First the tool must be understood and easily used by both the instructor and the students. If it is too complex then neither will be satisfied and students will become frustrated quickly.
Second, the tool must be appropriately matched to the purpose. If it is not well suited, the the intended outcome will unlikely be met.
Finally, the tool must be compatible with the LMS and usable for most PC's. Otherwise students may not be able to access it or configure their PC's to allow access. Again this would cause frustration for all - instructor and student.
Most of all any tool must engage the students.
As instructors at AIU Online the use of technology is one of the competencies we must develop and we have an opportunity to be present in the classroom through the use of technology. The three most important things to consider are:
1.Using the Virtual Classroom with Adobe Connect to organize content and present information to students in a manner that catches their attention.
2.Choosing the tools that will most aid in achieving the specified outcome. For instance, I might need to use a screen capture in my database system design class to demonstrate the installation of database software for the assignment if students do not fully grasp the concept and are unable to complete the task using installation guide.
3.The tool should not require a learning curve for students and it should be user friendly.
Paulette
Khal,
You make a very good point. You must have an understanding of how the technology works and how the students will use it. That is so important
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nicholas,
Great points. It does have to fit the instructor needs. The instructor needs to make sure they know who they are going to use it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the three most important things are first and foremost, simplicity. It has to be easy to use for both students and instructor. In fact, I feel it is more important for easy use by the student than the faculty.
I also think the tools need to be engaging and worthwhile. We need to make sure students are drawn to using the tool and see it as valuable rather than something else they "have to do".
Finally, the tools really need to help support the overall objectives of the course and learning outcomes. Otherwise, why would we have and use those tools? If they aren't benefiting both student and instructor, we don't need to be using them.
Thanks! Stephanie
Chrissy, I completely agree. I know that the more we ask of students, the more confused they can become. I like an effective, simplistic approach because the students benefit from it and there is value to it. Great point!
Stephanie
I could not agree more John! Because we have so many students who are "later in life" or simply later in education, they do not always have the strong foundational skills we think they do. Making it simple and easy to use/understand are key.
Stephanie Thompson
As instructors at AIUOnline the use of technology is one of the competencies we must develop and we have an opportunity to be present in the classroom through the use of technology. The three most important things to consider are:
1. Using the Virtual Classroom with Adobe Connect to organize content and present information to students in a manner that catches their attention.
2. Choosing the tools that will most aid in achieving the specified outcome. For instance, I might need to use a screen capture in my database system design class to demonstrate the installation of database software for the assignment if students do not fully grasp the concept and are unable to complete the task using installation guide.
3.The tool should not require a learning curve for students and it should be user friendly.
Paulette
Virtual technology is a great addition to the online environment; however, there are a few challenges that cannot be ignored.
When choosing which tools to use I believe the three most important things to be considered are:
- Ability to enhance learning and meet course objectives
- Reliability and effectiveness of the program (is the system always down, are multiple upgrades always needed)
- Student and teacher friendliness (is the software so difficult that it takes away from the learning?)
Ultimately what ever is added to the classroom should provide value. The overarching question is, "does this technology enhance the learning process"?
Chrissy,
I agree with your statement because more is not always better! I have worked with a few systems that become overwhelming and leave the students and staff feeling discouraged. The ultimate goal is to enhance learning and resources must be present to help reach that goal!
Most important are the needs of my students. What do I know about how they learn and what they enjoy? What, in my experience has not worked and why?
Next, what tools work best for the content that student must learn? When I teach composition, multiple choice quizzes and cute activities like crossword puzzles are not enough. Students need k and practice in actually composing, receiving feedback and revising.
Third, I consider my own teaching style and comfort level. What tools do I enjoy using? Should I try something new? What feedback have I received from past students and colleagues that I might incorporate in a new session?
Janet,
Great post. Yes, the LMS must be easy to use by both the instructor and student. It can become a barrier for the students. Also, the instructor will never learn to use the LMS to its fullest extent for the engagement of students. They are definitely linked.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Paulette,
You are right. We have to competent in our technology use. We don't have to experts in technology but we do need to learn how to use if for the best learning environment for our students. We have to make choice to use the right tool for the right type of learning. That is where we must be the experts.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Kelly,
Thank you for your response. You are right. Selecting the right type of tool for the right learning outcome is a skill itself.
We need to consider our teaching philosophy and the learning styles of our students who are from diverse backgrounds. I am fortunate in that I have taught classes extensively on ground. I now have the opportunity to teach one of the same classes online.
It is a hands-on class - similar to a lab so I know that I need to demonstrate a few of the tasks in order to keep some students engaged and avoid frustration.
Dr. Paulette Stephens
Hello Kelly,
The three most important factors are:
(1) How effective is the tool in achieving the course objectives
(2) How easy is the tool can be used by the student.
(3) Can the tool be integrated with other tools?
Khaled Elleithy
Stephanie,
You make a great point. Students should feel that the LMS is an important part of the learning and it is the "go to" area for the information. It should be easy for the instructor to add and augment information there.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Stephanie,
I agree but we can lower expectations based on their age. It concerns me that we may not expect them to "rise" to the occasion to to be a lifelong learner.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Paulette,
Great point. You need to have the correct tools in your tool box to create the learning environment you need to for your students. User friendliness should be a given; I am continually surprised when software is pitched and it isn't.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michelle,
I think you make a great point about reliability. We overlook that concept often we just want a tool to do the job.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michelle,
Students can be so frustrated with tools that teach them nothing but be weary of different technology. We as instructors and decision makers regarding technology must be aware of that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
