Informing the students of what technical skills are needed for the online course will help the student identify their weaknesses. Once indentified the student can learn a new skill which will help them learn online.
Even if a student thinks that he/she has good technology skills you still have to make sure that those skills would mach or surpass the skills to be sucessful it an online coures.
Asynchronous and Synchronous tools must be used to help all students.
Utilizing the right tools will help for student understanding, to be able to navigate and utilize all the tools necessary to help them comprehend the subject at hand.
There are many different tools that are available to online students compared to a regular classroom setting. One of the tools I like to use for my students are the virtual field trips that are available. I have found that they make great discussion questions for the students. THe ones I use are those that pertain to the topic matter we are studdying.
It's crucial to be sure all students have the ability to access the technology required for online success and understanding the resources and capabilities available for online student learning and choosing the best ones.
There are many ways an instructor can help students stay interested and grow in an Asynchroonous and Synchonous environment.
As an instructor, you should use a variety of communication tools in an online course. Social networking is important for success in the online course.
Many of the tools discussed in this section would be very beneficial to students and help build a sense of community in an online learning environment. Wikis, blogs, discussion boards, forums, messaging and social networking/media would all build a more approachable feel to an online program. That being said, you would need to do some baseline assessing when it comes to your students to find out their comfort level when it comes to all of these various tools and develop methods to ensure students are comfortable and up to par with the technology so that is enhancing their course experience and not detrimental to their learning.
The tips about assessing a student's technical knowledge prior to starting online learning will be invaluable.
Utlizing a variety of methods of communication is most effective, helps to ensure community etc.
The importance of technology and the understanding of the students ability to use it. I have also learned how social networking is used to engage students.
Creating a student oriented learning environment helps the students to feel like they are a part of the entire course rather than just a body.
As a future on-line instructor, I have learned that there is a lot of technology to learn, review, and experiment with before actually beginning to teach. This opportunity to learn and apply hands-on experience will enable me to better assist my future learners; and, also to provide them with the best technology selection(s) for communication choices.
Not overloading the LMS with flashy content is a good idea. I like the way this goes.
I gained the understanding that it is very important to be opened minded and make sure that the students are comfortable with different kinds of technology tools. When I have that understanding I can assist my students with the use of such technology that will enhance their learning experience.
using social neworking sites can engage students and can be helpful
We may think our students know how to use technology tools and have technology skills, but many do not know beyond texting and scrolling! Making sure students can do the simple tasks of saving and copy/paste is so essential. When you use the word Social - it brings to mind every face to their screen scrolling the feed - but not when you add Networking to that term - creating a network working to achieve a goal.
As an online instructor there are many tools that can be used for synchronous and asynchronous comminucation. Based off the course the instructor needs to decide what is going to be best to deliver the content, with the thought in mind of students' abilities. Not all tools need to be used, and these digital platforms should not be overwhelming but support and engage learners.
I'm learning about all the different tools that are available to help with the online teaching process. Even some of the apps are helping with teaching outside of the classroom in a real time setting.
