Linda,
Right on! Finding the right technology tool for the right course r situation is essential. And, then you must assess the tool. Nice job.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
William,,
Yes, you are correct. The technology should not detract from the learning environment. Thanks!
Dr. Tena B. Crews
William,
Totally agree and you can update it and reuse each semester. Thanks.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Lewis,
Student centered is the key. We have to learn to facilitate he learning well. Thanks for your input.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
I believe that the three most important things to consider whe assessing Technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment are:
1. Using technology that is accessible to the student. If this a must. For example, if the students do not have access to audio, what good would an audio lecture be.
2. Students need to know how to use the technology. I only placed this as secondary importance because the student could be taught how to use the technology.
3. The use of a technology which matches the student’s learning style. Thus, it is important to use several different tools within a course.
Jim
Nicole,
I also feel that the ability of the student to use the technology is important. That is why I spend the first of my live chat sessions going over all of the technology features of the course.
Thanks
Jim
I think it is important to insure you can some feedback from students, so I tend to ask open ended questions. Second, I ask my students to provide me feedback on the course structure and flow. Third, I try to assess, from emails and other communications, the comfort level of students working with the technology in the course--and that one seems to be the most variable thing because students have a wide range of skill levels, and I do keep notes and refer to those notes as the course develops--Dr Jim Young
Hello everyone,
First, we have to consider if the technology tool will meet the needs of the students and help them fulfill the requirements of the course. Next, we have to take into account if the students have the basic skills needed to use the tool in an effective manner. If they do not have such skills, we have to weigh how long it might take to help them gain proficiency. Finally, we should consider if the tool does actually simplify and facilitate communication and instruction or if it is instead a poor substitute for simpler, more familiar methods.
Mark A. Coppelli
James,
You are right on in your answers. If students don't have access to the technology, everything else is a moot point. Thansk!
Dr. Tena B. Crews
James and Nicole,
The first live chat is the perfect time to introduce everything to the students. The earlier the better. Thanks.
.
James,
Ah, open ended questions will provide you with more details and additional information. Glad you take what they say into consideration when updating the course. Nice job.
Mark,
right. We don't want to use technology just because we can, but we want it to meet the needs of the course and students. Thanks.
In my experience,
1. the type of student and how they intend to access the online class room: parents or full time employees will not be able to use any tool anytime I want them to use it
2. the student's access to technical support and the means to accept responsibility of costs: students can access online material using many types of devices. I make sure that I provide a mode of access that ALL students can use. All students can post questions to forums or send me an email. Others will want to use the telephone. And some students cannot afford that LD phone call.
3. the intended purpose: I use and reply to emails but I encourage students to use IM and live chat. Some students only have access to the live chat software during the day or during regular business hours. Telephone is used to provide motivation but not substantive technical information.
Albert,
We do have a various group of students. The more we can do to make sure they have access to the technology and understand the course expectations, the better. Encouraging students to engage in IM and live chats is an excellent idea as well. Thanks!
The subject matter is the most important to consider. I teach math. This is a far different "ball game" than teaching other disciplines. I need a tool which will allow me to demonstrate the problems.
Secondly, I need to assess the equipment needed to use a tool. In my classes, I want desperately to use some technology that has a white board so I can demonstrate the problems. I have had great success demonstrating the problems "live" for the students. But if they do not have a microphone, using many of the software packages is pointless.
Thirdly, I have to look at expense for the student. If I use conferencing technology, often times students have to call in long distance. This can be expensive. Or, if they are using their cell phones and have unlimited long distance, they are using up their minutes. It is a difficult problem.
Janis,
You are right. The course content plays a significant role in what you do in the onnline learning environment. The technology is the key in helping you do what you need to do. Have you tried any of these resources? http://www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/2009/07/20-interactive-whiteboard-resources-for-teachers/
Thanks!
Technology definitely has a reciprocal relationship with teaching and it’s up to the teacher to instructor to determine how to use the power of technology for instructional gain. First and foremost, you must determine how you plan on using the technology. Consider whether the communication will be student to instructor, instructor to student, and/or student to student. That would impact choices made for the type of technology utilized. Also critical is an understanding of the various learning styles that make students successful. You have to consider whether audio or visual use is more appropriate or a combination. And finally, you need to determine how much creativity you want to give to the students. Knowing whether you want them to create websites or blogs requires students to engage in more advanced cognitive activities. Technology definitely increases the way instructors can teach allowing more creative and dynamic options.
Carol Hannon
I believe that the first assessment of a tool has to do with the bandwidth, and other elements that the student has available. Second, does the technology enhance or detract from the course content. Not all courses need the tools. Third, is the instructor savvy enough to utilize the tools?
Carol,
You make a very good point. Using technology for instructional gain is excellent. Sometimes people just use technology becaust it's there, but it really needs to be tied to the instruction. Thanks!
Donna,
Right. Bandwidth can be an issued. I have used technology that would not work unless students has high bandwidth. This can cause an issue with some students.
