Hi Dr. Crews,
The following communication tools that I believe are effective are: email, IM, and teleconferencing. The reasons are that email provides an easy and seamless format for immediate communication which is beneficial for an individual student or a group of students in order to identify and impart policy and regulations for the class. IM is as effective because it is a private conversation and is in "real time" and provides a forumm of direct contact with the student(s). And finally, teleconferencing appears to provide a sense of ease and comfort for those students who need to hear a "voice" to reiterate written information. This is also a great forum for one person or a group of people to identify the tone of the conversation and material and more than likely will resonate for for future reference and their assignments.
Dulcinea,
Right on! You have to find the right tool to meet your needs in a timely manner. Once you assess the tool, you'll know whether to keep it or move on. Thanks for your input.
Elton,
You are right on when you say don't take anything for granted. Using a first session or to so that everyone is "up to speed" will save you time later in the course. Thanks!
Tina,
And, the ones you have mentioned provide you with a variety of tools for varying students' preferences. Nice job.
The technology that is available for an online learning environment has progressed rapidly since I began online teaching in 2005.
The first thing that I evalute before the class even begins is what tools are available through the school's platform and what is expected from the course objectives. If the objectives from the syllabus expect students to attend a live seminar then it is standard that these student should have the software to do this, although I might have to provide some direction in regards of accessing.
The second thing requires continuous evalution through the term in order to meet the needs of the individual student. For example, I might be able to help one student through the use of a telephone call which is very basic, while another might require that I schedule a Elluminate meeting to review statistics with, if Elluminate software is not an available tool through the classroom then I would direct the student through Skype which is accessible for everyone, although it may require direction on accessing.
The last thing that is an ongoing consideration is making sure that students are using and accessing the available tools that are provided. Do they know where the ebook is and how to access it? Are there multimedia materials built into the lecture that should used and are they using it? Do they know how to communicate with me as the instructor through email, IM, Q&A's.
Sandra Masten
When Assessing the use of technology communication tools three important things to consider are:
1. How well did the students grasp the content?
2. Was the communication effective? Was there overload or not enough? or just right?
3.Did it enhance T2S, S2T, S2S communication?
Sandra,
Wow! You have learned a lot since you started teaching online. It is difficult keeping up wi the technology, but you are obviously able to determine which technology you need to use to meet the needs of the stuff dents. Excellent.
Dori,
This is an important process - assessing technology - and your questions are on target for such assessment. Thanks for your input.
Some of the most important things I would consider when assing technology include the following 3 things:
1. accessibility, reliability and availability. The communication must be available and the students must have access to the tools. The tools must be affordable. A lot of the tools are free. They must be reliabile. The students must have access to the tools when they are needed. Technology that is frequently "down" or not operating properly is frustrating and detrimental to a positive learning environment.
2. ease of use. Users should be able to learn to use the technology quickly. Technical support and "how to" manuals and/or videos should be available. I know of several instructors who delivered and posted archives of lectures without sound.
3. Intended use. One should assess the intended use of the technology and make sure the technology meets the needs of the online learning environment.
Martha,
Right on. I love your "ibility" words. Accessibility, reliability, and availability. Your input on this forum will benefit others. Thank you.
Ease of learning
Cost
Ability to communicate effectively.
Christopher,
These are all key factors. Tha ks for your input.
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, what do you believe are the three most important things to consider and why?
1) why are the communication tools needed (the specific purpose), for example is it to deliver course materials, give the students a chance to interact with the instructor, share projects for critique, etc.
2) can the students access the technology, what are the exact platform/system, connection speed requirements
3) are the sufficient demonstrations provided, do students understand how to use the tools and why are these tools needed (to present a video, text, voice-over, and such).
Thank you,
Elena Martignon
Hello Brian,
I agree with all three. However, I think compatibility should be number 1. I usually have to deal with students who are not equipped with proper software and they become very frustrated. In online setting, students are from different facts of life and in most cases are not tech savvy.
Hello Dr. Crews
One thing that worked for me in the past, I share my screen with the students during the first live chat. I walk them through everything that they need to know and how to navigate around the system. I have found out, it works like a charm.
Tammy,
Yes, all of these can cause issues in the online environment. Keep the discussion going.
Elena,
Yes it is good to use technology that works for you no matter what setting. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Tammy,
This is excellent. I have used Adobe Connect to do the same thing. Then that can ask specific questions about how to do things and they can see it for themselves. Nice info.
Dr. Tena Crews,
In my opinion, the three most important considerations are:
Does the technology communication tool enhance instructor-to-student communication in the course?
Is the technology easy to use?
Does the technology create effective communication? Am I getting my message across effectively?
Sincerely,
Walter
9-7-12
Consistency, follow-up, and active involvement in using the technology communication tools in order to make them worthwhile and effective.
