The Impact of Technology & Multimedia

 

When designing and setting up an online course, it is important to consider the learning management system and technology tools that will be implemented in the online course to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences. In this blog, I will outline multimedia and technology considerations for setting up an online learning experience. 

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

Various digital technologies which include computers, iPads, smartphones, etc. are often used in online learning courses to deliver learning content. Multimedia tools such as audio, video, and hyperlink documents nested in PowerPoint slides present learning materials that stimulate the attention of students and encourage their thinking process (Kumi et al., 2020). Technology and multimedia can impact online learning environments by influencing the level of interaction, providing cross-cultural collaboration, and allowing learners to develop a clear understanding of information.   

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

Eiland and Todd (2019) stated that technology can assist with active learning sessions in the classroom to increase student engagement with a subject, provide immediate and meaningful feedback, and to clarify new concepts or review previously taught material. However, before implementing technology, online instructors should first consider the software that will be used and computer and device hardware limitations.

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

Learning tools and technology enable students to develop effective self-directed learning skills. Usability and accessibility are intrinsically linked.  Usability should play an important role in accessibility testing, since a resource presenting usability difficulties will generally present significant accessibility problems for users (Cooper et al., 2007). The lower the level of accessibility of a resource for an individual, the less usable it will be for them. Adequately addressing accessibility  and usability avoid barriers in the way of students accessing their learning.

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

To enrich learning in a meaningful way, some of the technology tools that are most appealing and ones that I have enjoyed using include:  

·       Kahoot

·       Prezi

·       Microsoft PowerPoint

·       Story board

·       Go Noodle

·       Padlet

·       Class Dojo

·       IXL

·       Nearpod

Reference

Cooper, M., Colwell, C., & Jelfs, A. (2007). Embedding accessibility and usability: Considerations for e-learning research and development projects. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ815341.pdf 

Eiland, L. S., & Todd, T. J. (2019). Considerations when incorporating technology into classroom and experiential teaching. The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG, 24(4), 270–275. https://doi.org/10.5863/1551-6776-24.4.270

Kumi-Yeboah, A., Sallar, A.W., Kiramba, L.K., & Kim., Y. (2020). Exploring the use of digital technologies from the perspective of diverse learners in online learning environments. Online Learning, 24(4), 42-63. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v24i4.2323