This past module has focused on a lot of online tools. These
tools seem really useful though I have a few concerns with them. The tools can
be a great way to work with students and get some active involvement. Voice
thread seems like a great way to get students to talk to each other without
having to be in direct contact with each other. Voki gives you a chance to
interact with students in a fun and creative way, but I do not think it would
be useful beyond an introduction to a course. Screen casting is great way to
instruct students in how to do something. It can be helpful to see what a
teacher is doing themselves so you know what to do. And podcast could be useful
if you had the correct situation; though I am not as big a fan of those.
These tools can really be useful, but there is one
limitation that I can see for all of them. Internet connections are not all the
same for all students. I had problems this past week because my internet
connection could not support all of these tools easily. I often had to redo
videos or go to a new location to be able to access information. Not all
students will have the same quality of internet as you do, so just because you
can do it does not mean they can. So can see how these tools can be helpful if
they can be accessed, but you need to remember that not everyone will have the
same means as you do.
That is why I think it is every important to provide a
written form for everything that you have in video or podcast. This will help
students who cannot always access what you are posting. And this also means you
need to work with students who may not be able to use the tools you provide
easily. Obviously you cannot allow the student to not complete the assignment,
but you may need to provide them with more time or some accommodation if they
are having problems. Students are often nervous to ask for these accommodations
so I think it is important to tell your students to come to you with concerns
and issues.
Other than this issue with internet, I think that these
tools can be used in an online class with great success. I am hoping that I
will get a chance to use these tools in an online class in the future.
You bring up a valid point, Alexa. I would agree that we should at least have backups ready in case issues occur as you mentioned. I think, however, that not being able to access things when you are taking an online course is the exception and not the rule. I think it's important that students are made aware of the kind of media and activities that will be included in the course so they know they will be able to fully participate. Yet, if problems happen, it's good to be prepared too.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, a tool like Voki or Tellagami for making avatars, is fun, but I agree that you really would not want to overuse something like this. When I asked my online students what they thought of my use of tools like Voki, they all agreed that it they helped make the course more fun and recommended that I keep doing these sorts of things.
Internet connection quality is definitely a consideration to be aware of! It's something that comes up frequently in library discussions (especially since there are a number of people who use public computers at libraries as their sole means of accessing the internet). I was also very aware of it personally since my mom only had dial-up service until about two years ago... even things like email can be hard to navigate when you have such a slow connection!
ReplyDeleteThat said, I would hope (and perhaps even expect?) that someone who signs up for an online course is at least somewhat aware of the need for a reliable, relatively speedy connection in order to access the course. But as Rick said, making students aware of what they'll need to use as part of the course will help students assess whether they'll be able to fully participate.
Very good point. I also like the idea of the hybrid course. Where students will meet on certain days also. I completely agree with you regarding Voki. I actually think it only serves the purpose of not putting your face out there on a video.
ReplyDeleteYou do bring up a great point. I think I need a software update on my computer, which made some links appear to be broken when evaluating the other course for our class project. Computer/Internet issues are real. I would hate to put a valuable piece of information into something that a student cannot even view for the course.
ReplyDelete