Week 5- Blog What impact does technology and multimedia have on online learning environments? When talking about the online learning environment technology and multimedia are a huge factor. There are several minor factors of each as well. With technology the factors to consider are the skill level of the students, the applications skill level needed, the available technology, and the proper usage of technology. As stated by Boettcher & Conrad using technology properly and meaningful with help with engaging the students. In addition using multimedia and video resources will also create a more engaging environment (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010). What are the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology? Before implementing technology the instructor has to be able to determine the skill level of their students. Asking a beginning student to create a Flash product in their first couple classes is too much to ask for. The degree of technology should be equivalent to the level of the student and the desired level of the program of study. For example if the program is not high in the usage of technology, the level and usage should not be the same as an Instructional Design Technology program. The technology should be selected and used to improve or enhance the learning, not hinder it (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010). What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching? The implications of usability and accessibility of technology tools are huge and extremely important. The accessibility of the technology and tools should be provided for each and every type of technology that is used. Also the requirements that are needed should be stated in the beginning (if not before) of the course/program. The technology tools and program like stated before should mirror the level of the student. In the early stages of the program introduction to technology and tools should be done. Then as the program increases the amount and types of usage increase in difficulty, by the time the student is finished with the program they should be well versed in the usage of the desired technology. What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design? The technologies that are most appealing to me are the Web 2.0 tools and the Web 3.0 tools. As newer technologies come out, the older methods have been improved. Discussion boards now can be done on systems such as Blackboard, Edmodo, Fakebook, Edline, Skype, etc. Delivering multimedia online is also becoming easier and more effective. Adding video segments and resources can allow students with different learning styles to grasp the material. With a career in instructional design I will need to constantly learning and using new technology and applications. One of the strong traits that I have is the ability to change and manage changes. For all but 2 years in my teaching career I have always had to teach a new subject. This has allowed me to stay focused and always changing my methods to improve instruction. The 2 years that I taught the same subject, I still went back and changed my lessons to improve my instruction. Change is the only thing that is constant in the world. The better you are equipped to handle change the better you will be in teaching and life. Source: Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2004). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Palloff, R., Pratt, K. (2011). Enhancing the Online Experience. Walden Video Library.