Impact of Technology & Multimedia

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.

The technology tools that is most appealing to me for online teaching as I move forward in my career in instructional design are the importance of tools that support specific tasks, and thus allow more flexible teaching, facilitate access to resources and peers, and promote collaborative learning. These tools include Skype-gives 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. Further, I am most impressed of the discussion forums, email, and online videos. Finally, I also feel that learner use of Adobe Acrobat and graphing tools can be important means for promoting discovery learning among online learners using data.

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.