Module 5
Which technology and tools to use (and learn) in my remote and blended training activities
Introduction and Learning Outcomes
In this module, we will discuss the digital technologies and tools that can be used in remote and blended training activities. From everyday platforms like Zoom, to less well-known learning management systems and everything in between, VET educators will leave this module with a list of resources that they can apply in their educational settings.
As well as equipping VET educators to choose the best technology and tools for their specific contexts, we will cover some barriers to technology-use for learners, ensuring the maximum accessibility of this module’s lessons.
By the end of the module, VET educators should feel empowered to continually research and evaluate emerging technologies and tools for use in their careers in education and beyond.
Training Content and Educational Resources
Technology in (Remote) Education:
The COVID-19 pandemic led to numerous major breakthroughs in the integration of technology into mainstream education. Truth be told, while the lockdown migration to remote and blended or hybrid learning environments did speed up the uptake of technology in education, it was just the latest step in a long journey to date. In fact, the use of film in the classroom in the early 1900s is sometimes cited as the dawn of edtech – the use of technology to create engaging learning environments.
Before terms like remote, online and hybrid were being used in the context of education, so-called “distance learning” was the subject of much debate. Keegan (1986) found that the link between learner and educator was vital, and that learning suffered when this connection was compromised. However, at the time of these initial concerns, distance learning amounted to education offered via print, audio or video. With multiple internet-age developments that allow the remote “presence” of the educator in the learning process, teachers are better equipped to “reintegrate the teaching acts” (Keegan, 1993) from a distance.
Thus, while remote education is a constantly-evolving space that comes with its own challenges, we can be confident that there has never been a time where it had the potential that technology has afforded it. Over the course of this module, you will learn about the many applications and resources available to educators today to use in their blended and remote learning activities.
Educational Resources 1
Here are some resources that you can use to learn more about the theoretical side of remote education:
What is Distance Learning? – Studyportals HQ (Distance/Remote Learning summarised)
What is… Blended Learning? – MBR University (Blended Learning summarised)
Edtech 101 – builtin (Information about edtech)
The Use of Technology in Online Education – eLearning Industry (Benefits of technology in online education)
Theory and Practice in Remote Teaching, Online Learning, and Distance Education for K-12 – Journal of Digital Social Research (High-quality journal with relevant information on our topics)
Understanding Educational Technology Theories
Overview
Educational technology theories provide frameworks for understanding how technology can enhance teaching and learning processes.
These theories guide educators in leveraging technology effectively to support instructional goals and student outcomes.
Key Theories
This focuses on observable behaviours and reinforcement to facilitate learning through technology.
Emphasises active learning, collaboration, and knowledge construction through the use of technology tools. https://youtu.be/YkPjTJ6L2RI?si=3tgzWWersCvOFR7a
This highlights the importance of networked learning and leveraging digital connections for knowledge acquisition.
Integrates technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge for effective teaching practices.
Application in Teaching Practices
Educators can apply educational technology theories to design engaging lessons, differentiate instruction, and create interactive learning experiences.
Theories can help educatos to personalise learning experiences, cater to diverse student needs, and foster a supportive learning environment.
TPACK Framework
TPACK is a framework that emphasises the integration of technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge in teaching practices.
- Components
Technological Knowledge (TK): Understanding of technology tools and resources.
Pedagogical Knowledge (PK): Knowledge of effective teaching strategies.
Content Knowledge (CK): Expertise in the subject matter being taught.
- Application
TPACK can guide you to effectively integrate technology into your teaching practice. You can use the TPACK model to make informed decisions on when and how to use technology to support instructional goals and student outcomes.
Link to TPACK Website: http://tpack.org/
TPACK Explainer Video: https://youtu.be/yMQiHJsePOM?si=plONiBhmzuo88V-4
Technology and Tools for Remote and Blended Learning:
We have included a short glossary of some of the main categories of educational technology you are likely to encounter when researching technology use in education.
Technology used in the education sector tends to fall under one of the following categories:
- Virtual Classrooms: Video conferencing services like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, typically used to host interactive lessons in real-time. The use of breakout rooms, surveys, etc., is ideal for creating a sense of community.
- Learning Management Systems: The nervous system of any online education system, these applications can be used to distribute and grade course content and measure student progress.
- Content Creation Tools: A broad category comprising everything from Microsoft Word and Google Slides, to screen-capture technology that allows educators to record lessons.
- MOOCs: Massive Open Online Courses – a format of educational content delivery that makes learning materials available online for free.
Technology and Tools for Remote and Blended Learning:
There is a huge number of technology and tools that one can use to facilitate remote and blended models of learning. These range from household-name applications like Zoom, to lesser-known learning management systems. Much of this software is even free! However, it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle to sort through the seemingly endless heap of digital resources – so we’ve taken the hard work out for you! Over the next two slides we will discuss some top digital tool picks, but don’t worry about keeping track of them all – there will be a table at the end of this presentation providing links to all of them.
As mentioned, Zoom is the application of choice for many when it comes to remote conferencing. However, you could also consider checking out Skype, Webex or Discord as alternatives.
