Reflecting on previously learned material is an important part of the learning experience. In a recent course through Walden University I had the opportunity to set up a course management system (CMS) for a project. The CMS I used, canvas, was quite easy to set up. I can see how using the CMS tool for an online learning environment can make the work of the facilitator and learner easier. A few questions need to be answered in regards to using technology tools, such as a CMS, for an online course. Those questions are as follows:
What impact does technology and multimedia have on online learning environments?
Technology and multimedia are the backbone of the online learning community's resources, if utilized properly. Technology is the backbone of an online learning community. Without the use of technology (computers or mobile), students have no means of collaborating or communicating. Without some type of organized communication piece students will have difficulty know the expectations of the course. When students are able to quickly and easily locate the syllabus and course assignments and resources, the learning environment can flow and the collaborative process will help students obtain maximum learning from the course.
What are the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology?
It is important to remember that using several technology tools in your first course is not a requirement. Use the ones you know and are familiar with most. There must be somewhere for students to feel a social presence, as described by Boettcher and Conrad (2010). The online place where students are physically present is in a CMS or a learning management system (LMS), as mentioned by Boettcher and Conrad (2010). Also, the instructor should keep in mind that his/her students are diverse. This means some students speak other languages, could be using mobile technology, etc. For example, as discussed by the experts on Laureate Education (2010), students could be dealing with dial-up on their computers. For this reason, simply having several videos as resources per week would make things difficult for students with dial-up. It is important to have several resources, not just multimedia type resources, available for students. The instructor should be aware of the importance of creating an “online social presence” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 54). This is “one of the best ways to get a course off on the right foot” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 54). Finding the right technology tool to assure students can collaborate with one another and with the instructor is imperative to the success of the course. When doing so, the “best approach teaching your first online course is to keep it simple” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 57).
What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching?
“Online students have schedules from many competing responsibilities, such as working, parenting, and travel” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 82). Having access to the learning material at the exact time students are trying to work in a course is imperative to honor their time. If students are unable to use the technology tools, this can make or break a learners experience with a learning community. Continually getting an error when clicking on a video resource, as an example, can cause a great deal of stress for a learner. Since the learner in in an online environment, getting in touch will the instructor when the student chooses to do his/her work may be difficult. If students are constantly sending emails questioning how to view a multimedia resource or stating the multimedia is not working, this could cause students and the instructor to spend valuable time with technology problems, rather than spending that time learning.
What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design?
I believe some important technology tools to use in an online course are email, CMSs, YouTube, and video resources. These are the basics for an online course. An LMS or a CMS is the meeting place for students and instructors to get together, as stated in Boettcher and Conrad (2010). For me, I prefer to post information to a blog, rather than to always use discussion boards. I think using a blog makes the information more "my own." Getting to design a page and have information on my personal page helps me to own my learning and keep my material in my own place. I am also fond of using presentations like PowerPoint and Prezi. I feel both presentation tools are equally as important as the other. I personally like using Prezi because the presentations looks better to me and it is a newer way to present.
It is important to remember, as a first time course instructor, to keep it simple (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010). Do not try to tackle all the technology tools out there, rather take the time to thoroughly learning those most important to the success of the students. The technology tools that make communication easier are important. Also having a place to house and discuss your expectations is also important to the success of the students. The success of a course is worth the time spent learning to use an LMS or CMS.
Resources
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The
online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Enhancing the online experience [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Dear Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fine way to introduce the topic and link all the ideas into a coherent whole!
And, as always, you hit it on the nail in the most concise way possible:
“It is important to remember, as a first time course instructor, to keep it simple (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010). Do not try to tackle all the technology tools out there, rather take the time to thoroughly learning those most important to the success of the students” (Hogg, September 29, 2015, para 6). Hear, Hear!
However, Jennifer, when you speak about the accessibility and usability issues, you focus on the technical problems dwelt upon by Drs. Palloff and Pratt (Laureate Education, 2010). What about the aspects so powerfully defended by Cooper et al (2007) and Burgstahler (2006) – namely, the difficulties that students with disabilities may have when enrolled in an online technology-heavy learning setting; indeed, most students with disabilities are sure to experience accessibility- and usability-related difficulties considering the current lack of attention to their needs (Burgstahler, 2006). How do you think accessibility and usability issues should be treated in the light of the needs of students with disabilities?
Thank you, Jennifer, you are always an asset,
Marina
References
Burgstahler, S. (2006). The development of accessibility indicators for distance learning programs. ALT-J: Research in Learning Technology, 14(1), 79-102.
Cooper, M., Colwell, C., & Jelfs, A. (2007). Embedding accessibility and usability: Considerations for e-learning research and development projects. ALT-J: Research in Learning Technology, 15(3), 231-245.
Hogg, J. (September 29, 2015). The Importance of Technology in Distance Education [Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://jennymariehogg2.blogspot.ru/2015/09/reflecting-on-previously.html.
Jenny, I thought your intro really set up the blog entry on technology in distance education. We surely know firsthand how the demands on time and energy are real challenges for adult learners. The asynchronous and synchronous tools can really help learners overcome what used to be real barriers to continuing education.
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