What impact does technology and multimedia have on online learning environments?
I feel that these two things are extremely important, especially in an online learning environment. The impact of technology can be far reaching; in that if the technology does not work or is inappropriate then this could very easily have an extremely detrimental effect on student success and learning in a given online course. Technology and multimedia should be used to enhance an online learning environment and to supplement in ways that enhance student learning by appealing to the different ways that different, unique students do learn. If these two things work and work well it can make an online learning experience that much better for students and if the opposite is the case it could very easily make it virtually unbearable.
What are the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology?
They should first and foremost ensure that the technology that they have picked works well, is navigable, user-friendly, and is not beyond the level or scope of the learners in a certain online educational experience. Also they must make sure that all programs, videos, games, or simulations that are included work and are not date restricted.
What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching?
Both of these are integral to success in an online course. If the users can not access the program or use it then they undoubtedly will the course. This also will reflect badly on the instructor that chose the programs that do not work and that students can not use. The implications for this are far reaching because it could affect student grades and retention which in the long run could adversely affect program renewal and thus instructor job security.
What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design?
I like to use the newest BlackBoard program as my CMS of choice and I prefer one the Pearson-based supplemental grammar programs, such as MySkillsLab or MyCompLab, for the programs I work with at my college. Once I get into these it really depends on the course, whether it's 85 or 95. I tend to use more interactivity in the 95 with videos, wikis, games, etc. while in 85 I am still getting students, who are returning to school after an extended absence, used to using new technology so I tend to use more Power Points and other programs that are more simple to work with.
Overall whatever technology one uses in designing or teaching a course it must be user-friendly and regularly accessible so as to lead to student success and retention.
I feel that these two things are extremely important, especially in an online learning environment. The impact of technology can be far reaching; in that if the technology does not work or is inappropriate then this could very easily have an extremely detrimental effect on student success and learning in a given online course. Technology and multimedia should be used to enhance an online learning environment and to supplement in ways that enhance student learning by appealing to the different ways that different, unique students do learn. If these two things work and work well it can make an online learning experience that much better for students and if the opposite is the case it could very easily make it virtually unbearable.
What are the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology?
They should first and foremost ensure that the technology that they have picked works well, is navigable, user-friendly, and is not beyond the level or scope of the learners in a certain online educational experience. Also they must make sure that all programs, videos, games, or simulations that are included work and are not date restricted.
What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching?
Both of these are integral to success in an online course. If the users can not access the program or use it then they undoubtedly will the course. This also will reflect badly on the instructor that chose the programs that do not work and that students can not use. The implications for this are far reaching because it could affect student grades and retention which in the long run could adversely affect program renewal and thus instructor job security.
What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design?
I like to use the newest BlackBoard program as my CMS of choice and I prefer one the Pearson-based supplemental grammar programs, such as MySkillsLab or MyCompLab, for the programs I work with at my college. Once I get into these it really depends on the course, whether it's 85 or 95. I tend to use more interactivity in the 95 with videos, wikis, games, etc. while in 85 I am still getting students, who are returning to school after an extended absence, used to using new technology so I tend to use more Power Points and other programs that are more simple to work with.
Overall whatever technology one uses in designing or teaching a course it must be user-friendly and regularly accessible so as to lead to student success and retention.
Hi Wes,
ReplyDelete...good point about using PowerPoint or other easy-to-use tools for those returning to school or possibly unfamiliar with technology. How do you ease these learners into more complex tools?
Very very slowly and with kid gloves, but it can be done. It just takes time and patience.
ReplyDeleteWes,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement” Technology and multimedia should be used to enhance an online learning environment and to supplement in ways that enhance student learning by appealing to the different ways that different, unique students do learn.” The roles and responsibilities of the instructor and the learners can vary according to the learning environment. The online environment is a 100% physical separation between the learner, the instructor, and the peers. The virtual separation is dependent on the learner participation with the facilitator (instructor), and peer interaction. Technology is necessary to establish and maintain a digital communication path between learner, facilitator, and peers provided through collaborative course resources. This virtual communication path can effectively bridge the gap between the learners and the instructor so that constructive learning can take place. Thanks…