While technology has helped to eliminate challenges associated with geographic distance and time
separations, there is need to effectively harness technology in such a way that
the sense of isolation that is often associated with online learning
environments is not only overcome but successful learning experiences for the online
learner are also created. One strategy aimed at overcoming isolation is to
increase the level of interactivity in online classes. It has been suggested
that “students
demonstrate more positive attitudes and higher levels of performance when
online classes are highly interactive” (Durrington,
Berryhill & Swafford, 2006, p. 1). Research has also established that students in e-learning
environments that provided interactive video
achieved “significantly better learning performance and a higher level of
learner satisfaction than those in other settings” (Zhang,
Zhou, Briggs & Nunamaker, 2005, p. 15).
What are the most important considerations an online
instructor should make before implementing technology?
The first thing that an instructor has to do is to have an appreciation of
technologies used in online learning environments and identify those
technologies that will have the most significant impact on learning. Dr. Piskurich (n.d.) has suggested that there is need to
select the right type of technology and delivery method to support learning
activities. For example, instructor-supported asynchronous learning has proved
to be a popular way of implementing online learning programs. Usability and
accessibility of technology tools are also important considerations.
What implications do usability and accessibility of
technology tools have for online learning?
Usability, is the “effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction with which
users can achieve specified learning goals in a particular environment or with
a particular tool or learning resource” (Cooper,
Colwell & Jelfs, 2007, p. 232). Accessibility is concerned with the
flexibility of the technology tools to meet the needs and preferences of all
users, including disabled users. Cooper,
Colwell & Jelfs (2007) have suggested that usability and accessibility need
to be considered together because they are intrinsically linked.
Usability and accessibility issues need to be addressed early during the
system development phase because they have a direct impact on the effectiveness
of the system for all learners (although disabled learners are likely to be
affected the most). In extreme cases some learners might not be able to use the
system at all if these issues are not adequately addressed. Problems with
usability and accessibility invariably lead to learner dissatisfaction and poor
levels of learning performance.
Key technologies for online teaching and learning
Technologies that can be used to deliver online learning experiences
include course management systems and Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis and podcasts. Course
management systems provide virtual classroom learning environments that
facilitate interactive learning using popular tools such as the asynchronous
discussion board. On the other hand, the use of web 2.0 technologies has helped
in creating an engaging online learning environment. Web 2.0 tools facilitate collaboration
amongst learners through user generated content (Palloff, & Pratt, n.d.).
References
Cooper, M., Colwell, C., & Jelfs, A. (2007).
Embedding accessibility and usability: Considerations e-learning research and
development projects. ALT-J: Research in Learning Technology, 15. Retrieved
from the Education Research Complete database.
Durrington, V., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J.
(2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment.
College
Teaching, 54(1), 190–193. Retrieved from
Piskurich, G. (Walden University
Palloff, R.
& Pratt, K. (Walden University
Zhang, D., Zhou,
L., Briggs, R.O. & Nunamaker, J.F. (2005). Instructional video in e-learning: Assessing
the impact of interactive video on learning
effectiveness. Information Management,
43(2006). Retrieved from
Hilary,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your blog. You stated that there is need to select the right type of technology and delivery method to support learning activities. I could not agree with you more.
A students learning process is enhanced through careful activity preparation on the part of the instructor or course designer (Conrad & Donaldson, 2011). These learning activities also have to have accessibility for all of the students involved.
In some situations synchronous activities may prove to more effective, but when technology fails so do these synchronous activities. Instructors should always have alternate activities if the technology fails.
The best way to for students to learn to use online course tools is to actually use them. Also providing opportunities for students to acquire online skills through an informal mentoring system will increase learner confidence.
Online instructors should also have information accessible for learners on library access, technical support and contact information for non-course specific questions.
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. (2011). Engaing the online learner. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass A Wiley Imprint.
Sidindih,
ReplyDeleteGreat post this week. You started your post stating "there is need to effectively harness technology in such a way that the sense of isolation that is often associated with online learning environments is not only overcome but successful learning experiences for the online learner are also created." Technology is the key to the online environment. You provided good points to help to harness technology.
Technology and media is the online environment. Everything in the online learning environment uses technology. To meet the needs of students and the different ways they learn multiple forms of media must be used to construct and convey a variety of messages.
The most important point I want to share as it relates to technology is to Keep It Simple(KIS). Focus on the essential tools, and build you first course around the tools. You can branch out later as you teach the course a second or third time and gain experience, confidence, and sense of exploration(Boettcher,& Conrad, 2010).
Reference
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.