This section really reinforces the need for providing students adequate instruction in the technology skills necessary to navigate the online course. I loved the suggestion of creating an entire video guide using screen capture technology just to walk students through all of the core functions they will need to know to fulfill the various demands of the course.
communication tools are essential
I plan to query the students on the first day of class regarding their experience and level of understanding and application of utilizing online technology such as whiteboards, blogs, wikis, and LMS.
Planning out the online course can be a lengthy process. The more consideration used during the initial course planning the more versatile it will become for future use. Any modifications needed can be made more easily and quickly when adjusting for different courses.
Learned different methods to achieve synchronous and asynchronous online information, and about LMSs.
Synchronous and asynchronous teaching requires a different set online tools: chat vs blog
The online learner first needs a set of technology skills to be successful along with set goals and a plan on how to achieve them.
Using communication tools that is appropriate for your classroom.
The difference between social networks and social media outlets is apparently a fine line. This distinction is a valuable bit of information as one considers what platform to utilize.
Knowing the proper tools is key to online learning.
The questions provided to ask students regarding technology use were very useful; I'd like to drive an online readiness course for students, as well as faculty, as these questions are applicable to both groups.
I liked the idea of using social networking to help the students better learn, interact, and "network" with their peers -- the difference between social networking and social media was also a good observation, with the former being more focused to those with similar interests, and the latter being the broader medium with a wide audience of varying interests and goals. Although this might seem like a "no brainer" THIS brain didn't think about it until reading this lesson.
Student centered learning, focusing more on the students not the instructor. Allowing students to construct knowledge rather than simply receiving it form the teacher.
Incorporating social networking is a good online tool for students and will implement this in my next asynchronous course.
It's important to make sure the students are able to use tools in the LMS as well as the social network platform. We can't assume all of the students are able to use these tools and we may need to have an orientation session at the beginning of the course to familiarize all of the students to use these tools effectively.
There are many technology tools available, without a doubt. The key is to ensure that whatever tools are used, they enhance/support the overall goals as well as meeting student needs. Understanding what tech skills student's actually have is key to being successful. It's a common belief that all young people know how to use tech. In my experience, this is not always true.
Ensuring students have good technical skills or access to gain those skills will help students succeed in an online teaching environment.
Using social networks can be beneficial to online learning vs social media
How to use social networking in course
Master your LMS. Give students a wide array of options to learn. Help assess their technical skills and give the opportunities to enhance those skills.
