Get Your Students Hired
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Of course for each instructor with a different student population AND different course AND different technology platform, the three things to consider would vary considerably.
A general overview as to what would be important to consider before utilizing technology in any course would be:
(1) the student's need to support their learning objectives with an effective tool
(2) the tools available AND compatible with the current computer and LMS in place
(3) the teacher's ability to understand, effectively use, and maintain the tool within their classroom
Jessica,
You make a great point, you do need to look at the class as a whole to determine the needs and provide resources. It may be you can create partners to help. Yes, you can do that online!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jessica,
You make a great point, you do need to look at the class as a whole to determine the needs and provide resources. It may be you can create partners to help. Yes, you can do that online!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dianne,
Great post, I also think you can interchange student with instructor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Julie Ann,
You make a great point. The technology should be a conduit to learning; not a barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think its important to factor in the types of students that you have. If you are leading a class of nontraditional students; you could have individuals that are not as familiar with computers and technology. An individual that cannot get a piece of technology to work will become frustrated and disengaged. So, while they are amazing technological tools available I do believe they need to be balanced with some simple tools and approaches. The simpler tools can cater to our nontraditional students that need to be eased into the greater technological advances.
I believe the three most important things to consider when using technology tools in a virtual learning environment are:
1) Ease of use - the tool used should not be complicated for the learner to use and understand
2) The tool used should engage the student and promote the students' learning
3) The tools should be made clear and readily available to the student throughout the course
Thanks
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, I believe the three most important things to consider are ease of usage, link to learning objectives and appropriateness to course subject.
Samuel,
True, you don't just add to incorporate technology, it must have a purpose. YOu don't just add a book to the course because you like the color of the cover.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Samuel,
You are right about all three. I actually had a very expensive software that was easy to use by the students, easy to create items by the instructor, but couldn't get any results from it. It was so frustrating. I am not sure who tested it!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Chrissy,
I totally agree that as instructors, we must be careful that we do not overload students with the use of technology tools. There definitely has to be a balanced approached when initiating technology tools. Many times we tend to spend more of our time instructing students how to use the technology tool rather providing the information that we initial intended the tool to be used for.
Samuel Bufkin
When using technology tools in a virtual learning environment, the three most important things to consider are: the student's needs, the instructor needs, and functionality of the tool. The tool has to be able to function properly in order to serve the purpose. The tool also has to be able to convey the message/information that the instructor is attempting to send to the student and the student has to be able to use the tool properly.
Samuel Bufkin
Julie,
Great post. You are right. I think it is important to think about training and support. Is the support available to all. We had software once that only one person could Call for help.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson