I was just reading through Social Media for Adult Online Learners & Educators - it is interesting to read about the adult learner...how they have time limitations, want their knowledge to be accessed, and have fears in online learning. Especially after our discussion last week on generational differences, it does feel, to me, that it's a race to keep up with all the latest technology that some of my younger counterparts take for granted and use with ease. I can barely keep track of the little technology I use (Facebook, LinkedIn, 3 emails) and it seems daunting to think that I could be a savvy online teacher with all the new technologies out there. I suppose the approach is to do a little at a time...so as not to overwhelm and give up completely. So, this afternoon...I may look into second life...something I've never seen before.
It's a challenge though...I'm borrowing a computer as mine just crashed this weekend. And, of course, I hadn't backed it up in a long time.
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Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou are already using more technology than you realize! I think the key to all this is not necessarily using every tool available, but just be aware of their existence and choose which parts are useful for your purposes. There will always be the latest and greatest platform, don't let that muddle your end vision. I think that in online instructional design, you should start with your end vision and then find out which tools will get you there. Once you have selected the correct tool, I think you will find that the learning curve in using it is much shorter than you imagine. Starting with your selection of platforms might stifle or limit the design process.
Just my thoughts,
-Ben
...and if only I would get into this whole Twitter thing