Impact of Technology and Multimedia
The impact of technology in the field of education has
forever changed how as people we receive our education. Whether it occurs
through face-to-face interaction or online technology, the impact of technology
and multimedia has been felt throughout the field of learning. Technology and
multimedia provide a wonderful opportunity for collaboration to take place
between learners across the country and the world. Multimedia brings to the
table opportunities that some would never experience if it were not for the
technology we have today.
Before an online instructor implements technology, an online
instructor needs to know what tools the learners are familiar with as well as
what tools he feels comfortable using. There is no need to rush using tools
that may not be comfortable with; however, it is important to encourage
students to use graphics and audio and video media in their work as they are so
inclined and as it fits the content and their own comfort and skill level. In
fact, it is a good way for the instructor to learn the tools as well (
Boettcher & Conrad p. 106).
Accessibility of technology tools allows for collaboration,
communication, synchronous learning, asynchronous learning, social networking,
scoring tools, and assistive technology for assisting those with special needs.
As I work towards my degree in instructional design, I have
discovered many tools that will assist me in my journey to becoming an online
instructor. The following table contains a few which will ensure that my
instruction will reach all types of learners.
TECHNOLOGY TOOL /USE:
- · Skype: Will give me the ability to hold meetings with students and parents face to face
- · Wikis: Allow for collaborative projects between peers
- · Blogs: Allow learners to leave comments about given topics
- · Video streaming; Supplement lectures and reading resources
- · Podcasting: Supplement instruction for my auditory learners
References:
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online
teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco,
CA: Jossey-Bass.
The use of wikis was something I considered in my blog post this week. Is there a particular way you see yourself utilizing wikis in the future? It's definitely something I want to explore more, but don't have a lot of experience with yet.
ReplyDeleteWikis are certainly time consuming to learn but when you do they are fun and cool. I had NO clue what they were until a few courses ago. I think I would encourage students to use them to communicate on group projects and as well as sharing their work. They are used for so many things that the possibilities are endless.
DeleteShirelle, you are right. Understanding the skill set of your class is important. What happens if you learn that all of your students are beginners when it comes to using technology? Would you omit a great deal of your training or ask that an additional course be required prior to taking your course? I can personally admit that I have taken classes that required technology in which I had never used before making the class extremely frustrating. It was difficult to meet course objectives due to my lack of knowledge with the technology. Thanks. Monica
ReplyDeleteMonica I totally understand your frustration with technology. I have a long way to go in using the very expensive ADOBE software that we have. Yes the courses that require us to use some of the programs makes for a difficult and long course. I need just a class on a specific software program. :)
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