Technology Tools
How teachers are going to cope with the fast pace of the new 21st century technology and integrate it into online virtual classrooms?
Fawzi,
You don't have to use every piece of technology that is out there. You have to ask yourself questions such as: What is the objective of this assignment/project? What would be the best technology tool to use to get the course content or conversation delivered to others in this class? How can I best provide information to sutdents? etc. Each case is different.
I totally agree Dr. Crews; I am just wondering how we the teachers are going to cope with the new emerging technology and devices which might be “the best technology tool to use..†Examples of these are:
Cloud computing
Mobile technology
Digital libraries
Various tablets
Social networking
Will the teacher be the limiting factor for technology adoption?
I think it helps to already be familiar and comfortable with technology. It can take some openness on the part of the instructor to play around with new technology and see how it can fit into your teaching style. For example, I started using a graphics tablet in my live chats (using Acrobat Connect) to reproduce drawing and writing on the board. I love using it!
Krystal,
Good suggestion. I too have moved to a tablet, I grade papers with it. Sometimes it take some experimentation to "find our groove". :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Fawzi:
I try to utilize a new tool each quarter and continue to use those in which the students like the most.
I love using my iPad and educreations.com to create mini-lectures and is FREE! I create 15 minute mini-lectures each week for my accounting students and they really appreciate the extra efforts and tools in place to help them learn!
I think student choice in learning is key!
Kim Houck
Kim,
Thank you for the ideas. You can also use other technologies such as Jing. This is a perfect use of technology for ease your workload and to give your students a multi-sensory experience.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Dr. Wilkinson:
I also use Jing to create short screen recordings for my students and love this tool too!
Kim
Kim,
What kind of tools are you using? What tools does your students like the most? I'm new in teaching online, so I'm looking for some fun, interesting ways to engage my students.
Thanks,
Brian Floyd
Brian,
Try using software that your institution support. You can also try Jing. It is free.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I like your idea about using an Ipad. I just got one, and I don't know exactly which technology tools will work on/with one.
For instance, sometimes Flash is blocked on the Ipad, and I am unable to see the information I want.
Patricia,
iPad will not play any flash. You can find apps that will mimic it. You can use Youtube clips. Have students to look for Youtube clips. Look for interesting free apps.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe that instructors need to keep up with their students. Since I teach online, I know that my students appreciate ease of use with their mobile devices and access to increased functionality.
Is there a website that anyone would suggest for a list of "free" or reasonably-priced tools/software to aid the use of technology in the online classroom? I am open to teaching/presentation/grading apps, etc.
I just recently added a second monitor and find that it makes my grading more efficient.
Suzanne
Suzanne,
You are so smart! The second monitor makes all the difference in the world! I call my desk now the command center. I have use Jing to record session to help students learn certain information. It is free. I like recording stuff and students can use it too.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the new technology is great. With the new phone apps it allows students to access the course content from just about anywhere.
Tracey,
True, that will only increase. I actually text my students now with the read101.com.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