An online conferencing “classroom” is not the only vital tool when it comes to remote and blended learning activities, however! For educational programmes, it can be useful to implement a Learning Management System (LMS). This is a broad concept, but generally covers software that can be used to design, deliver and grade training courses. Some examples include Moodle and Open edX. You will have an opportunity to explore learning management systems in more detail on a later slide.
Kahoot! is a well-known gamification tool that can be used to make online learning environments more engaging. You could also consider using Genially for this purpose. These types of resources can be leveraged to help “reintegrate the teaching acts”, a concern of Keegan (1993) mentioned earlier.
Technology and Tools for Remote and Blended Learning:
Technology and tools for remote and blended learning activities don’t end with the standard suite you’ve heard all about, though – every day, new developments and innovations are arriving in classrooms!
Consider the potential of synthesia.io, the AI avatar that can be used to narrate your content. Customisable from altering the background and introducing music, to even changing the narrator’s accent and appearance, this service could represent a much more engaging medium for refreshing the notes taken during class than simply reading them back.
Jitter.video, for its part, can be used to create captivating graphics that capture and sustain the attention of viewers – a real challenge in any learning environment, but even more so in a remote context! While the application of this software is mostly geared towards graphic design, it could certainly be leveraged to design engaging “cheat sheets” that summarise a topic for learners.
Roll20 is an online resource that was designed with tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons in mind. It can be used to upload content which can then be drawn on like a whiteboard, and the administrator can give permissions to spectators to contribute as required. In other words, it can be used as an innovative classroom!
As you can see, sometimes it is worth researching technology and tools beyond the scope of those traditionally associated with education. In the next section on Educational Resources, we will provide you with a matrix that you can use to assess technology and tools’ applicability for your educational needs.
Educational Resources 2
As discussed, when selecting technology and tools for your remote and blended learning activities, it will stand to you more to be able to properly assess a particular software’s applicability for your educational needs, than to be a tech-wizard. To this end, we have provide a simple assessment matrix below which you can use to determine whether or not an application or digital resource will benefit your learners.
Educational Resource 3
Learning Management Systems and, more specifically, Moodle, were referenced earlier. In order to truly understand these sometimes daunting and unfamiliar online spaces, it is best to go and explore them. We invite you to attend Mount Orange School as a student, teacher, parent, or in whatever role most appeals to you, and check out Moodle for yourself!
Mount Orange School is a make-believe institution invented by the staff at Moodle as a testing ground for the learning management system’s features. Don’t worry – any changes you make will automatically be reset after one hour, so you are free to make mistakes!
In this demo, you’re not tied to any one particular role. Why not try designing some tasks or activities as a teacher, and then participating in them as a student so you can benefit from both perspectives?
Barriers to Remote and Blended Learning:
While much of the software we’ve discussed so far is available online for free, that does not mean that remote and blended education is without its barriers to entry. Here are some things to consider when trying to maximise the inclusivity of your learning activities:
- Start with you. How comfortable are you with technology use in blended and remote learning activities? Are there any online tutorials or short courses you can do to bring yourself up to speed?
- What supports and guidance can you tap into to make your use of technology and tools as hassle-free as possible?
- Of the barriers that exist for your learners, which among them are you capable of reducing in complexity or severity?
- Do free alternatives to your preferred technology and tools occur, in the case of financial barriers to entry?
- Are there resources you can provide to support learners whose environments are not conducive to maximum learning?
- Can you restructure activities or assignments so that they are as inclusive and conscious of individual contexts as possible?
Educational Resources
The article “Teachers’ use of technology and the impact of Covid-19” from the journal Irish Educational Studies gives an academic perspective on some of the barriers to remote and hybrid learning environments that educators reported based on their experiences moving toward digital classroom environments during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a useful resource to explore when discussing the concept of barriers to entry in relation to our topic.
Addressing Technical Challenges in Online Education
Technical challenges related to software, connectivity, and hardware can happen, which can hinder student engagement in remote learning environments, so it is important to be aware of how to address these.
Strategies for practicing troubleshooting:
- Proactively Plan: Anticipate common technical issues and prepare plans to troubleshoot effectively during online sessions.
- Improve your Tech Literacy: Enhance your technical skills and familiarity with online platforms.
- Collaborate: Foster a supportive online community where students can seek help, share solutions, and collaborate on troubleshooting challenges.
Tools and Resources for Troubleshooting:
- Tech support resources for nonprofits and educational organisations: https://www.techsoup.org/
- Online forum to seek advice on troubleshooting: https://www.techsupportforum.com/
- Digital news and research magazine about education: https://www.edsurge.com/
Educational Resource 5
Keeping up to date with emerging technologies:
The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is a collaborative community focused on advancing quality digital teaching and learning experiences in higher education. OLC offers resources, workshops, and research to support educators in effectively integrating technology into their teaching practices.
Visit the OLC website, explore the various resources, workshops, and research materials, and implement some OLC strategies to your remote or blended learning activities.
Link to Case Study:
Take this quiz to evaluate how much you've learned!
References
Keegan, D. (1986) Foundations of distance education. Routledge.
Keegan, D. (1993) Theoretical principles of distance education. Routledge.
Encyclopaedia Britannica. Available at: https://britannica.com/ (Accessed: 01 August 2023)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project number: 2022-1-SE01-KA220-VET-000087462
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