Comments on Sandy's Tutorial Post

I enjoyed your post, Sandy, on the technologies we have been investigating (My Overview of the Tutorials).  Like yourself, I am mindful of using technologies that are appropriate for the audience and online course.  I especially liked your suggestion of using Fotobabble as a welcoming point for students new in a class.  Had not thought of that, and I like it!  With the plethora of online tools today for use in online teaching, the internet today can often replicate many traditional educational activities such as lab experiments, field trips, etc.  (Larreamendy-Joerns and Leinhardt, 2006).  I see Second Life having potential in these areas, but I noted in my own blog that I am not sure how I would make use of it in teaching math. 

Your point about the potential for students to become too bogged down in the technology is well-stated, Sandy.  As noted by Paloff and Pratt (1999), the use of technology can bring a whole new set of issues, most related to social presence.  By focusing on the objectives of the course, and emphasizing use of the technology truly as a tool, the students will keep their sights on the course goals and not get overwhelmed by the technology to be learned.

So congratulations on tackling all these new technologies to try them out, Sandy!  Thanks, too, for your insightful post!