Lauree,
You are right! I particularly like the statement that the instructor needs to be able to effectively learn the tools they are using. You don't have to learn them all but the ones used need to be used well.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The 3 things to consider when using technology tools:
1)Technology should align with what you want to teach the student.
2) Student should be taught how to use the technology.
3) Allow time for a learning curve between the instructor and student when providing new technology.
I think a facilitator should be careful of technology that is to difficult for the student to grasp. I say this because the main focus should be on the assignment at hand not how hard it is to use the technology to get to the assignment. If a student is feeling confused with the technology then they may not want to complete the assignment which affects their grade. Therefore, it is crucial that the technology is easy to use and the student understands how to use it.
Joi ,
You make a great point that we don't always do. We don't allow for the learning curve. It is amazing we give students technology and the say go forth and learn and take tests. I did start providing a pretest of knowledge within the LMS so students could get used to taking a test online.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It's important to think about 1. the learning objective and which tool will mostly likely do the best job getting the point across...2. the students you are working with and what kind of learners they are 3. your teaching style and how you can effectively use this type of tool.
Gracie,
You make great points regarding choice of technology tool. I am intrigued by the comment regarding how the instructor will use the tool and its effectiveness. It is very important that it fits your preference. The confidence will show when you work with students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the three things to consider when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment include the material to be presented, the technology available and the ability of the learner to use the technology. For example, I teach a mathematics course. Not all technology is conducive to teaching this type of material. Many students are visual learners and need a more interactive environment. I have found that using Elluminate's blackboard in a synchronous setting to be most helpful to my students. For those students who may not be able to participate at a specific time, the short video clips that I have created using YouTube have been a great way for them to "see" the problems worked out. Regardless of which method is used, it is important to first educate the learner on how to use the technology to their advantage. I have found that regardless of what I work to create, if the student doesn't know how to access the material it was all for naught.
Sarah,
This is a great post. You really have to try tools that fit your learners, your content and you. Kudos to you for finding the tool(s) that best serves the learning of your students. You keep the student in the forefront.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The learning tool should fit the topic. It is great to have animations when describing something going in motion. We also should account for the learning styles of the student- don't want to add anything to complicated, and to have something that they would enjoy to look at or navigate.
Telicia,
I love that you say they would "enjoy". There is nothing wrong with having fun when you are learning. You do have to weigh your technology decision by it complexity and its value to learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think, regardless if the class is F2F or virtual, a learning objective is the mot important factor. If you don't have an objective in mind, you may be spinning your wheels on creating/using a tool.
I would then have to put ease of use and length of presentation as a tie. I know as a instructor and student, if the technology is difficult to access and utilize, I become frustrated.
The length of the presentation is huge also. I don't want to sit in front of my laptop and listen to an instructor for 30 minutes. When I am creating a presentation, I try to keep it under 10 minutes.
Valerie,
You have such a great post. The content has to be "chunked" in smaller objects. The delivery of the content is paramount to learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Learning environments are very unique. I think the most important things to consider are the functionality of the technology tool, the ease of it, and is it beneficial to both the students and instructor. There can be technology tools embedded that are designed to perform on a a certain levels, but may not perform its function for the ones who are subject to engage in it. L.Allen
Loriann,
True, you make a great point. The technology does need to be ease to use for both the student and instructor. I do think the first place you should look for technology is within the institution particularly the LMS. For most online learning it begins and ends with the LMS so students are familiar with the environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When using technology toosl it is essential to understand the objectives of the course, the technical ability of the users and the types of eqipment that students and instructors will be using. Quite often students will submit assignment that are not formattted in Microsoft Word and they can not be graded or opened. There must be like technology or similar technolog to ensure access and grading.
Dr. Benson
Rebekah,
Great post. I would also add that you have to set expectations so students know what to expect and can make sure they have what is needed to be successful. It surprises me how many students try to take online courses without technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Of course, there are many things to consider; however, these are my top picks:
1. Once I know the subject matter to be taught in the class, what must I convey to teach the material to the class or facilitate learning? (All subject matters are different; therefore, I must consider how to best convey the materiel in a manner that the students can understand this particular subject (i.e. Algebra versus Business Law).)
2. How do I engage the students in the subject material in a asynchronous versus a synchronous environment? (Following my example above, engaging students in the conversation of a legal principle by using the Socratic method in a synchronous environment will not have the same impact of engagement as in a virtual learning environment where everyone learns at their own speed and by their own process. I must consider how to approach this matter in the virtual environment.)
3. Will the LMS allow me to use and maximize the best fitting technology tools that will be affective for my teaching style and the learning process of the students, thus meeting the course objectives? (I must consider if the use of items such as Wikis or screen capture are compatible with the LMS system. I must also consider if I can truly maximize the tool based on the subject matter in the virtual environment. Blogs may work well for an English course, but Screen Capture may work better in an accounting or math course.)
Aundrea,
Great post. You have a great strategy. When looking at technology I think you are so smart to look to the LMS first. Students are familiar with it and the consistency is there for students also. If the LMS can't perform the tasks you want,then look outward.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The ease of and appropriate use for the students, if they are new in college, or if they are in third or fourth year of college.
The technological tools for the college instructor should be selected wisely, taking into consideration how students will respond, get the general idea from your questions and how to implement appropriate tools.
Use a variety of technology tools, eventually, to accustom students to various learning tools.
Hence, it is important for instructors to learn technology tools. I am better than I use to be, but need to keep abreast and learn more. I like students not getting bored.
Can always use another instructor's suggestions which works for them.
1. Showing various methods for students to use.
2. Using various teaching techniques as a teaching tool.
3. Learn specific functions to use for good teaching.
Technology tools are to help both instructor and student in the learning process.
Technology tools help engaging students, help in the teaching process, and assist in doing course content.
