Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

While several of the tools included in the graphic organizer below are not commonly used, there are several so pervasive they have entered new verbs into the language. Email, IM, and texting, found in any dictionary, are accepted as part of the language. Skypeing, though maybe not yet in dictionaries, is part of the vernacular. Each of these tools can be useful to the e-learner and e-teacher. Each of these tools, from a technological determinist viewpoint, determine how we utilize them and play a key role in social change (Kanuka, 2008).

A ubiquitous tool is instant messaging. This technology is a powerful synchronous tool for relaying content, working collaboratively or foster discussion among classmates and instructors. When used within the classroom environment, like ClassChat, its synchronous nature helps build a strong social connection between class members. It also provides prompt feedback, a key factor in helping students feel connected in an online learning environment. It can be used to deliver and clarify content and as a collaborative tool. As a general communication tool, for querying about assignments, etc., it is a less effective tool.

Email is another common technology. While it lacks the immediacy of IMing and exists ‘outside’ the classroom it is a useful tool for setting up ‘meeting times and communicating modes of communication and responsibilities in group projects.

Skype is another tool commonly in use. It is an excellent synchronous communication tool with both chat and video capability. It is useful for collaborative groups and can be useful for generating class discussion or relaying content. The synchronous and video nature of this tool can create strong social connection among classmates and instructors.

The one ubiquitous technology that will continue to grow in its capabilities and can utilize all of the above mentioned tools is the ‘smart phone’ (Hutchinson, Tin, & Cao, 2008). They are making their way into many professions. A survey of physicians showed a significant percentage own smart phones and utilize medical apps with those phones. Analyst Charles Golvin predicts the next wave of internet users, likely in the billions, will largely access the internet via smartphones. For many who cannot afford computers smartphones are the answer to staying connected with friends. The internet access smartphones provide, along with texting and many other apps, will make this a multifaceted tool for e-learner and e-teacher.

http://mobihealthnews.com/4354/survey-63-of-physicians-with-smartphones-use-apps/

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-10-20-social-network-smartphone_N.htm

http://www.pe.com/localnews/healthcare/stories/PE_News_Local_S_healthapps25.3ab439c.html

http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/10/26/bica1026.htm

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