Part 2 The Impact of Technology and Multimedia

What impact does technology and multimedia have on online learning environments?

Technology and multimedia add to knowledge and learning by providing hands-on experiences. When learners use technology and multimedia, they are able to apply their prior knowledge and new understanding in a new way. The more each learner uses and explores, the more they can share and then explore on their own. “In an effort to enhance student learning, effective educators have knowledgeably leveraged appropriate doses of selected multimedia to supplement the course content. In so doing, they have successfully aided the learner to achieve better learning outcomes for the needed objective” (Goodrich, 2013).

What are the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology?

 

Facilitators must be strategic in their choosing when it comes to implementing technology and multimedia within a course.  They should also consider the simplicity or ease of which the specific technologies can be learned and used.  Lastly, instructors should qualify the need by consider the following objectives:

 A) Does it satisfy the need for student learning?

B) Do they have prior knowledge enough to navigate the software?

C) Is the technology being used to reflect or assess student progress?

D) Can it be used collaboratively and asynchronously?

E) Do they help build an effective online community? (Boettcher &Conrad, 2011).

 

What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching?

 The technology tools need to be accessible both by the instructor and the students.  You would not want a hard to use, undependable CMS to be your support system for your class.  This would be frustrating for the instructor and students. The technologies used must be user friendly, easily understood and reliable.

 Another good idea might be to have alternative options in case a specific technology fails. A back up plan is a must when it comes to online classes. Even a simple machine like a phone can mean the difference of passing or failing a class, if the main technology fails.

What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as your move forward in your career in instructional design?

Every class I take through Walden University introduces me to some new technology. This class, Online Instructional Strategies, introduced me to Voicethread. I love this software! I have recently begun using it in my 5^th grade online class to communicate important messages to parents.  So many emails are sent to students and parents that often times they are not read; however, if I put a 20 second Voicethread announcement accessible with a quick link, the message is read to them. My overall completion rate is up due to this software integration.

Although I am not much of a gamer, I have seen firsthand the positive results students experience when they plan online games that help to increase their math, reading or test taking skills.  I will incorporate games or simulations into any training I develop.

As for specific technologies I would like to use at some point and time, they are; Blackboard, Canvas, Adobe, Google Docs, Prezis, Voicethread, Wikis and Survey Monkey and Audacity.

References

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Goodrich, David (2011).  What are the effects of multimedia on learning? Retrieved from: http://sites.arbor.edu/oat/2011/02/07/what-are-the-effects-of-multimedia-on-learning/