Introducing the Role ofTechnology Navigator

Increased Challenges of Synchromodal Classes

1) Two-tiered learning experience– Online learners…• Feel the need for permission to contribute• Tend more toward being a consumer than a contributor

– In the mind of instructor, f2f, and online students– Surprise: sometimes online got greater attention

• Our Goal– Comparable value rather than identical experience

Increased Challenges of Synchromodal Classes

2) Increased technical challenges– New technologies to learn– New technologies that might fail– Bring changes to class dynamics– Need new/adjusted pedagogical strategies– Some dependent, and some not

Types of Instructor Support

• Before teaching– Hand-off work (e.g., producer)– Integrated design team (see Koehler, et al.) Tech Nav (the latter)

• While teaching– Technology support: technical tasks– Teaching Assistant: pedagogical tasks Tech Nav (combined)

Tech Nav: Defined

• “a graduate student whose responsibility it is to facilitate the interactions among instructor(s) and students in a synchromodal course”

Tech Nav: Responsibilities• Before the course

– Brainstorm, experiment, set up, …

• During the course– Take primary responsibility

for technical operation• PolyCom, GoToMeeting,

Skype, Google Hangouts, WordPress, EtherPad, …

• Individually and collectively– Monitor and facilitate inclusion of both populations

• What do they see & hear?• What are the class dynamics?

Tech Nav: Benefits

• For the instructor– Concentrate on teaching rather than juggling and

trouble shooting• For the Tech Nav– Dialogue with faculty at the intersection of

technology, pedagogy, and content– Authentic engagement in design for learning– Experience in a growing area of teaching &

learning

Tech Nav: Future Directions

• Exploration of Synchromodal Classes• Increased accessibility of Tech Nav– Clarify/formalize roles & responsibilities– Define & develop means for preparation

needed for this work