Impact of Multimedia and Technology

Q1. What impact does technology and multimedia have on online learning environments?

Answer: Technology and multimedia is the key in the online learning environment; it’s what makes a course engaging for the participants. To ensure an effective learning experience utilizing technology and multimedia in online learning, you must ensure that the learners are equipped with the technical knowledge and ensure the technology is user friendly enough to keep the participant focused on the learning content, and not on how to utilize the technology.

Q2: What are the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology?

Answer: It’s important that the instructor does not overwhelm the participants by introducing too many forms of technology. As indicated in the course reading, it’s important for an instructor to pick one to three tools that are best suited for the learning environment. Online Schooling offers great examples of ways to introduce new technology into the online classroom. Here are a few: (1) Prepare students in advance, (2) Give clear, detailed written instructions, (3) Use Snipping Tool to give screen shots, (4) Prepare for people using different operating systems, and (5) Reward proficiency.

Q3: What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching?

Answer: Just as previously stated, it’s imperative for instructors and designers to take into consideration of the various operating systems when introducing tools to online learners. As long as the variations of accessibility are taken into consideration upon creation of learning content, and accounted for in the instructions of usage, there should be no problems if defined properly and support is made available.

Q4: What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design?

Answer: I have a few tools of preference in online design and development. I enjoy using Flash for interactivity, Dreamweaver as a platform, Firefly Simulations for technical learning to provide the real-world effect, and Fireworks for graphics in a corporate environment. These are primary development tools that I would enjoy utilizing.

References

http://www.webjunction.org/e-learning/articles/content/443585

http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-teaching/classroom-technology

Course Text: The Online Teaching Survival Guide