Page+12

 Communicating with the the K-12 Student

 There are various tools that can be utilized during communication with students during online courses. One option is the use of a videoconferencing system called //Skype//. //Skype// is a program which provides both auditory and visual communication for the individuals involved. The advantage is that the individuals can write, speak and visually see each other. By increasing the depth of communication a better discussion takes place (Conrad and Donaldson, 2004). The disadvantage that I experienced is this program has poor connectivity for individuals who have wireless notebooks. Often the visual feature of the program is dropped when using the wireless notebook.  Another multimedia communication tool is called Wikispaces. Wikispaces provides the user with the opportunity to present attention grabbing multimedia. The advantage of using Wikispaces is that the viewer is better engaged in the learning process due to the multifaceted information. For example, a user can post a video about a specific topic to inform the viewer. This type of communication vehicle provides a greater depth of instruction in comparison to the traditional liner type written presentation (Grabe and Grabe, 2007). The disadvantage of the Wikispaces program is the need to constantly monitor and update the Wikispace in order to keep the data information current. For example, it is important when posting information that changes such as educational events, repeated updating is required. An individual who creates a posting for Wikispaces needs to understand that updates are needed to keep the pages current.  Synchronous or real time chat rooms are also another tool for communication. This system will allow conversation between users. For example, one advantage is that an instructor and learner can communicate using a chat room about an assignment which a learner is having a difficult time with. The messages that are being sent are usually what are referred to as instant messages (Morris, 2002). This system has a disadvantage in that the conversation may not be necessarily private to just the users. The users must purchase a system which ensures privacy of all parties involved. For example, there are web-based systems such as Blackboard which ensure privacy by making sure that only users who are enrolled can use the system.  In summary, there are several communication tools which exist that enhance communication. These systems have both advantages and disadvantages. For example, Wikispaces, chat rooms, and videoconferencing are just three of the tools which lead to enhanced communication.

 References

Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. (2004). //Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for// // creative instruction. //San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Grabe, M., & Grabe, C. (2007). //Integrating Technology for Meaningful Learning.// Boston, MA:  Houghton Mifflin Company. Morris, S. (2002). //Teaching and learning online: A step-by-step guide for designing an online k-// // 12 school program. //Lanham, MD: A Scarecrow Education Book. Wikispaces. (n.d.). In multimedia online multimedia. Retrieved from  www.wikispaces.com/multimedia/