Technology should be used purposefully to support the learning goal. This module speaks to the need of deliberately and carefully employing technology while remaining focussed on learning. In creating this module, the design team chose to use Quia to deliver an online, more interactive experience for the pre-course work and reflection. The significance is not the tool itself, but the reasons for using it. This particular tool was chosen, from a multitude of other options, because it offered the easiest toolset to accomplish the learning goal, allowed us to collect and compare responses, was available immediately at no cost, and we had local expertise with the tool. When selecting any online tool, consideration must be given to the durability, sustainability and security of the tool. Are you able to learn and use the tool without outside assistance? Will the material you place on the tool be available when you need it? (Consider that a formerly ‘free’ tool, like Xtranormal, may choose to charge for their service in the future) Can the tool be used in schools without compromising the safety of student information? Is there another ‘supported’ tool that will perform the same function? The simplicity of the online presentation hides the many considerations given to its use.
Technology should be used purposefully to support the learning goal. This module speaks to the need of deliberately and carefully employing technology while remaining focussed on learning. In creating this module, the design team chose to use Quia to deliver an online, more interactive experience for the pre-course work and reflection. The significance is not the tool itself, but the reasons for using it. This particular tool was chosen, from a multitude of other options, because it offered the easiest toolset to accomplish the learning goal, allowed us to collect and compare responses, was available immediately at no cost, and we had local expertise with the tool. When selecting any online tool, consideration must be given to the durability, sustainability and security of the tool. Are you able to learn and use the tool without outside assistance? Will the material you place on the tool be available when you need it? (Consider that a formerly ‘free’ tool, like Xtranormal, may choose to charge for their service in the future) Can the tool be used in schools without compromising the safety of student information? Is there another ‘supported’ tool that will perform the same function? The simplicity of the online presentation hides the many considerations given to its use.
