Impact of Technology and Multimedia

The Internet and multimedia are classified as technologies that have been around for quite sometimes. They are both constantly increasing in terms of use and technological evolution as well as rapidly converging over the Internet’s World Wide Web. Today, the community is encouraged by Web 2.0 tools. According to Dr. Palloff & Dr. Pratt (2010) Web 2.0 is useful in online environments only when they support the learning objectives. As Bates (2000) points out “multimedia can represent knowledge in more ways than text or speech can” (p. 40). Multimedia provides learners and instructors with unique learning resources that can be utilized in various ways to stimulate many forms of learning (Bates, 2000, p. 40). According to Boettcher & Conrad (2010) due to the technology and multimedia utilized in the online course, learning can be easily transferred from the traditional environment to face-to-face environment (p. 58). Involving technology in our learning environment has definitely demonstrated to be a positive move. Nevertheless, there is not a lot of communication about what is required to move a face-to-face format into the online environment. "Moving to the online environment means developing a new set of habits, tools, and practices, and that takes time, energy, and patience" (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010, p. 103). I have personally experienced switching to online and expanding new online learning in my instructive work.

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

When designing online course there are a lot to take in consideration. First of all, the impact technology and multimedia have on online learning environments. Technology and multimedia have a vast impact on the online learning environments. They are both an important part of the course management. Technology is the dynamic force while multimedia has prepared a way to personalize learning to an even higher education. Multimedia presents the capability to enhance learning. For example, multimedia can add clarity through multiple views through the use of Web 2.0 tools. Dr. Patloff & Dr. Pratt indicate that the Web 2.0 tools can support learners in their choices of reaching their goals. Multimedia can also provide opulence and sense, through video, to show as well as tell. As Bates (2000) points out “Multimedia technology affects both aspects of teaching and learning” (p. 40). Instructors want to be careful to avoid an overload of technology because too much of a good thing can have a destructive effect. Nonetheless, when technology and multimedia are integrated properly, the advantages are great for the learners.


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

There are factors that the online instructor should take into considerations before incorporating technology and multimedia into their program. I see the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology is to design instruction to fit the needs of the learners as well as educational objectives to be achieved. The instructor should then consider what type of technology will be utilize for example videos, blogs, wikis, course management system, interactive games, etc. According to Boettcher & Conrad (2010) meeting the needs of learners implies setting up a shared learning community that will provide learners the self-assurance of working together, as well as offering clear means that will facilitate learners to take charge of their own learning. Meeting the needs of learners takes time and careful planning. Instructors should keep in consideration that learners come with diverse learning styles therefore a variety of learning activities and directions will be needed in the beginning. Some learners will need tutorial in using online learning tools. Boettcher & Conrad (2010) identify the best approach for initiating an online class is to keep it simple as well as focusing on the essential tools and constructing the first course around these tools (p. 57). As time and experience progress, move at a slow pace by branching out later as you teach the course a second or third time. Keep technology limited to what is well-known to both the instructor and learners. Avoid introducing several new technologies at one time. According to Wicks (2011) “This shift of learning from traditional materials to using Web 2.0 tools should cause teachers to rethink how they deliver content, and to seek ways to incorporate the tools students use for recreation to further their interest and education” (p. 1).

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

According to Cooper, Colwell, & Jelfs (2007) “accessibility and usability impact directly on the pedagogical effectiveness of elearning systems or resources for all learners, but particularly for disabled learners” (p. 233). Instructors should be aware that they are faced with diverse learners. They should prepare online instruction to meet the need of all learners therefore technology should be user friendly. The instructor and student should be able to evaluate applications in a way that is helpful to learning and instructing in order to have a successful learning community. The instructor should accommodate the learner in intricate ways.

