Always be mindful of intent vs impact when utilizing technology to communicate.
Technology is amazing, so much can be done with easy of convenience. Students can navigate form some many different sources. I would like to see more videos learning, just to interact with students. Many professors only know students by name and not face and vice versa. Sad world, however a lifestyle of the new gen.
It is important as instructors to remain professional when interacting in an online system. Being mind full of the tone of the email and not responding in an impolite way even if a sender of an email reacts in that way.
Comment on Gloria Ward's post: very true.
We as educators need to be proactive about learning something that we likely all think we do well; communicate online. A critical part of being an educator is self reflection and taking the practice constant and never-ending growth. This course made me strongly realize that I need to properly learn how to interact/speak in an online space properly and professionally, as we likely all believe we do it pretty well. I personally now see an immediate need to learn more about communication in the online educational space to set myself up for success.
I intend to apply it by learning a new programs, and use it in my course. ( Dental Anatomy), and a new apps to me are Kahoot and "Visible Body".
Communication and retention through technology is very important in today's learning environment. Understanding and facilitating a sense of community with online students is just as important as creating that same environment for your F2F students.
Technology will only continue to be better and improved moving forward.
Comment on Meri Torres's post: I agree that navigation is key!
In most cases when technology we can see if there is some point of understanding existing for the student, and we can ask a question that would verify it and have a instant response.
Technology plays a large role in student learning and communications, which makes it easier for students to use their phone and ipads for learning. Some students have a cell phone, or a ipad, or both. Communication through technology is more effective than a email, due to it being more personal, and less room for miscommunication.
Online technology provides various ways to engage with student, including chats, discussion boards, video or audio meetings, emails, announcements, and collaborative group projects.
We must embrace technology and different styles of learning because technology is all around and we must adapt to the current times.
Online learning can be a challenge for both the student and the instructor. Continuous communication is key to maintaining successful students.
Having a supportive instructor that makes timely responses is crucial for some students.
I might try a video welcome instead of a written one. Even trying to make it a point to have a face-to-face meeting with students will help retain students.
Technology is a need! Technology is magic tool to learn
The factors that John Suler has highlighted were spot on to my experience.
Technology trends in education facilitate education and provide means for retention. Early warnings and detection of low performance could be corrected by immediate feedback. Technology-mediated communication facilitates relationships providing stereotyping-free environments. Online education will continue growing.
there are multiple "literacies" at work in the online environment,and finding ways to speak through all of them can be enhanced with a myriad of online teaching tools and techniques.
