Impact of Technology and Multimedia

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

Technology and media “extend the senses” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Avcek. 2011. p. 91), thus making online learning possible. However, it is possible that the technology or media become the focus of attention rather than the content of the learning being the focus of attention.

I believe that the ubiquity of media and technology will make this question obsolete because there will soon no longer be a “new” way of doing things. Use of technology, especially mobile technology, is becoming such an established part of life that utilizing it in learning will be as normal and expected as sitting in a classroom once was.

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

Don’t try to use all tools available.

Ensure that the content of your course is the focus and not the technology.

Will all your students be able to use the technology?

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

In spite of how common and accessible technology tools are in your sphere of experience, the same cannot be assumed for potential students. It is still true that some students may have slow Internet connections.

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

In my field of computer software support and training, the wiki is becoming the primary technology used. Trainers and support staff utilize the same set of software documentation. With a wiki, anyone who is given access to do so can add content. Communities are built and fostered around almost every popular software. Social media has created a situation where people are going to talk about and teach each other about software whether it is independent or part of the software company’s online presence (Gillin 2007).

References

Gillin, P. (2007). The New Influencers. Quill Driver Books. Sanger, CA.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S.E., Albright, M. and Zvacek, S. (2011). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education. Pearson Education:Boston MA