Experiences with Technology in Face-to-Face and Online Classes - Dr. Abhilash Nayak

          I attended the Moodle MOOC session "Experiences with Technology in Face-to-Face and Online Classes" with Dr. Abhilash Nayak. Throughout the session, Dr. Abhilash Nayak recounted both the difficulties and achievements he experienced in using technology in face-to-face and online classes, both as an educator and a student. The session was focused on three main topics - technology as a tool, technology as a trap, and experiments with technology: trials, trips, and triumphs.
          To begin, Dr. Abhilash Nayak discussed the countless ways in which technology acts as a tool not only in the field of education, but as in the world in general. The following are several ideas discussed by Dr. Abhilash throughout this portion of the session. Technology ensures effective, efficient, and engaging learning, promotes educational empowerment (levels inequalities), improves access and success of disadvantaged people in remote and inaccessible areas, enhances the scope of social networking for people across the world, enables teachers and students to create materials that enhance teaching and learning, is a powerful mode of experiential and constructivist learning, is a powerful tool for struggling learners, and acts as a supplement for face-to-face learning
          Dr. Abhilash raised several valid points regarding the use of technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning. As Dr. Abhilash discussed, when used effectively, technology becomes an engaging supplement in face-to-face instruction. Incorporating technology transforms instruction, enabling educators to create interactive and meaningful lessons that will motivate students. Increased motivation and active student participation will likely lead to increased student achievement. However, in order to effectively integrate technology into classroom instruction, educators must understand the use of technology as a tool within the field of education.

          After discussing "technology as a tool", Dr. Abhilash discussed "technology as a trap," stating the negative and/or problematic aspects of technology. Dr. Abhilash mentioned several ways that technology acts as a “trap.” Some of Dr. Abhilash’s ideas include the mismatch that exists between the expectations of technology and the competencies of users (doesn’t facilitate effective use of technology for academic purposes), the threat of damage to technology due to inappropriate use by users, technology ignores the ability of users and expects equal expertise from all, the time differences between teachers and learners affects appropriate communication between them, and technology hasn’t found a significant place in face-to-face education.

          After reflecting on Dr. Abhilash’s thoughts, I realized that there are some negative aspects of technology. However, I disagree with some of the points raised by Dr. Abhilash. For example, he stated that technology has not yet found a significant place in face-to-face education. There are countless free and effective Web 2.0 tools that can hold a significant place within classroom instruction. The Web 2.0 tools that I have explored thus far can easily be integrated throughout instruction. These tools can be used to enhance literacy skills as well as content area knowledge. These programs allow students to create, collaborate, communicate, and think critically while strengthening their skills in other areas. If educators take the time to explore these resources, these tools can become a significant area of classroom instruction.

Finally, Dr. Abhilash concluded the session by recounting his own personal experiences with technology and providing suggestions to consider when conducting an online class. He discussed that feedback in online courses is less effective than is received in face-to-face interactions, the differing preferences of users when there is an opportunity for collaborative learning, and the ways in which social and official commitments get in the way of submitting assignments within the given deadlines. When considering online classes, Dr. Abhilash suggests that students enrolled should have the ability to complete the assignments within the time period of the course so they can complete the assignments at their own pace and educators should utilize cost-effective and learner-friendly technology that is used for both instruction and evaluation to improve teaching-learning transactions.

I can certainly relate to the suggestions Dr. Abhilash made in regards to online classes. As Dr. Abhilash mentioned, it is important to allow sufficient time for students to complete assignments. Often, students enrolled in online courses chose these classes so that they are able to work independently at their own pace. In addition, technologies utilized throughout online instruction should be cost-effective and easy to use. The numerous resources and technologies we have explored thus far in this course have been free and simple to use, which makes completing assignments and working collaboratively with group members a much simpler task. We are able to meet online through programs such as WizIQ and Google Hangouts to discuss course resources and assignments. Meeting in this way is a great way to accommodate each group members’ schedule, while allowing us to complete assignments on-time. The suggestions made by Dr. Abhilash are important ideas that professors of online courses should definitely consider when designing the course curriculum.