Get Your Students Hired
Hi Dr Molnar,
You bring up great points in your post! I like what you had to say. I felt the type of students we have should be our #1 consideration for the types of tech used in the classroom, if at all. For example, if they are beginning students, they may not even know how to save and upload an assignment. Thus, hindering them with additional technologies may cause a fall, as you mentioned, in our retention rates. Great post!!
~ Coleen Poitinger
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, what do you believe are the three most important things to consider?
I would have to say the three most important factors to consider is one; the types of learners in the classroom. If they are brand new to online, they may have issues just navigating the system as it is. For these types of students we may need to demonstrate simple tasks such as how to save and upload an assignment. Next, is it something that students will appreciate or frustrate? Compatibility, for example, will all of my online learners be able to access and use it easily. Finally, will it be useful and engaging for what is being taught? The more user friendly and engaging it is, the more students are apt to want to use it, especially if it is visually appealing.
Chrissy,
You are absolutely correct. It's very easy to fall in the "more is better" trap. In a virtual learning environment, more is not always the best approach. Too many bells, whistles, and buttons will intimidate students, and send them screaming from the computer. When it comes to the virtual learning environment, less is often better.
It's tempting to implement a technology because it seems like a good idea. However, there are three important aspects to consider:
1. Learning Outcomes/Objectives. How does the technology you are considering line up with the learning objectives you want your students to achieve?
2. Relevance. How does the technology enhance the overall experience? Does it align with the content?
3. Ease of use. Implementing a "user-unfriendly" tool can increase student frustration.
Maureen,
You are right. You want tools that provides you process and information and helps students learn content and/or skills. Technology does provide us with the tools to be able to individualize learning to the student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Maureen,
You make a great point. We as online instructors should share strategies and techniques. Sometimes we can be as isolated as some of our students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Maureen,
True, if you can use similar tools so students aren't always having to learn new tools. We really should be more cognizant regarding our tool selection. We look for one function tools and I think that is shortsighted.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
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.
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.
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.
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
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.)
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.