The Role of Technology | Origin: EL201
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Online Communication: Engaging and Retaining Online Learners --> The Role of Technology
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Overall technology meditated communication offers, convenience, and flexibility, but requires clear, thoughtful and intentional. Communication to minimize misunderstandings and assure messages are interpret with intention
Through this module, I learned that technology plays a critical role in shaping the online learning experience, but effective communication remains at the center of student success. I gained a deeper understanding of how online learners differ from traditional students, the importance of staying current with emerging technologies, and the ways technology-mediated communication can impact how messages are delivered and interpreted. I also learned that successful online instruction requires intentionality, flexibility, and a strong focus on building meaningful connections with students.
As an Esthetics Instructor, I intend to apply these lessons by continuing to leverage technology to enhance learning while being mindful of how I communicate with students in digital spaces. I will focus on providing clear expectations, timely feedback, and consistent support to ensure students feel engaged and connected, regardless of the learning environment. I also plan to continue exploring new educational technologies, including AI tools and interactive learning platforms, to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
Most importantly, this module reinforced that technology should be used to support relationships, not replace them. Moving forward, I will strive to create learning experiences that are both technologically effective and personally meaningful, helping students feel supported as they work toward their educational and professional goals.
This model taught me that applying someone’s presence in person helps recognize their communication style more online. Have an instructor in person will help you read their demeanor and cues, so if assigning online work or communicating outside of class you can properly convey exactly what they want from you.
Maintaining a human connection is just as important and impactful as ensuring the systems/platforms used to deliver online learning.
I know that everyone learns differently so finding alternate ways in media to help students study and remember. I find short form content that explains what we are studying in a different way. Having someone else say the same thing in a different format can connect dots for some that were not understanding it with how I explained it.
One thing i learned about this topic is how technology can improve communication, engagement, and connection with students.
Creating a welcome video is a great start to a class -and one I will try next!
I’m committing to using more social media and technology to be able to relate more to my students
I have learned that technology plays an important role in improving communication, access to information, and flexibility in learning. It allows students to stay connected, collaborate, and manage their time more effectively. However, it also requires strong self-discipline and clear communication skills. I plan to apply this by staying organized, using online tools to enhance my learning, and communicating clearly with instructors and peers to avoid misunderstandings.
The use of technology has been very beneficial to students and staff. The flexibility of using technology anywhere is vital to the success of students. Technology can be very useful for students with different schedules and needs.
We have to be able to reach all of our students and using technology has been very beneficial.
how important it is to create an positive online presence. It brought to mind a early onlie class in 2000 i took and how horrible it was bc you just heard the teach drone on in the back ground and all you saw where slides. No body language no facial expressions no anything to change the view, flow, or anything. Now i know how that class could have been a lot better
I do think there can be a lot of miscommunication in online communication. People can misinterpret emotions behind messages. I think that clear and concise messages also help reduce confusion.
I have learn that new generations depend so much in technology that with out it the fell
lost
I learned that some communication styles can lack the social ques needed to accuratly relay the message trying to get across, and that it is better to combine different modes of communication in order to make sure the content is communicated efficiently,
Text communication is missing the body language component of expressive language and can be misunderstood as cold, demeaning, etc. if the right words are not chosen carefully. Using video to post a technological message, introduction, lesson allows for the non-verbal body language and decreases the incidence of miscommunication.
Creating a positive social presence is a very important role for the on line instructor.
Although I have not heard directly of the label known as the “Online Disinhibition Effect,” its meaning, as discussed in a section of this module, refers to the lack of social etiquette or restraint one feels in online interactions. It can more easily lead to increased self-disclosure or hostile discourse, which is something that instructors should be aware of and seek to prevent.
The online environment should be humanized by having the faculty model respectful interactions and establish clear communication rules – a code of conduct. Having students share their bio at the start of the online course session with either an avatar or personal photo might be helpful. Being transparent and discussing the online disinhibition effect at the start of the course session would be a learning experience for students.
When I first taught online, I required students to introduce themselves on a discussion board with a minimum of seven sentences, which included sharing what they do in their free time to decompress, and they needed to respond respectfully and encouragingly to the posts of two other classmates (4-8 sentences). I found it to be a wonderful icebreaker.
When the instructor has a welcoming Social Presence, students are more engaged in the course.
I learned that technology can enhance or or hinder how a message is received; I plan to make sure that I am using technology the correct way to make sure all communication stays professional and thoughtful of the student.
