Technology

These items ensure the technology and equipment requirements for the course are explained and instructions for using technology, software, and digital resources are provided to students.

40. The course-specific technology, equipment, and resource requirements are clearly stated. Information on cost and how to obtain the technology/equipment is provided.

Explanation:

To ensure students have equal opportunities to succeed in a course, it is crucial for faculty to clearly communicate and plan the implementation of technology, equipment, and resources specific to the course. This includes providing students with essential information and support.

Recommendations:

• At the start of the course, clearly communicate the technology and equipment requirements. A comprehensive list of all the necessary technology, equipment, and resources that students will need to successfully complete the course should be provided. This list should encompass any essential software, hardware, textbooks, and other materials required by the students.
• Provide information on the estimated cost of each item. This will assist students in planning and budgeting for the course. If feasible, details on where to purchase or rent the necessary materials at a reasonable cost should also be provided.
• If the required materials are expensive or difficult to obtain, offer alternative options. For example, if a textbook is too expensive, consider providing online resources or making a library copy available for students to use could be a viable alternative.
• When selecting technology and equipment, ensure that they are accessible to all students. Consider providing accommodations or alternative options for students who may need them.
• Provide troubleshooting resources and direct students who may have difficulty with the technology or equipment to technical support. This could include providing links to online tutorials or offering office hours for technical support.
• Before the course begins, test all technology and equipment to ensure that they are working properly. This will help prevent technical difficulties during the course and ensure that students have a smooth learning experience.

Resources:

• Program Specific Requirements (Cambrian College)
• Cambrian Bookstore (Cambrian College)

41. Instructions for using technology, software, and digital resources in the course are provided.

Explanation:

Incorporating technology, software, and digital resources in a course can enhance student learning. To ensure effective engagement with these tools, faculty should provide clear instructions on their usage. This will help students avoid frustration and minimize technical difficulties that can impede their learning.

Recommendations:

• Create clear and concise written instructions that outline how to install and use the technology, software, or digital resources. These instructions should include step-by-step guidance and be accessible to all students in the class.
• Visual aids such as screenshots or videos can be helpful in demonstrating how to use technology, software, or digital resources. Consider creating a tutorial video or using annotated screenshots to help students understand the process.
• If a task involves several steps or is complex, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This makes the process less overwhelming for students and helps them complete the task successfully.
• Use examples to illustrate how to use technology, software, or digital resources. This can help students understand how the technology or resource is relevant to the course material and how it can be used effectively.
• Familiarize yourself with the technology or resource before introducing it to students. This will enable you to anticipate any difficulties students may encounter and provide more effective instructions.
• After providing instructions, check for understanding by asking students to repeat the instructions or demonstrate how to use the technology or resource. This can help identify any areas where students may need additional support or clarification.

Resources:

• Page: TDX Student Tab (Cambrian College)
• Page: AppsAnywhere

42. Online technology meets accessibility standards and aligns with course learning outcomes.

Explanation:

Professors must ensure that online technology used in their courses meets accessibility standards and aligns with course learning outcomes. Accessibility standards guarantee equal access to course materials and online technology for all students.

Recommendations:

• Use software, tools, and applications that are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers and captioning tools.
• Provide alternative formats such as transcripts, audio descriptions, and captions. This can be especially helpful for students with disabilities such as visual impairments or hearing impairments.
• Use clear and concise language in course materials.
• Avoid using color alone to convey important information, as this can be difficult for students who are colorblind or have visual impairments.
• Use accessibility checkers to evaluate your materials and make necessary changes to improve accessibility.
• Provide training and support for students on how to use online technology and assistive technologies is important to ensure that all students can fully participate in your course. This can involve creating tutorials or providing one-on-one support for students who need it.

Resources:

• Video: Using Moodle’s Accessibility Toolkit (Cambrian Hub)
• Page: Accessibility Checklist (Cambrian College)

43. Information about data privacy, terms of service, etc. are posted for any technology used in the course.

Explanation:

Data privacy policies and terms of service agreements are important considerations when using any technology in a course. These policies protect user data and outline the rules for using the technology. Data privacy policies explain how personal information is collected, stored, and used, while terms of service agreements cover rules and guidelines for using the platform. Professors should ensure that students have access to this information and encourage them to read and understand these policies and agreements before using the technology. This helps students make informed decisions about their privacy and security when using technology in the course.

Recommendations:

• Identify the data privacy policies, terms of service agreements, and any other relevant information for each technology platform used in the course. Make the information available to students.
• Explain the importance of these policies and agreements to students. They should emphasize that they protect user data and outline the rules for using the technology.
• Encourage students to read and understand these policies and agreements before using the technology. They should stress that doing so helps students make informed decisions about their privacy and security when using technology in the course.

Resources:

• Page: Information about FIPPA (Western University)
• Page: Office of Privacy Commissioner of Canada: Tips for protecting your Privacy Online

44. The course uses a variety of available technology and tools.

Explanation:

The use of a variety of technology and tools allows professors to generate a highly engaging and effective learning experience for students while simultaneously expanding accessibility, flexibility, and involvement.

Recommendations:

• Use video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, to facilitate synchronous online meetings, lectures, and discussions. These tools allow students and faculty to communicate in real-time, regardless of their physical location.
• Use a variety of online collaboration tools available, such as Padlet, to allow students to work together on group projects and assignments. These tools can also be used to facilitate communication and coordination among group members.
• Use multimedia tools, such as podcasts, videos, and infographics, to enhance learning by providing different modes of engagement and presenting information in a variety of formats.
• Use interactive simulations whenever possible to illustrate complex concepts in a way that is more engaging and easier to understand.

Resources:

• Page: Zoom (Cambrian Hub)
• Page: Padlet (Cambrian College)
• Video: H5P Video Series (Cambrian Hub)
• Video: Nearpod Video Series (Cambrian Hub)
• Page: Moodle (Cambrian Hub)

45. Alternative options or suggestions are provided for students who cannot obtain or afford these resources or cannot access high-speed Internet.

Explanation:

Professors should consider alternative options for students who cannot obtain or afford resources or have limited internet access. This may involve adjustments to course design or assignments such as providing low-bandwidth materials or offline assignments. These options ensure that all students have access to course content and can participate in coursework. Professors should communicate with students and be willing to accommodate their needs to ensure their success.

Recommendations:

• Use low-bandwidth materials such as text-based readings, PowerPoint slides, or PDFs instead of high-bandwidth materials like videos or live lectures. This can help ensure that all students, regardless of their internet connection, can access the materials.
• Provide access to resources such as textbooks or software by either making them available in a physical form, such as a loan from the library, or by providing access to electronic versions of the resources that don’t require high-speed internet, like e-books.
• Provide offline assignments or assessments that do not require a high-speed internet connection. This can include assignments that can be completed on paper or offline versions of software programs that can be downloaded and used without an internet connection.
• Collaborate with students to find alternative options that work best for each individual’s situation. This can involve asking students about their access to resources and internet connection and working with them to find solutions that work best for their individual needs.
• Be flexible with due dates and assignments to accommodate students who may be facing challenges with access to resources or the internet. This can involve offering extensions or alternative assignments for students who are unable to complete assignments due to these challenges.

Resources:

• Page: Cambrian Library and Learning Centre Webpage (Cambrian College)
• Article: Computer Labs and Wifi (Cambrian International)
• Video: User Override Tutorial: to accommodate students by changing due dates (Cambrian Hub)