The impact that technology and multimedia have on online learning environment is tremendous in the learners’ learning experiences. These technology tools and the multimedia provide additional opportunities to facilitate more engaging and collaboration among online learners. Additionally, they create and build effective learning communities in the asynchronous learning networks when use appropriately. Using multimedia can be effective in making information more accessible to more learners in the global market. Further, it improves the learners’ ability to learn and retain the information presented. Using the combination of visuals with words has the effect of improving learning. Online learning using technology tools and multimedia can bring out the best in people who normally may be too shy to contribute in a face-to-face learning environment. According toConrad & Donaldson (2004) it can also create social distance between learners, and stifle the creation of a learning community in a classroom
The online instructor should most importantly consider diverse learners interact with computer with their technology proficiency so as to focus on tools that learners are familiar with and comfortable accessing before implementing technology. The technology tools are constantly changing but usually they are also getting easier, most of which are free therefore, it is a good way for the instructor to learn the tools as well (Boettcher & Conrad p. 106). As a new online instructor, there is the need to keep it simple and focus on only the essential tools when necessary so as to build the course around those tools at the beginning and branch out later as he/she gains confidence, experience, and sense of exploration. In another word, instructor should keep technology limited to what is familiar to both the learners and him/herself.
Successful use of information and communication technologies depends on usable designs that do not require expensive training, accommodate the needs of diverse users and are low cost. There is a growing demand and increasing pressure for adopting innovative approaches to the design and delivery of education, hence, the use of online learning as a mode of study. Therefore, the implications that usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching impact directly on the pedagogical effectiveness of online learning systems and resources for all learners (Cooper et al, 2007). It also allows for collaboration, communication, asynchronous learning, social networking, assessment, and positive feedback using effective rubric. Usability and accessibility are closely linked and must be considered and addressed when using technology tools in an online learning environment. In addition, usability and accessibility of technology tools enhance instructor- learner interaction, learner-learner interaction, and learner-content interaction.
What I learned that would help me implement effective online instructional strategies in the future include the fact that online environments can be frustrating for learners, both pedagogically and technologically and the physical absence of an instructor may lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Therefore, a well-designed welcome announcement can help ease learner frustrations, establish the instructor’s presence, and set a positive tone in a virtual learning environment. I also understand that setting up an online environment is an essential step to creating a positive learning experience and there are several essential steps that I as online instructor should take when setting up my online course or training module. Finally, I learned that feedback tools are essential components for determining whether or not a learner has met the established objectives of a learning experience. The development of a rubric for learner assessment and feedback will clarify assignment expectations, align learning with objectives, and make grading more fair and impartial. Interesting!
References
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical
pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2004). Engaged learning in the online environment. In Engaging
the online learner: Activties and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley amp; Sons, Inc.
Cooper, Mr. Chetz, 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.
Stella as we see in the society today technology is very important and is a part of our learning as well as our lives. Curriculum planning or innovation must be re-oriented around multimedia technologies. Yes, it is so true that the impact that technology and multimedia have on online learning environment is tremendous in the learners’ learning experiences. We find that multimedia technology is all around us. Most schools have some form of technology use for teaching. As Sibanda & Maposa (2010) point out “multimedia technology can also be regarded as information and communication technology (ICT) (p. 1). It involves how we utilize Internet, mobile phone, computers satellite dish and electronic and print media. Most of us have some form of these technologies. It is almost now and day required that we have Internet. I do not think anyone now can make it without a cell phone. You have really bought out some important information about the impact of multimedia and technology. I really enjoyed reading this information.
ReplyDeleteReference
Sibanda, F. & Maposa, R. S. (2010). Beyond Y2K compliance: The impact of multimedia technology
on junior secondary school learners in zimbabwe. Retrieved July 30, 2011 from http://soeagra.com/ijert/vol2/4.pdf
Hi Stella,
ReplyDeleteI love the cartoons on your blog... As you mentioned, accessibility and usability are key concerns in online learning environments. Also, all learners are beginning to not only want to be actively engaged in the learning process but they want to create or build objects. Emerging technologies are providingd terrific opportunities to allow these processes to occur. One the best things about the emerging technologies as you've pointed out is that many of them are free (or at least provide a free trial period for evaluation purposes). I'm currently re-evaluating the usefulness of Captivate 5 and Lectora Inspire. From an instructional designers perspective, the usability factor plays a critical role since technology which takes to long to learn, is not very intuitive, or results in delayed design times aren't really very useful for rapid-prototyping projects. I wonder which is your favorite e-learning design and development tool thus far?
Stella,
ReplyDeleteYou make very good points in reference to the use of technology. I agree with you in that we need to “keep it simple”. There is no sense in using technologies only because these are the latest ones available.
However, on this issue I have gone back and forth between thinking that the content is more important than the source used to get to the content. Within connectivism, it is thought that the ability to learn our content is more important (Siemens, G., 2004).
And in that sense, learners and instructors have to be continuously learning to use the technology available because of the half-life of knowledge. This is referred to as the “time span from when knowledge is gained to when it becomes obsolete” (Siemens, G., 2004).
In any case, learning technologies should be used to enhance and further the learning experience, otherwise there is no point in using them (Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R., 2010).
Resources
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. From http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm