CHAPTER 3

The Technology of Online Learning

Technology is a tool . Tools help extend people’s capabilities by doing things that they can not easily do
or do as efficiently as the tools can . In the case of online learning , serves developing , managing and
delivering purposes .

Technology for Developing Online Learning Programs

1. Consider the End product

One of the key challenges in developing online learning program is to choose the technology that will
help you develop them . The technology of learning begins with an end-your learning goals , it is just as
the technology of developing online learning materials begins with an end-what finished product looks
like . A tool called storyboard helps you visualize the end product .

a. The story board : It is the tool to visualize the end product . A storyboard is the same basic tool
used to visualize films and videos before they’re shot . For online programs, storyboards visually
represent proposed screens and shots from video and animation sequences.
b. The user Interface : The central element of a storyboard for online learning materials is the user
interface. User interface refers to the parts of the program that learners interact with. It
includes a variety of elements:
- Appearance of the screen , is some aspects of the look and feel are aesthetic, while others
have an impact on learners’ ability to find information.
- Navigational Elements, which help users move among parts of an online learning program.
Specifically, navigational elements guide learners forward and backward, to the glossary, to
help, to the menu, and to exit the learning program.
- Icons , which are visual symbols that users can click to perform actions, such as moving
backward and forward, and jumping to particular sections.
- Request for information , such as the choice of questions and responses on forms that users
complete online.
- Text ,sSome aspects of text are creative and left to the writer
c. Characteristics of a good user interface : An ideal user interface is intuitive , learners can figure
out their way through the program without instruction .
d. The components or building blocks of the learning program : Identify the types of media
needed to create each of the component : text ,graphics ,photographs , animation,audio ,video.

2. Productivity Tools for simple text and graphics

• What productivity tools are :

- Word processors , uch as Microsoft Word, Lotus WordPro, and WordPerfect, which many
people use to write drafts of scripts and additional resource materials.
 - Presentation , such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Lotus Freelance, which let you create slide
shows that include simple animation

-Database program , such as Microsoft Access, FileMaker Pro, and Oracle, which let you store
source material for learning programs that you can “mix and match” as needed, or live
databases that users might consult within an online learning program.

-Personal organizer, such as Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Organizer that let you keep track of
appointments and manage to-do and contact lists, and project management software such as
Microsoft Project.

• When to use productivity tools : to prepare draft text of online course material , to prepare
storyboard of online courses , to prepare databases of business information , etc

• Issues to consider when using productivity tools : use software that easily exchanges content
with other application programs

3. Media production tools for creating complex images

• What media production tools are :

- Animation program , These tools let you create animated sequences, such as showing the
flow of materials through a manufacturing process or an animated short about a
conversation between a manager and a worker.
- Audio editing program , These tools let you record and edit narration and music, drop in
sound effects from other sources, and transfer the program to disk.
- Simulation tools , These tools let you prepare a simulation. Specifically, simulation tools let
you create an online situation in which users can try their hands at something and see the
implications of their actions. etc .

• When to use media production tools : use media production tools whenever you need to
produce specialized segments , such as video , audio and animation .

• Issues to consider when using media production tools : They use specialized terminology and
assume a basic understanding of production in the medium , software publisher develop a
common formats for recording media to make sure that media clips produced on one system
can be read by another , the quality of media images will vary among graphics like sound and
video online ,the files with higher quality images contain more information and need more
storage place .

4. The tools needed to Intergrate individual components in a single program

• For an asynchronous learning program :

- authoring tools , are software applications specially designed to let you create modules that
bring together all the components of an online learning program .
 - Programming and authoring languages, which let you handle complex interactions and
simulations not permitted by the authoring tool.

• For a synchronous learning program : Internet broadcasting tools .

5. The technology for managing online learning

• Learning management system : software that performs administrative tasks

• Hybrid system : Software for online learning that exhibit qualities of authoring tools as well as
learning management systems .

• Learning content management system : software for creating , storing , retrieving , changing,
and reusing material intended for use in an online learning program .

• Specialized Software:helps with specific tasks in managing learning activities

• Standards :rules that have been set up by various professional and trade organizations to
address the following aspects of online learning program.