MeriAnn,
We have to be flexible and I try to use the technology all can use. But - there's never an ALL. ;-) Well, unless it's provided by the institution.
MeriAnn,
Right. If we don't know what the students know. . .how do we know what need to be explained in more detail or what we can "fly" through. Thanks!
Alfred,
Thanks for brining up the intrapsychic taxonomy. Interesting. We all have our different frameworks and you have found what works for you. Great.
Alfred,
More explanation of the taxonomy. Thanks - this is useful. Keep up the good work.
Hello,
I believe the following are the most important items to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools:
1. The size of the classroom. It is important to determine if the course is one-on-one, a small group or a large course (more than 10). If the course is one-on-one, then using a telephone may be sufficient. If the course contains many students, then Adobe Connect may work well for the course.
2. The ease of use. Is the tool easy to use? Is it easily accessible by all of the students in the course?
3. The subject matter: Does the subject matter require a PowerPoint presentations during lectures? Does the subject matter require a demonstration of an application to the students?
Hello George,
Those are some good reason when accessing a technology tool. However, if a student is taking an online course, then they should have a working computer and internet connection. That should be a requirement for any online course. If a student does not have that, then they should consider taking courses at a physical campus. What are your thoughts?
Warm Regards,
Annabel
These are great things to consider in an online environment. I think that the type of subject matter is a very important factor. Teaching math online is completely different than teaching a philosophy course. The type of technology used is very important to the success of the students.
Annabel,
You bring up some good points that may now have been discussed before. Class size being one. Thanks for your input.
Annabel and Georgie,
Yes, we do list "requirements" prior to taking the course. These include computer, Internet access (fast), etc. Thanks!
Samantha,
Definitely. The subject matter can really influence how things are taught online.
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?
The three most important things to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment are:
1. Who is the intended audience
2. What are the difficulties with using the communication tool
3. How the communication process is going to take place, synchronous or asynchronous
It is important to know who the intended audience is so that you can decide what type of technology can be utilized. With so many ways of communicating, an instructor needs to understand who they are trying to reach. If they want to contact one student, then the instructor is going to use a different set of tools then if they are going to reach a small group or the entire class at one time. For instance, it would be impractical for an instructor to try to a twitter account when they only want one person to see their message. On the other end, it would be unwise for an instructor to use instant messaging when they are trying to communicate with their entire class.
It is important to know what the difficulties are when trying to use a certain communication tool in order to make sure that all of their students have access to the tool, or know how to use the tool. Using a twitter account may seem like a good idea, but not all students have the knowledge on how to use the account, and how to follow their instructor’s post on the account. Each tool has specific parts that have to be learned. If the class is a short class, only a few weeks long, it may take too much time on the part of the student to effectively learn how to use the tool.
It is important to know how if the communication process is going to take place over synchronous or in an asynchronous learning environment in order to effectively choose which tool is going to be used. For a synchronous learning environment, the tools used must be effective in meeting any real time goals that are taking place. Students must be able to communicate with one another and their instructor during the class time. The proper tools must be in place so that students can ask questions, listen to the lectures, and view any type of presentation slides during the actual class. If the class follows the asynchronous model, there must be a way for student to access the learning material whenever they have the chance to do so. Whether it is 10 a.m. or 11 p.m., students need to be able to communicate within the classroom environment whenever they need to.
Hello Dr. Crews,
The three things that come to mind as most important are
First: The particular technology communication tool should be appropriate for the subject matter in my course.
Second: The tool should be readily accessible to my studnts; easy to use; or to learn to use in a short time.
Third: The tool's system requirements should match my students' systems.
Best wishes,
Michael Luzius
Sean,
Thank you for your input. You bring up some very important topics. I am glad you noted knowing you students, meeting goals and providing for students to communicate anytime, anywhere. Nice job.
I really believe that it is most important for the type pf technology I use to be compatible with the student population and course that I am teaching. For example, I teach for a university that requires attendance at live seminar. If the student cannot attend they can earn credit through an asynchronous component. This is compatible with my students and the course objectives - they have gone through orientation and understand how to attend. This brings me to the other two aspects that are just as important - how up to date is my technology, and do I have a way to ensure the message is coming through loud and clear?
Michael ,
Right on. The tool must be accessible to all students and work as you need it. Thanks!
Maritza,
The course requirements many times do help determine what technology we use, how we teach the content, etc. Thanks for bringing this to the forefront of the discussion.
Brian,
Concise and to the point....I agree with you. The tool should be easy to use and navigate for the instructor and the students. Compatilibity and Accessibility almost go hand in hand, don't you think?
Thanks.
I agree with all the suggestions from my peers in regards to what is important.
The tool should be able to accomplish the needed objective - oe deliver the content in a clear manner to the students. It should combine audio, video, and text into it - preferrably.
Good suggestions by all. Thank you.
Nitin and Brian,
I agree doo. You bring up very good points to think about. Making sure all students can access and use the technology is essential.
Nitin,
Yes, thinking about the course objectives is necessary. And, including multisensory feedback and content is excellent.