An additional issue to reflect on is what the insinuations might there be for the usability and accessibility of the technology tools concerning online teaching. We must bear in mind that there can be a glitch in technology involving technical issues with operating, starting, etc. The online instructor should make the learners aware and provide a back up plan if there is a failure in technology. According to Conrad & Donaldson (2004) in terms of usability, allowing learners to utilize the technology with non-graded assignments prior to a graded assignment is a wonderful resource to exercise. This provides the learners with experience and direction before completing the actual assignment.


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

As an educator, I find utilizing visual in learning is essential. I am a believer of the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” (Jarboe, 2010). I find videos to be a useful factor in learning. I have utilized YouTube a great deal to help me in my previous online class. I have also had the experience of designing a course management system.

I also find the blog and wiki to be very vital tools in the online teaching. Dr Palloff & Dr. Pratt (2010) identify blog and wiki as greats tools for managing a large group of students. I have had experience with both and will continue their use in my career in instructional design. Those are the two technology tools I've found very beneficial and provide a lot of opportunities for my development in the online learning environment.

I find that technology played a significance role in my online learning experience. Technology allowed me the opportunity to make a change from face-to-face instruction to online formats. Creating effective interactive learning environments for adult online course is vital for the success of students with flexible schedules. Therefore, being a full time worker with other obligations, technology has allowed me the opportunity to continue my education. I have found online education to be a great learning experience, although the use of technology can be a bit overwhelming. Through the use of technology, I have learned the significance of community learning as well as how to create an online learning community in the course of prudent direction by the instructor. In an online article “Emerging theories and online learning environments for adults” Wicks (2011) points out that “technology can enhance or defeat the building of community learning environments” (p. 1).

What did you learn that would help you implement effective online instructional strategies in the future?

I have learned that effective online instruction relies on learning experiences properly devised and facilitated by well-informed instructors. We find that instructors are faced with students who have diverse learning styles or a combination of styles; therefore, the instructors should create activities that address their methods of learning in order to offer considerable experiences for each learner. I learned that it is vital of utilize multiple instructional strategies when designing a course. I learned that when designing a lesson it is important that the learner is involved. Conrad & Donaldson (2004) stated, “The involvement of the learner in the course, whether one calls it interaction, engagement, or building community, is critical if an online course is to be more that a lecture-oriented course in which interaction is primarily between the learner and the content or the learner and the instructor” (p. 6). It is also vital that the instructor provide a high degree of interactivity and participation in online classes. In an effective online environment, the instructor and learner should be partner. Course should be design by involving technology at a slow pace in order to avoid overwhelming the learners. As Conrad & Donaldson (2004) point out “engaged leaning does not simple happen, but requires “architectural engineering” by the instructor. I also learned that the instructor should always be present because guidance is needed.


References
Bates, T. (2000). Teaching, learning, and the impact of multimedia technologies. EDUCAUSE Review. Retrieved July 27, 2011 from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERM0053.pdf

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

Palloff, Rena. & Pratt, Keith (2010) Video: Enhancing the online Experience
http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4894963&Survey=1&47=
5974603&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1 (Accessed Mar. 28, 2011)

Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2004). Engaging the online learner: Activities and
resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Cooper, M., Colwell, C., & Jelfs, A. (2007). Embedding accessibility and usability: considerations for e-learning research and development projects. ALT-J: Research in Learning Technology, 15(3), 231-245. doi:10.1080/09687760701673659
Jarboe, G. (2010). If a picture is worth a thousand words, then is a video worth a million? Retrieved July 27, 2011 from http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2050522/If-a-Picture-is-Worth-a-Thousand-Words-Then-Is-a-Video-Worth-a-Million

Pitt, T. J. & Clark, A. (1997). Creating powerful online courses using multiple instructional strategies. Retrieved July 28, 2011 from http://www.cordonline.net/mntutorial2/module_1/Reading%201-2%20multiple%20strategies.pdf
Wicks, D. J. (2011). Emerging theories and online learning environments for adults. Retrieved July 27, 2011 from https://sites.google.com/a/boisestate.edu/edtechtheories/emerging-theories-and-online-learning-environments-for-adults-1