Course technology isn’t often present in a class, and students rarely use it to complete assignments or projects. If it is present, students typically only use it to create a project that demonstrates their knowledge of the course content. However, in some courses, technology is present in a lab setting or in a classroom.
7 Things series
Course Technology is a key part of the learning process, but it needs to be relevant and interactive to the coursework. Ideally, course technology will allow students to communicate and collaborate with faculty and classmates in centralized communication tools. Some common examples of course technology are message boards that allow faculty and students to communicate during lectures. Another example of course technology is course lockers, where faculty can provide information to students outside the lecture.
Connecting with others online
Connecting with others online with course technology can be a valuable experience for both students and instructors. Students can use this technology to share their stories, personal experiences, and more. They can also share short videos or audio clips of themselves to help build relationships with their peers. Students can also use this technology to share the feelings they are experiencing by sharing their facial expressions.
Whether you are using course technology to deliver lectures, chat rooms, or online social networks, connecting with others is essential. The traditional teacher-student relationship is based on face-to-face interaction, but asynchronous online learning environment requires different dynamics. Students and instructors can interact outside of class via video exchanges, Word documents, and threaded discussion boards. Online students may also be able to interact with other students outside of class, or can join a tutoring hub.
Embracing technology in the classroom
Technology is increasingly central to our lives and classrooms. Children in kindergarten through high school are accustomed to being surrounded by computers, mobile devices, and educational apps. While these technologies may not be necessary to teach a course, they can help improve productivity and creativity. They can also change the role of the classroom teacher.
Teachers are adapting to new ways to use technology in the classroom, such as posting videos on Web pages or letting students download them to their mp3 players. Some teachers are making the transition more quickly than others. For example, David Dixon, a former music teacher, recently agreed to become a full-time director of technology at Gresham Middle School. He recognizes the many opportunities for teachers to incorporate technology into their classes.
HyFlex format
When it comes to choosing course technology, the HyFlex format is a great option for a number of reasons. In addition to its flexibility, the format allows instructors to customize the course to suit the needs of the students. For example, the HyFlex format allows instructors to create different learning experiences for different student populations, so that different students can benefit from different aspects of the course.
HyFlex courses require more development time than traditional courses and also require a higher level of technology knowledge and skill. Instructors must be familiar with institutional LMSs, web conferencing software, polling software, quiz and proctoring software, and other tools to facilitate a successful course. HyFlex courses also require instructors to plan interactions with synchronous online learners and face-to-face students.
Virtual field trips
Virtual field trips are a great way for students to get a taste of the world while learning about the environment and social issues. They can be used to complement a course’s STEM curriculum and incorporate cross-curricular connections. These virtual experiences follow the principles of place-based education, which encourages students to engage in direct experiences and build new skills. They also emphasize the relationship between industry and society, which can be helpful for students who are studying environmental issues.
The process of creating a virtual field trip is easy and can be done by any student or teacher. It can be as simple as taking a camera on a field trip and uploading the pictures to a computer. Another option is adding those photos to your school’s website. Further resources for creating virtual field trips can be found in Additional Virtual Field Trip Links.
