Community of
Practice
An Asynchronous
Tools Reflection
By Prof. Jonathan Acuña Solano
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Twitter: @jonacuso
Post 203
As one explores asynchronous tools for
one’s online course, it is way essential to evaluate how these tools can affect
the learning environment one is intending to create for one’s class. As an
online or blended instructor, it is necessary to think of the following: the
most challenging feature an asynchronous tool can have, the greatest benefit
one and one’s class can get out of it, and any question one may have regarding
the use of asynchronous tools prior its launching in a course one is teaching.
·
What do you feel is
the most challenging feature of asynchronous tools?
When
confronted with trying to give an answer to this question, I can barely think
of an appropriate answer. The point I am trying to make in terms of challenges
can be directly connected to the instructor or to the learner. At the beginning
the neophyte teacher can find him/herself in a dead-on street if help is not
asked from some experienced users of the tool(s) s/he wants to use in his/her
online or hybrid course. As soon as this shocking experience is over and
expertise and confidence are gained, the instructor is even ready to help students
use the desired tool.
To
put it simple, teachers can find it difficult at the beginning, but as soon as
they get the knack of how something is used, they are on the go. As for
students, who are more technologically oriented, the transition to start using
a new tool can be just a matter of a short lapse. However, do bear in mind that
there may be learners who are not digital natives and who need extra coaching
to use the tool properly.
·
What do you feel is
the greatest benefit of these tools?
Asynchronous
tools benefit today’s learners beyond what can be really measured. Firstly,
tools like this provide a certain kind of freedom that working students cannot
experienced due to their tight schedules, mainly connected to their jobs. With
asynchronous tools, they can find some room in their busy agendas to do what is
requested in the course chronogram. Secondly, it terms of m-Learning, these
tools offer them the chance of working on their assignments while commuting
back and forth from home to work. With their mobile devices they are also
aligned with the course content and with the teacher’s feedback and new
materials.
With
tools like this, we need to stop being skeptical that blended and mobile
learning cannot be ideal ways of earning a degree by thousands of individuals
on this planet. Asynchronous tools provided by the course instructor is the
last ingredient needed to help all these students to get a university degree or
additional training for their working life. After being in this position before
as a student in an online environment attaining two different associate degrees
as a complement to my current job in education, I am certain the it is possible
to teach asynchronously and learn deeply in this particular educational
setting.
·
What questions do you
still have about using asynchronous tools in your online course?
When
asked the above question, I must admit that I have already overcome my initial
skepticism of online, hybrid, and blended learning. I feel certain that
education can be attained in different ways, and that our technological
societies and citizens are looking for extra alternatives that can allow them
to work, have a family, enjoy their social life, and also get a degree in a
higher education institution.
The
use of all these asynchronous tools connected to an LMS platform can be the
long-awaited answer that many individual in our home countries have been
waiting for. Why to stop learning and learners who are craving to continue
developing themselves professionally, if online, hybrid, and blended education
can satisfy the education needs that many individuals have today.
Sunday, November 01, 2015
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