Selecting Tech Tools

Technology tools are a necessary part of teaching an online course. They can help you deliver content or increase student engagement. New tools are constantly popping up, and the number of options available can be overwhelming. Finding new technology tools for your course is great, but cool new technology can never replace solid teaching practices! Never use a new technology just for the sake of it being a novelty. Only implement tools that help improve your teaching and/or help your students achieve the objectives.

 

Keep these 5 things in mind when evaluating whether or not to use a technology tool in your online or face-to-face classroom. For some of the questions, a "no" does not necessarily rule it out, but it should be a factor in your decision whether or not to use the tool.

 

Objectives

• Does it help your students meet the objectives of the course or activity?

Accessibility

• Will all of your students be able to access the tool?
• Is it free or inexpensive enough that it will not be a financial burden on students?
• Does it require special software or hardware?
• Will students who require learning accommodations be able to benefit from it the same as students without accommodations?

Compatibility

• Can it be used on mobile devices like phones or tablets?
• Will it sync with Canvas and other tools you use to deliver course materials?

Privacy

• Will your students' private information remain secure?
• Is there a chance of someone who is not a student gaining access?
• Can you save student work or download information?

Usability

• Is the tool intuitive and easy to use for you and students?
• Will it require time for you to teach students how to use it or create tutorial materials for it?
• Does it require a learning curve that could distract from time spent covering material?
• Is it distracting or frustrating?
• Is it enjoyable?