Technology can greatly enhance the online learning environment for the student. New technology available today can be used for collaboration, which is extremely important for online learning. “Collaboration can energize learners, promote deeper learning, and make learners more self-reliant (Horton, 2000, p 334).” Examples of collaboration tools are Wikis and Discussion Boards. New technology software also allows for live collaborative tools including Adobe Connect, Skype, and live chat.
In addition to making collaboration easier, technology also provides a way for individuals to enhance the instructional material to allow for interactivity. This would include technology used for games and simulations that enhances the students’ learning.
It is important for the online instructor to consider how well they know the technology, how well they feel their students will be able to use the technology, the level of support needed, and how the technology will help accomplish the course objective.
There are many technology tools out there, many of which the instructor may not be familiar with. It can be an overwhelming task to feel like you have to learn them all. It is a best practice to learn a few you feel will help meeting your learning goals and discipline (Boettcher and Conrad, 2010).
It is also important to consider how the instructor will support the students in the event they have trouble using the technology implemented. Technology that may be complex in nature can frustrate, distract, and discourage learners. This can cause them to feel like they wasted valuable time or give up altogether (Horton, 2000).
To help reduce any frustrations or the time it takes to support the students, only technology relevant to the course objectives should be used. “Focus on the essential tools, and build your first course around those tools. You can branch out later as you teach the course a second or third time and gain experience, confidence, and a sense of exploration (Boettcher and Conrad, 2010, p 57).”
Usability and accessibility of the technology tools is very important in the online environment. To keep students from becoming distracted or discouraged with technology issues, it makes sense to use technology tools that more students will be able to access. Instructors should avoid unnecessary technology to reduce technical hurdles. It is important for the instructor to consider what technologies their learners may already be familiar with and use those rather than require them to learn new technologies (Horton, 2000). If the students do not have the proper web browser or plug-ins to access the course’s multimedia, the students can easily get discouraged.
Of the tools I have become more familiar with, the ones most appealing are Wikis, Discussion Boards, and synchronous collaboration tools like Adobe Connect.
Technology, if used properly by the instructor, can provide significant benefits to the students’ learning experience in the online environment. Technology is always used, even just the Course Management System that displays the basic instruction. It can be frustrating for students if there is a long list of technology requirements to attend the course. Students that may be less familiar with technology may be more inclined to pass up online class altogether (Horton, 2000). In addition, instructions must be able to provide the proper level of technical support for their students.
If you are able to overcome the possible technical hurdles, technology can really enhance the user experience. There is a considerable amount of technology available for online learning, a lot of which now has tutorials to learn it and may come at no expense. “These tools make it possible to design almost any learning experience that you have designed for your face-to-face environment (Boettcher and Conrad, 2010, p 58).”
References:
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). Phase One:What's Happening, Themes, and Tools. The online teaching survival guide: simple and practical pedagogical tips (pp. 57-62). San Francisco
Horton, W. K. (2000). Overcoming technical hurdles. Designing Web-based training: how to teach anyone anything anywhere anytime (pp. 334-484). New York
Melisa, I liked your emphasis on keeping technology simple and usable, and your reference to mastering a few technologies at a time, as a "best practice."
ReplyDeleteMelisa,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the comfort level with a a particular technology is a hugh factor in determining what technology to use. I am not a technically proficient person (but getting there!). I find that in these Walden course I have had to learn and apply theory and content while having to learn how to use the technology. It has been a fast track to learning it and has provided me with a hight comfort level with some of the technical application.
It has also motivated me to put a plan in place to slowly integrate certain technologies into my future courses.
Nice blog!
D
Melisa,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point every new technology has a learning curve. If you are going to introduce something new, then you had better be prepared to provide some level training and support. Otherwise, the technology detracts from the course.
Stephen