The successful design of an online program will include multiple strategies for promoting meaningful engagement among learners. Learning is an ongoing process in and outside of the classroom, whether online or face to face. Many of the technological tools currently used outside of the classroom can be infused into the different phases of the educational process. Incorporating everyday technology tools set the stage for providing real-life meaningful applications. When addressing content, communication, and collaboration, social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, or Skype and interactive gaming programs provide opportunities for learners to interact and become engaged in their learning. Online assessment tools and education management programs may serve as vehicles to bring outside resources into the online learning environment. VoiceThread and Blackboard are two options to consider.
There are many advantages to using VoiceThread and Blackboard that range from collaborative opportunities, communication between students and instructors, as well as assessment opportunities. VoiceThread is an interactive tool that allows learners to participate collaboratively or independently in completing or assessing assignments (Brunvand, 2011). Skype offers the option for a face to face setting through media and supports communication between students and instructors. A benefit of social media tools is that through the use of smartphones, tablets, iPads and e-readers it is convenient to connect to the learning environment and incorporate the outside tools. A supportive and respectful learning environment that promotes ongoing discussions and problem-based learning as described by Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford (2206) is best for bringing technological tools into the educational process.
References
Brunvand, S. & Byrd, S. (2011, March/April). Using voicethread to promote learning engagement and success for all students. Teaching exceptional children, 43(4), 28-37. Retrieved from http://voicethread.com/media/misc/support/JTECVoiceThread.pdf
Durrington, V., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006).Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College teaching, 54 (1), 190-193. Retrieved from http://www.learningace.com/doc/6040996/6926294f4758d05afcf54f24ca050ece/strategies-for-enhancing-student-interactivity-online
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Your graphic organizer on strategies and tools for engaging learners is great. The tools for building content knowledge you listed are needed for successful online learning.
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