Impact of Technology and Multimedia

Key questions to ask

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

·         Technology and media is the online environment.  Everything in the online learning environment uses technology.  To meet the needs of students and the different ways they learn multiple forms of media must be used to construct and convey a variety of messages.

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

·         The most important point I want you to remember as it relates to technology is to Keep It Simple(KIS).  Focus on the essential tools, and build you first course around the tools.  You can branch out later as you teach the course a second or third time and gain experience, confidence, and sense of exploration(Boettcher,& Conrad, 2010).

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

·         More is not always better in some cases.  Having a lot of technology tools that you are your students can not use are not helpful.  There are many tools out there to choose from focus on a few for each course. The primary tool that you will need to become familiar with is the course management system (CMS) that your institution uses(Boettcher,& Conrad, 2010).

What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design? Some of my favorite tools include but is not limited to:

·         Course management system – this is the course foundation it is the key to success

·           Turn it in – This is a great site with software to detect plagiarism.  It is great for both the student and the instructor. 

·           E-mail, announcements, and discussion forums – sounds obvious but it is essential in the online environment.

·           Blogs – This is a helpful place for students to share and others to comment.  It may require some intermediate technology skills but it is worth it.

·           Wiki - These types of sites are great for project for collaboration. This may also require some intermediate technology skills.

Resource

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