Email, telephone and discussion forums. In our course we use an initial email I2S communication that is a welcome message with instructions and overview the course and online navigation to our site. Email works best at if there is confusion, student responds with questions, we make a phone call for backup and clarification. After that we monitor discussion forums with student reponses to questions and where students submit assignments for grading and feedback.
Reading the responses from others; I wish I had taken this course earlier in my distance education career. Even though I read many times that technology depends on the user as to how effective it is, I never understood the impact of the user (student) as I do now. There are so many things to consider when assessing the use of technology communication tools but I believe the top three are cost, available technology and skill level of the user and how you will fill the gap in skills if there is one.
It is so important that the user be able to afford the software/hardware or at least to have several options should one of those not work out. In a 100% online program, what happens if the student's computer self-destructs? In orientation, we tell students to not only have Plan A and Plan B but they may want to consider several more options if their Internet or computer fails them.
The second most important is not only the student having the correct equipment to interface with the LMS but they must have some basic technological skills. When a student lacks the basic skills, the student typically feels frustrated and finds time management (time being spent on learning basics) to be a challenge. Time management is one of the key components to an online student's success.
If basic knowledge is missing, then the last item is how will the platform, instructor, and curriculum communicate the information so all students can learn without fear of technology "eating their homework".
Tipton,
A welcoming message is a great idea. Using discussion forums, email and a variety of communication tools helps communicate to all students. Nice job.
Mary,
We all learn as we go. I never really understood what students felt until I took an online course. I did this to get the student experience. I learned so much about what to do and what NOT to do. Those are good lessons. Thakns for your input.
It is very important to keep up with the current trends. We are in a very fast paced world therefore using outdated technology produces frustration.
Noreen,
You are so right. It's a constant thing to keep up, but we must. Thank you.
Three important things to consider when assessing the use of technology in the classroom are: 1. Whether you are using the tool that is best suited to easily allow for communication. 2. Whether all students have the ability to access the technology. 3. If there have been functionality issues associated with the particular technology in the past. This can be assessed through formative and summative feedback.
Cheryl,
Nice job and thanks for your input. There are so many things to think about but using the right tool, makin sure it's accessible and assessing it's effectiveness are all essential.
1. is the technology user-friendly or does it require you and the students to jump through upmteen hoops to do one simple task?
2. does the technology fit my needs as an instructor?
3. if the tech fits my needs as an instructor, does it fit the needs of the students?
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in the online learning environment I believe the three most important things to consider are:
1) Accommodating – the classroom should provide feedback opportunities for and to students. Also instructors should provide regular contact with students in order to provide guidance and support throughout the course.
2) Interactive Environment - courses should be designed to promote a good and ongoing dialog in student to student and teacher to student communications. This of course should include constructive interactions using such tools as discussion boards, emails, and chats.
3) Accessibility of course materials - course materials should be easily accessible, as well as easy to understand. And any multimedia tools available for use at a level that the average student would be able to understand how to access and use the tool. So students should be provided with good instructions on how to access and use tools available in the virtual classroom.
Does every student have equal access to the communication tool?
Is the communication effective for Student to teacher and teacher to student communications?
can the students communicate with other students easily to increase their social awareness?
Clear channels of communication open up the online experience to increased levels of participation and knowledge sharing. One learns much from working with the group that may be difficult to achieved on their own. Writing style and dialouge are enhanced in the online environment and improve over time with good communication tools.
The most important element that I consider are:
1: Security - Will this product place me at risk of creating a violation of FERPA privacy rules.
2. Ease of Use: Is the tool easy to use with an intuitive user interface. I try to use tools that the students will find easy to learn and easy to use.
3. Compatibility: Will the technology selected work on most popular personal computing platforms (Apple and PC)
Alfretta,
Excellent. Making sure all students can access the course content and making sure the students are engage in the content is essential. Thanks for your input.
Michael,
Making sure students have access to the course and course content is important. Communication is also essential and making sure students know where to submit assignments and how they will be evaluated is key to their success as well.
LE,
You bring up a very important point: FERPA. It is essential to keep student information secure. The course should also be accessible to all students and making sure the students can use the necessary technology is essential. Thank you.
In order to be successful in the online learning environment, we need to have appropriate "tools" for communicating. First, students should possess the skills needed for enrolling in an online course. If students are lacking basic "communication" or "technical" skills to operate their computers and communicate from a "distance," they may need additional assistance. Secondly, an outstanding technical support center will also aid in communication. If students run into problems with technology, a technical support center should be ready and willing to assist in order to eliminate any technical problems. And, finally, the material used in the classroom should be suitable for an online class situation. These are only three tools that may aid in effective communication in online learning.
Tanya,
Right on! Communication is essential. Making sure the technology tools aid in communication and do not hinder communication - that's the key. Nice job.
Accessability - is this available to all my students
Ease of use - is this techhnology intuitive or is it difficult and confusing
Compatibility - will this communication software work across all platform with minimal requirements
Brian,
Right on! Making sure students can access the course, know where to submit assignments, how to communicate, etc. is essential. And, across platforms is even better.
When using these tools I would consider the demographics of my class. Do they all have the capability to access the tools provided and have an understanding on how to effectively use them.
Subject matter is a concern when utilizing tools. If a subject needs diagrams or movement to fully explain a concept will that tool be able to meet the needs of my curriculum. Time management is another thing I consider. I want to make sure that the student will be able to navigate through the system easily as frustration would lead to inactivity.
