George,
Sorry it didn't post. Thanks for trying again and adding to the conversation. You bring up some great points.
Richard,
You bring up some very good points. Sounds like you are implementing great components in your online course.
Zakaria,
Thanks for your input and details. It takes time comparing technology communication tools, but it's worth the effort to find one that meets your needs and the needs of the students.
Nicole,
And, I like that you included the "why" component. Instead of just a list, you have made us think about this more.
Thanks!
I believe the three most important things to consider would be accessibility to course, the ability to communicate effectively and to have all the resources needed by students available.
Will the student have knowledge of the tool?
How difficult is the tool to utilize?
How difficult if necessary will it be to teach or educate the students to utilize the tool?
Dr. Crews,
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in the learning environment, the three most important things to consider are:
1. User-friendliness: by making the communication (e-mail, group meetings) user friendly, learners are more apt to make use and communicate with the instructor. Some students communicate best via email while others prefer a more collaborative approach.
2. Appropriate software and equipment-- one must assure to have the appropriate software to operate the communication tools. For example, if one has scheduled a group meeting, having Blackboard collaborative, or Adobe is a must to conduct a group meeting; in addition to having a web camera.
3. Support-- such as Technical support so that learners do not feel alone, and it gives them a point of contact should they experience any online issues.
Cheers,
Emry
Hello,
When assessing the use of technology communication tools in a virtual learning environment, the three most important things to consider are student needs (because classes should be student-oriented and aid in the learning proces), student accessibility (because if students can't access the technology, it defeats the purpose of using it), and class/objectives needs (because the technology tool needs to meet the needs of the assignment/objective to make it useful and effective).
Amanda
Technology offers many unique opportunities previously unavailable. However, it also needs to be appropriate to the student population. Therefore, the three most important elements that I look for are:
1. Student familiarity and comfort level with technology. While younger students may be "pre-wired", older students may not have an intuitive use of how to use the tools and may be hesitant to explore he many options in a classroom.
2. Using the right tools. Facebook is not the answer to every question! :) As instructors, we need to select and support the options that are best able to communicate the message and content to students.
3. Functionality! It is very difficult to manage the classroom when servers go down or classrooms crash or lessons need to be re-recorded. It disrupts the flow and energy of the class and can negatively impact student performance.
All that said, technology is a great tool that allows students of all ages and backgrounds to have access to education and everything else, that was previously unavailable.
Lance,
Good list. Accessibility is so very important and without effective communication, online courses can possibly not meet the students' needs.
Elivett,
Good questions. When the technology communication tool is easy to use and the students can access it, they are more likely to use it. Thanks!
Emry,
I love Adobe too. And, you are right in that technology support is essential to help students (and possibly you as the instructor) to keep things flowing. Thanks for your input.
Amanda,
Thanks for bringing up the point that the class should be student-centered. Focusing on those objectives can help students understand why they are doing what they are doing. Thank you.
Beth,
You are right on target. There's nothing worse than an instructor that uses technology just because he/she can, but it does not help the students move toward the learning outcomes. Well said.
Which tool will work for the material and learning needed. What software and hardware requirements might there be for students and the instructor and are they easy to use. How many people are we going to communicate with and will it be synchronous or asynchronous.
In facilitating non-traditional students the ease of access and use may be very important as the students may be older and have less experience in such technology.
Great list. I would add that looking at what needs to be taught and the learning outcomes will also impact what communication tools are used.
William,
True. It's not just the non-traditional students. All students need to have ease of access. Thanks!
William,
Good questions. It's important that online instructors don't just us technology for the sake of using it, but that it has an effective purpose. Thanks!
William,
Agree! The communication tools are essential in helping students move toward the learning outcomes. Thanks!
