Madhuchanda,
Glad you mentioned formative and summative feedback. The tools we use will play a part in both. Thanks for your input.
Susan,
All those "ability" words. ;-) Availability and portability are essential. Thanks for including privacy as we need to definitely consider that as well. Thank you.
Hello,
1) The purpose for which you are utilizing the tool.
2) What sort of interaction you want the individual or group of individuals to experience; and
3)the best quality process for achieving the type of learning you want the students to achieve.
Why? Because if you are using an ill-fitting tool that is efficient but does not permit you to achieve your purpose your selection is a waste of time.
Because a student will glean very different learning experiences from, say, synchronous or asynchronous discussion forums but there are strengths and weaknesses for both. If you want to enhance the probability that a student will respond thoughtfully when s/he has the most time it may be that an asynchronous discussion is most important. If, however, the forum discussion serves a discrete learning objective upon which additional learning will be built and there is a timeframe that must be met - a synchronous conversation may be the most efficient use of time while simultaneously maximizing peer learning.
Because sometimes you want students to understand a very specific point and sometimes you want them to understand a broad and general concept. Sometimes you want them to give instantaneous feedback and sometimes you want their thoughtful reflection. There are several different types of technology communication tools available within each category of audience you are targeting (small group, large group and social networking). Thoughtful selection of the most appropriate tool for the type of audience you want to have AND the type of learning you want to achieve will most likely result in quality of learning that achieves your objectives.
Laura Smythe
Laura,
You bring up some very good points and given us much to think about. You do have to consider the tool in combination with the audience. That's a key factor. Thank you.
The three important things to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools are:
1. The subject matter that I am teaching. Do I need to share my laptop, do students need to see me, is it just lecture, etc.
2. The technology capabilities of my students. Are they required to have certain software, etc.
3. The technology capabilities of my computer, and abilities.
Heather,
the content does play a key role in the communication process. It's good you are thinking this through.
Thank you.
The availability, reliability and accessibility of a specific technology
The user friendliness of the technology to enable the sharing of content and facilitating dialogue.
Is it for both 1 to 1 (safety)and 1 to group tool
Samia Friesen
Jim, definitely the abilty for all users to utilize the technology is a must. Otherwise, the communication flow breaks down.
Samia
samia,
Love all of your "abilities" - availability, reliability, and accessibility. That captures what we are looking for in communication tools. Thanks!
samia and Jim,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We have to take so much into consideration when thinking about communication tools. Thank you for your input.
Hi Samia and Jim: Agreed. It's easy to take for granted that students are already technologically savvy. Otherwise, why would they be enrolled in an online course? And for certain generations (as in Gen X and Gen Y), they've grown up with some type of technological/electronic device close at hand. Still, making assumptions about student readiness and familiarity with the technology is dangerous and I applaud your efforts to make their learning experience more meaningful. Vicki W
Dr. Vicki,
And the conversation continues - thank you! We do have to be careful not to make assumptions about the students skills. Thanks!
I think the three most important things to consider when assessing the use of technology tools in a virtual environment are: whether the students took advantage of the learning tool,
whether the technology tool enhanced the achievement of learning objectives, and whether the technology tool was relatively easy to implement.
Many of my online students try to do the bare minimum, and won't start using the tools I provide until they receive low grades. So that's why I think the tool needs to be easy to use, and the students need to see the benefit of using the tool.
A session needs to be implemented to discuss the technology aspects of the online environment. Students can ask questions and the instructor can dispel any issues or concerns the students may have.
Colleen,
Excellent. You have brought up many things to think about and I like your "consideration" list. You are right that online students may be doing the bare minimum and we have to help keep them motivated and provide them with easy tools to use. Thanks!
Bruce,
Like that idea. Have a "technology" night and let them all ask questions in a synchronous environment. Good thought.
Since I am a computer teacher, I would have to say the three most important things to consider when assessing technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment would be:
1)A reliable computer capable of performing the task set forth in the course syllabus. For example if the task is to install an operating system then the computer should be capable of performing that task. I find some students sign up for an online course, and then go out and purchase a new PC or the MAC with no knowledge on how to reach the virtual learning environment or how to submit an assignment.
2)It is also important to have the correct version of Microsoft Office software. Some new systems only come with Microsoft Works, Word Pad, and Note Pad. A trial version of Microsoft Office is temporary.
3)A reliable Internet connection is a must. I would recommend Verizon FIOS or Cable. In a remote locate staying connected during chats, submitting assignments, tutoring sessions, and discussions is important. Last thing is to have a have virus protector such as Norton or McAfee.
Darcel Tolliver
Greetings!
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, I believe the three most important things to consider and why are:
1. The audience because students have to be able to have consistency and the ability to use the tools if needed or not to be impeded by the use of the tools in the online courses. The size of the audience should be considered to determine what tools are best.
2. The design for comfort, ease of use, availability, and reason the tools are being used should be considered to have the proper learning occur without obstacles based on functionality, as much as possible, per se.
3. The popularity of the tools because students may be more likely than less to use materials or tools that have already been part of their learning in a ways that is beneficial and has a positive pattern.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
Nicole,
I enjoyed reading your feedback, and I listed the audience as a main consideration. I think you are correct that if the students are not able to comprehend and apply the tools, then issues can occur. I think noting system requirements is also important when considering how the tools function and operate with ease.
Technical support being able to help students is also important to consider in case an issue occurs with the tools.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
James and Marie,
I like the idea of the live lab based on the students who are auditory learners in the class being engaged in this format. Seminars, chat sessions, or brief meetings online that are live offer insight and clarity about the course content through mediated interpersonal communication.
The techniques can be good for students to have to supplement their learning in our courses.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
