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.
Comment on Todd Grzech's post: Agreed
you must be proficient in technology
The platforms that are made accessible to facilitate online education and the technological sources used to facilitate this form of education.
Many students today want to use their smart phones or tablets to take courses.
Although technology can be difficult to manage at times it is key to online leanring.
Technology is your friend; it is a tool to help you. The number of resources available for instruction has grown tremendously so you may need to experiment with what works best for you. I like REMIND, Mentimeter, Khan Academy, and quizlet.
