CED0 550 - #2 Structuring My Online Learning Tools to Meet the Needs of My Learners

When thinking about the online learning tools I would feel comfortable using with those that I instruct, I have to take into consideration the issues of access. For my middle grade students, most of them have no computer access outside of our face – to –face classroom. Meeting their needs would mean structuring a format that would be flexible in how they receive instructional resources and submit assignments. The format for this would need to be asynchronous, not requiring the students to be online at the same time. Two asynchronous online learning tools that I believe would be most appropriate for the learners I work with are the discussion boards and e-mail. For another segment of the learners I work with, who do have computer access outside of the classroom synchronous tools may also be very useful for them. With these learners I would use videoconferencing, chats with a possible structure for blended learning, offering those who would like to meet in a face to face environment as well a place to come together for “labs” or hands-on.

To make the best of both worlds work for my learners I would include virtual tours, videos and narrated slide shows as part of the activities to keep participants engaged. A tool that I am learning to use is Audacity, a tool that can be used to record voice narration or music. Additionally, tools such as Voice Thread or Slideshare to present information to participants, but I would also teach them how to use these tools t create their own product.

To ensure that my students would be able to access and have the full benefit of these tools, I would include some pre-class tasks for participants to complete in my initial contact. In reviewing, the initial contact that I have created in the past, this was something I had never thought to do.