Online learners use many kinds of technological tools outside of the classroom on a daily basis. The same tools can also be used in an online learning environment. Email, Skype, instant messaging, and social networking sites are basic tools for communication and networking. Two synchronous communication tools are Skype and instant messaging. Skype can be used for having guest speakers from around the world. Students can participate in a meaningful experience without ever leaving the classroom. Email is another type of communication in which a group of people can receive the same message. For educational purposes, social networking sites may not be appropriate for an educational setting. Wikis and blogs would be a better choice. They are useful for communicating messages and facilitating discussion and discourse amongst students and faculty. In my district we use wikis for students to post discussion responses and student work. Podcasts and programs like GarageBand and Imovie are tools that can be used for students and faculty to share content information. Siemens (2008) believes that if students are familiar with technology tools the may produce an increased level of engagement in a course. Using these tools in a real world setting can help students to see an application beyond socializing.Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190−193. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's Accession Number: 19754742
Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.
As I read through your post I was reminded of my video topic about asynchronous v. synchronous online education. You mentioned Skype and IM as examples of synchronous communication, and you included e-mail as asynchronous contact with individuals and groups. Although I have a Skype and social networking account, I still find myself using e-mail as my dominant method of sending messages. Somehow I find comfort in the less-than-immediate access format. I know many people who spend literally hours on Facebook-type networks. In truth, I enjoy the occasional contact with an old classmate or former student, but I guess I just don't have the intrinsic need to peak into other's lives or have them peak into mine. You concluded by suggesting that incorporating entertaining- and social-type technologies into education could possibly increase interest and engagement, but I wonder if they increase depth of understanding in content knowledge. Are we enhancing education with entertainment, or substituting entertainment for education? Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the statement of students becoming familiar with education technology. I have one question, are the students' responsible with their wikis? Curious because I work with an environment that focus more on myspace and facebook in a social prospective instead of useful the two sites can be in an educational perspective.
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