Technology creates the ability
for us to learn at a distance more effectively.
Prior to the internet distance education involved mail. Technology and multimedia have allowed us to
create very interactive learning experience online. Technology allows us to connect
globally. It allows us to create
asynchronous learning online through the use of web cameras and webcasting. Technology and multimedia have been
invaluable to online learning.
The most important things to
take into consideration before implementing technology is user friendliness and
technology requirements. The technology
being selected should work for all of your students. When using technology in online classrooms we
have to take into consideration that we may have learners all over the
world. Some of our learners may have
spotty internet connections which may not allow them to be online for long
periods at a time which could affect their ability to use certain tools. Also it is important for the technology to be
user friendly. Although two pieces of
technology may do the same thing one might not be as easy to use as the
other. For example before this semester
we used eCollege for our classes and Walden has now switched to
blackboard. While they both do the same
thing I much prefer the lay out and ease of use of eCollege over blackboard.
Learning simulation tools are most appealing to me. I want tools where the people I am training
can get a real life experience but not during work. I want to be able to get real time
information on how they handled situations based on what they have learned.
Integrating technology and multimedia will help create
more interactive learning. Online
environments can sometimes seem lonely for the learner. By properly selecting and integrating
multimedia and technology we can overcome those feelings of separation and
create real communities of learners that feel a part of their learning
experience. According to Mandernach (2009), it is possible that online courses
that utilize multimedia to create a more personalized, intimate learning
experience may increase student engagement.
References
Mandernach, B. (2009). Effect of Instructor-Personalized
Multimedia in the Online Classroom. International Review Of Research In
Open And Distance Learning, 10(3),
Tyrese: Well done. I like the fact that you are creating an environment of learners and that ease of use is important.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Hi Tyrese,
ReplyDeleteI think you hit the nail on the head. The key to learning (in F2F, blended, and fully online learning) is connectivity. Spotty internet connections like the ones I have experienced this week as I traveled can put a damper on learning. Technology can certainly enhance or prevent the flow of information in any learning environment.