Choosing appropriate technologies to share content

- There are a gazillion technology solutions out there that we can use to create, find, and share content, specific devices, software applications, mobile apps, websites, environments, online tools, and more. Rather than show you that ABCs or an alphabetical list of every technology out there, I'll show you the XYZs, a 3D framework for choosing technologies. I've provided an Exercise File in the Chapter 3 folder called XYZ Content Framework so you can refer to it during, or after, this movie.

The three dimensions of the framework narrow your technology choices by answering three common questions. On the x axis, we answer, where are the learners? On the y axis, we answer, when are they learning? On the z axis, we answer, how many learners are there? Let's look at these three dimensions in more detail, then we'll use the framework to help choose technologies for specific situations. The x axis looks at where the learners are. At one end of the spectrum, they're in a specific physical location, like a classroom or lab.

On the other end, they're in a virtual environment. In the middle, it might be possible to do both. The y axis looks at when the students are learning. On one end, they're learning at a specific time, synchronous, like a class meeting or field trip. On the other end, they're learning at a time of their own choosing, asynchronous. In the middle, it might be possible to do either one. The z axis looks at how many students are learning. On one end, they're learning individually. On the other end, they're learning collaboratively, such as small groups or a whole class.

In the middle, it might be possible to do either one or both. Now you can narrow down the technologies that will help you share content in different situations. Let's start with an easy one. To create and share content outside the classroom for students to review anytime, use lecture-capture software, such as Echo360 or Panopto, screencasts, or video-sharing sites, like YouTube or Vimeo. To find content related to your course and share it during a class meeting or assign it for students to review outside of class, consider content-sharing sites like MERLOT, or online content providers, such as Khan Academy.

To present content in new ways during a class meeting, think about apps or maps. Use presentation apps, such as Nearpod, if your class is part of an iPad initiative, or a high percentage of students bring their own devices. You can push your slides to each student and engage them, too. Use concept map software to depict relationships between course concepts. To ask students to create and share content outside the classroom, you can use online presentation tools, such as VoiceThread, screencast tools, such as Screener, digital storytelling, learning management system glossary tools, wiki tools, blog tools, Google apps, and social bookmarking sites, such as Diigo or Delicious.

There are several more quadrants and many more technologies, but the framework provides a way to filter the possibilities. Use it when you don't know which tool will meet your teaching and learning needs. Before reviewing another movie, take a minute to answer the following questions for yourself. Are you looking for technology to share content with students in the classroom, or for students to review content outside the classroom? Are you looking for technology that students will use to create and share individually, collaboratively, or both? Are you looking for technology that students will use to review course materials at a specific time, or whenever they choose?