Technology
has found its way into higher education through a number of avenues.The development of new technology has not
only changed the face of education, but has allowed advancements which are
critical to student success.I had the opportunity
to speak with Ms. Marcella Marez, a Speech instructor from Keiser University, regarding
various technologies she has incorporated into her online public speaking course.Specifically, our discussion focused on the
use of a tool called “Blackboard Collaborate”.Ms. Marez has been teaching public speaking online for a number of years
and has vast experience with testing out new ways to connect with her students.
We discussed
how she utilizes this technology in her class, some of the pros and cons of
utilizing this particular technology, as well as how she feels it benefits or
creates challenges for adult learners.
You can
check out my interview with Ms. Marez below.I hope you enjoy the learning experience!
References:
King, K.P.,
& Cox, T.D. (2011). The professor’s
guide to taming technology: Leveraging digital media, web 2.0, and more for
learning. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
Oomen-Early, Bold, and Gallien
(2011) stated, “Teaching and learning in an environment separated by space and
time require a new set of skills and practices for both instructor and learner”
(King & Cox, 2011, p. 52).This
statement, from my experience teaching in both face-to-face classrooms and
online is true.One of the biggest
complaints I have from an instructor standpoint and from a student standpoint
about distance education is the lack of personal connection.As we move to an era where online learning is
more prevalent it is vital that both teachers and students work on developing
their skills related to the use of various technologies.Utilizing technologies such as podcasts, asynchronous
audio communication, videos, and narrated digital presentations (King &
Cox, 2011) can help both teachers and students to build a personal connection
while also enhancing learning opportunities.However, as with the use of any technology, prior to implementation pros
and cons should always be considered.
Podcasts:
-Pros:The use of podcasts has been seen
more frequently throughout higher education in recent years.Podcasts are beneficial for a number of
reasons.Podcasts are a great tool to
use when reaching out to students and attempting to tap into their various learning
styles.Podcasts are also readily
available and can be used to transmit a variety of information including
lectures, FAQ’s, tutorials, and as a new approach to assignments (King, 2011).
-Cons: Prior to utilizing podcasts it is important for instructors to be aware
of some of the potential problems or issues which could be encountered.First, podcasting requires specific equipment
and the user must have knowledge of how to create the digital recording and how
to edit and upload the files (King, 2011).For an adult learner with little experience using technology, this could
be a difficult task.Copyright and legal
issues are also a concern.Teachers must
be educated about what information can be shared and what legal guidelines must
be followed when utilizing this technology in their course (King, 2011).
Asynchronous
Audio Communication (AAC):
“AAC is the use of delayed (not
simultaneous) digital audio technology to deliver verbal communication through
a computer” (Oomen-Early, Bold, & Gallien, 2011, p. 52).
-Pros:AAC is very helpful in adding additional
support to text-based communication while creating more opportunities for
interaction and overall enhancing e-learning.One of the biggest benefits of using AAC is that it lends itself to a variety
of situations.AAC can be used to expand
on course materials and also to provide feedback to students individually or as
a group.By teachers being allowed to
post individual audio file messages they can connect with their students while
maintaining privacy within their classroom environment. (Oomen-Early, Bold,
& Gallien, 2011).
-Cons:AAC’s are actually something I have utilized
in my own courses and although they can be useful, they also have their
drawbacks.One of the main concerns and
issues I have had is with students being able to play the audio files.As with many technologies, students must have
the correct software or programs updated on their computers in order to access
this information.
Digital
Videos:
-Pros:
The use of videos for instruction is becoming increasingly popular in higher
education.The widespread popularity of
You Tube has made it easy to find videos of just about anything.King and Cox (2011) discussed the numerous “pros”
of using videos for instructional purposes.Videos can be quick and easy to create, they are an effective method of
mediated learning, and they are available at all times and are easily
incorporated into curriculum.Videos can
be used for instructional purposes of relaying information and course content
and also as an assignment.
-Cons:Although videos can be a great learning tool
and are easily accessible, there are potential issues.I know from experience that creating and
uploading videos can be difficult for adult learners.Many sites such as You Tube or Viddler will
only allow video files of a certain size.If need be, video files can be compressed however that is not always an
easy process.King and Cox (2011) also
note that similar to other types of media, intellectual property rights and copyright
laws must be followed.
Narrated
Digital Presentations:
-Pros:Incorporating narration into digital
presentations such as Power Points can add creativity and interest to the
information being conveyed.Narrated
digital presentations, like other media, can add a personal touch to course
material being delivered online.This
can peak interest in students which is a vital part of successfully delivering
material.If students are not interested
they will not participate (Donavant, 2011).
-Cons:Preparing scripts and recording information
can be a time consuming task.Donavant
(2011) stated, “Developing and delivering an informative and stimulating presentation
at anything above an average level of competency is a feat accomplished by all
too few educators; considerable time and effort is required, as well as a fair
amount of skill” (p. 113).Although they
may be convenient, without proper knowledge the task of creating this type of
presentation could be very difficult.
So are audio/visual/podcasts
beneficial for adult learners?As with
most other technology my personal opinion would be "I think so?".One of the main things I have learned
throughout this journey into the world of technology is that technology can be
great, if you know how to use it…or if you are willing to learn. Adult learners, especially those who do not have much background in utilizing technology may struggle at times; but if they are willing to work at it the use of technology could greatly enhance their education.
References:
Donovant, B.W. (2011). Narrated
digital presentations: An educator’s journey and strategies for integrating and
enhancing education. In K.P. King & T.D. Cox, The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology (105). Charlotte, NC:
Information Age Publishing Inc.
King, K.P. (2011). Podcasting:
Learning on demand and content creation. In K.P. King & T.D. Cox, The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology (33-50).
Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing Inc. King, K.P., & Cox, T.D. (2011).
Video development and instructional use: Simple and powerful options. In K.P.
King & T.D. Cox, The Professor’s
Guide to Taming Technology (67-68). Charlotte, NC: Information Age
Publishing Inc. Oomen-Early, J., Bold, M., &
Gallien, T. (2011). Using online asynchronous audio communication in higher
education. In K.P. King & T.D. Cox, The
Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology (51-65). Charlotte, NC: Information
Age Publishing Inc.
Ravenscraft, C. (Producer). (2011,
September 5). Learn how to podcast - part 1 of 8 - podcasting video tutorial
series. Video retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qD9AsooUcU
