What impact does technology and
multimedia have on online learning environments?
Technology
and multimedia enhance the educational experience by creating interactive
learning environments and providing experiences that increase learner
engagement. With Web 2.0 tools such as Skype or ooVoo allows for learners to
build an online learning community and communicate remotely as effectively as
if they were in the same location. With the advent of Course Management
Systems, instructors can create virtual classrooms that rival and in some
circumstances, surpass the efficiency of face-to-face environments.
What are the most important
considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology?
When
planning and/or implementing a plan for an online course instructors must
consider any factors prior to implementing/incorporating technological aids. I
feel that first and foremost learner access must be considered. High-speed
internet access is often taken for granted and presumed by most to be widely
available everywhere, but that is definitely not the case. There are thousands
of rural areas that do not have broadband options, which leaves dial-up
internet access as the sole means of accessing online content. Anyone in this
situation would be hindered in an online environment, particularly when it
comes to data heavy activities such as VOD, video chats and file
downloads/upload. Instructors must also be cognizant of the age and
technological experience level of each individual learner. While not always
true, a lot of older learners tend to be less technologically savvy and may not
be comfortable with an abundance of tech tools thrown at them at once. Even a
young learner that may not have a lot of exposure to technology can quickly
become lost in a high tech online environment. Instructors must also take care
to ensure that technology is being used as an enhancement and a catalyst for
learning and not just being mandated because it is available an d accessible.
What implications do usability and
accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching?
Mobile
technology has changed and improved the landscape of online learning
tremendously. In 2006 I was enrolled in an M.S. program and I took a few of my
courses online. While I was able to look at the course outline and weekly
objectives on my smart phone, I could not interact with the site, interact with
anyone or anything on it and I definitely could not download or stream
multimedia files. Today online learners can download and stream multimedia content,
submit documents, chat, video conference and collaborate on assignments using a
tablet or a smart phone; learners can go anywhere in the world at the drop of a
dime without the worry of being home in front of a PC or tethered to a bulky
laptop. I can foresee an online learning future where portable devices are
curriculum requirements for most online courses.
What technology tools are most
appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in
instructional design?
There are three
technology tools that I find interesting and would like to utilize in the
future:
·
Aggregators-
Prior to the week 6 course resources I had never heard of an aggregator; I am a
fan of any tool that makes collecting/monitoring student related information
easier and more efficient
·
ooVoo-
This (free) video communication application has become a great tool for group
collaboration, allowing up to ten people to conference via video; although not
as popular as Skype, I believe it is a more intuitive and feature-rich
alternative that can have a great impact on online class communication
Wikis- A wiki provides a virtual space for online
classmates to not only collaborate, but analyze and critique each other’s’
work; these wiki’s can also be used subsequently by student’s that enroll in a
given course at a later date
Christopher,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your blog post. One thing that stood out to me this week was your comment about the important considerations for an online instructors to take when implementing technology. You stated that high-speed internet access is often taken for granted and presumed by most to be widely available everywhere, but that is definitely not the case.
I could not agree with you more, and I found this out the hard way. I had a student that lived in a extremely rural area and had to travel to a library in order to access high speed internet. This student did complete the course but I am sure that she had numerous bouts of frustration.
In the online environment the instructor should become familiar with its institutions information on library access, technical support and contact information for non-course specific questions for their online learners in case of technological issues.
This information should be displayed prominently for the learners to see in advance. I tend to always send this information out a week in advance in an email.
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned, "With Web 2.0 tools such as Skype or ooVoo allows for learners to build an online learning community and communicate remotely as effectively as if they were in the same location." Do you see any draw backs or issues that might be associated with online learning and remote communication/collaboration?
You also mentioned,"While not always true, a lot of older learners tend to be less technologically savvy and may not be comfortable with an abundance of tech tools thrown at them at once." Keep in mind more experience may not correlate to more technology proficiency. One thing I noticed when forming groups in the past is we can not assume age translate to experience, you does not translate to more technological proficient, etc.
Great blog post Chris!