like voice-over PowerPoint, recorded lectures or tutorials, and a learning management system;
3. multiple functionality
Audrey,
You make an important point. The content using the technology needs to be organized so it is coherent for the student. When this is not considered students have to click everywhere to study a module and it is hard to make connections when you are always looking to the next place to "click".
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, I believe the three most important things to consider are 1) how the tool will contribute to the learning outcomes, 2) how easily the students (and me) can use the tool, and 3) my understanding of how the tool is designed to work and how that is compatible with my goals. Contribution to the learning outcomes is, I feel, always paramount, followed immediately by "usability." Also, a tool should never be used just because it is seen as "cool" or forward-thinking. If the tool is used purposefully and the students show benefit, then it is fulfilling its function.
- Mark W.
Mark,
What a great post! I think we have to remember not everyone is enamored with technology as many of us are. It is a tool and we need to consider it as one tool in our educational tool box.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
1. video or audio collaboration with the teaching content
2. simplicity to navigate around the course structure without confusion.
3. easy to access anytime anywhere.
I believe the three most important things to consider when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment are the following:
1. System requirements for the technology tools. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to use a tool because your computer does not have the required program/application. If your computer doesn't have the requirements the tool is useless.
2. Ease of use of the tool. Some students are highly skilled technology users but others are not. In any one course you have a whole range of levels of technology expertise. If we want all students to be successful in our courses, the tool must be able to be used by the least skilled student.
3. The fit of the tool with the learning objectives and consideration of whether the objective involves declarative knowledge (in which case a podcast or voice-over PowerPoint would be appropriate), procedural knowledge (in which case a tutorial with screen capture that demonstrates a skill or procedure would be appropriate), or conditional knowledge (in which case a blog would be a great place for students to reflect on and discuss when and how what they are learning can be applied).
I'm with you in terms of access to the Internet. Unfortunately, the Digital Divide is alive and well.
Elin,
You are right. You don't want the technology to be a barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
