7 hrs. average time, 2 readings, 1 activity
What types of tools can I use to help my students learn? Do I need to be an expert in technology to teach an online course? Should I focus more of my time on pedagogy or technology? Which types of digital tools and resources should I use in my online course? This module will provide a guideline for choosing technology and also review a basic set of technology tools, and their purposes, to assist you in selecting the right tools for your online course.
Without a doubt, this module is the most challenging to build because digital tools change faster than we can explain them. Regardless, a good strategy when starting out to teach online is to choose at least three or four essential tools that are best suited for your learning goals, discipline, and comfortability. Its good practice to expand your use of tools, as you become more familiar with the online environment. Plus, its also a good practice to review your tools after each academic year and consider replacing your tools with newer, more updated tools, as needed.
When considering the type of tech-tools to use for an online course, pedagogy should always take priority. In other words, technology should serve pedagogy. The first decisions of any learning experience design is the end goal, which is the desired outcome of a given experience. This means that in designing a course, the starting point is to clearly identify outcomes. Once we can determine our outcomes and the ways we want to get learners to those desired outcomes, we can begin to reflect on which technologies might work to best achieve the results. In general, when choosing technology tools, we encourage faculty to meet things simple, focus on tools that are supported at Honolulu Community College and you feel comfortable using. This module offers some helpful resources on commonly used and supported tools on campus.
Multimedia incorporated courses enable the different types of students to meet their individual learning needs. Different students have different learning styles, so the best way to provide them with suitable learning resources is through multimedia. We encourage you to consider using images, videos, and text-based materials, as well as interactive activities within your online course modules, units, or lessons. Using a variety of multimedia variety gives you the power to cater to different learning preferences. Just make sure that the media components are complementary. For example, pairing an audio recorded explanation with an graph. The audio clarifies complex trends of statistics that are featured in the graph.
There are 4-different multimedia/technological categories that we recommend considering when developing your online course, which include: image tools, online communication tools, multimedia/interactive content creation tools, and presentation tools.
If you wish to build interactive and accurate feedback, consider creating video announcements and/or short mini-lectures or concept introductions recordings. Students feel more connected if you provide them with a recording each week. Your recording may include:
The online environment doesn't naturally invite communication and collaboration. Using communication tools and integrating communication tools into assignments throughout the semester can assist you in communicating with your learners and guide them in building a learning community. These tools may include:
Presentation tools are a great way to introduce core concepts, demonstrate a process, or show visual examples. Presentations can also be paired with screencasting recording tools, so your students can see, listen, and learn from you! Presentation tools are also be used for:
With image tools, instructors can develop content to introduce core concepts, demonstrate a processes, show visual examples, and more. Blending text and visuals within a lesson can assist students in knowledge attainment and retention. Scan through our recommended tools for creating images, editing images, or remixing images and graphics. Image tools can also be used for:
CH 7 PEDAGOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEDIA [PDF]
HIGH-TOUCH VS. HIGH-TECH [video]
