Understanding the tools available to the instructor for the students is very important. The more we understand what the tools available to us and the students the better their online experience will be and the better they will adjust to online learning.
The abondunce of social networking that we can use for online and to make sure that the tools are compatible.
I learned more about using synchronous and asynchronous types of technology to improve online learning. Blogs and wikis are new tools that I could use to improve learning discussions
There are a variety of technical skills and tools that are required to teach effectivley online. These tools must curated to meet the needs of your course.
I plan to use this information when desining my online courses so that they are as effective in delivering the course content.
We cannot assume that our students are technically competent we must find this out in the biginning and do what is necessary to bring them up to speed.
I learned how and when to use asynchronous and synchronous communication tools and the need to be proactive in ensuring that the students have the necessary technical skill for online learning. I will ensure that I create an online learning space that is conducive to my students
I feel it is important to consider a student centered online learning space so the workload isnt on the instructor but students have a hands on approach in their learning .
It is important for the online instructor to be aware of the importance of motivation and helping students develop and sustain their own motivation.
A variety of tools is great. It is important to consider student access to these tools and to use only what is needed so the focus isn't on the delivery but on the content.
Persistence is the biggest key to success. Students are provided an opportunity to complete their assignments using various technologies.
This is right on the money. On timed tests you need to have printed the subject matter so you don't continually change screens.You need to fell comfortable and be able to be free of distraction. Simply silencing the phone is a big deal.
It is important to use a variety of technology tools for students. Asynchronous and synchronous tools will develop relationships between the students and instructor. Remember to have a student-centered learning space and use networking tools to help engage, communicate and collaborate.
I believe students should be informally tested on their online skills when it comes to speciific technology needed during course and research skills to determine if additional time and resources should be spent teaching those skills to help students success.
As the last of the Baby Boomer generation, I sometime struggle with technology. I find that many students have much more expertise that I do. Many times in class I have one of the students demostrate how the new program works. They enjoy teaching it- I could do the same thing in an onine discussion allowing one of the students demonstrate the technology.
In this module there was a review of asynchronous and synchronous communication tools and specific tools used. It is suggested that "how-to" guides be made available for students to reference when using these tools. The module also covered LMSs and how it should be organized with the students in mind. Then lastly the module covered social networking. Social networking sites should be used to help students share information and knowledge.
Often, the teacher needs to learn the wide variety of communication tools before those tools can be taught to the students.
Communication Skills are one of the most sought after soft skills in the "Real World" but not necesarily the easiest skill to teach? Technology skills, a hard skill is easier skill to teach but we have to figure out where each student is starting out at before we can start!
Social networking can work in an online format when used properly. Students should be pointed to now to "brand" themselves in the process. I plan to use LinkedIn to allow students to create a profile where they plan on how their goals can be realized.
This module stressed that technology skills need to be taught for each program you intend to use for your online course. We can use screen shots and how to videos to make sure our students can access the content and respond appropriately online.
Very nice job of describing tools useful in synchronous and asynchronous settings.
