The Impact of Technology!!!!

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

Today technology plays a major role within the online learning environment because it’s the key component to the online learning. Technology has allowed students to learn asynchronously or synchronously within the online environment.  The technological advances have made it possible for instructors to customize their courses to fit their student needs within online learning. In addition, technology and multimedia has transformed the learning environment, as we know it because of its capability to reach the masses by way of Internet.

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

        To implement technology into a course, the needs of the leaner must be met by way of objectives and outcomes that need to be accomplished.  Establishing a learning community that will support the learner needs within the online environment. Next considering whether the online software is user friendly for the students. There is nothing more frustrating for a student than to have complicated Course Management system ( CMS).  Lastly, making sure the technology meets the needs of the educational objectives of the students. Meaning, the students can see how they are going to benefit from using the technology. In my opinion, technology is only as good as the person implementing software.

3. What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online learning?

         

 The whole point of online learning is the usability and accessibility.  The use of technology as a tool is not different from using a car to drive. We need it! Technology is a tool that has made learning accessible for all ages and learning styles. As with many other tools, technology has it’s up and downs as well such as loss of connectivity due to severe weather conditions. Recently, at Walden University certain part of the US were experiencing severe power outages across a couple of states and the university and the instructors had to provide extensions on assignments. These are things that are beyond anyone’s control and that just technology.  Even though there can be drawbacks to technology it’s the new form of learning because it provides learners with so much flexible and capabilities to be able to learn anywhere. And that’s what people like the most about the online learning environment.

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

          

 Since taking this course I have truly found my liking Google; that’s from Hangouts, chats, Google doc, blogs, email and so much more that Google provide to learners and students.  I find myself learning something new everyday about Google that I know that I could live with out it! Another thing that I would need are the l presentation and document tools that student need to complete assignments. But mind you that Google has that as well ( LOL). Moreover the discussion format tools and LMS tools would be a must as well. Lastly, when designing a course the most important part is finding the tools that will achieve your learning outcomes and objectives for the course so that the students are successful.