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Using Technology to Enhance Learning

When preparing for and presenting to a digital audience, an RMI professional who effectively leverages technology can significantly enhance the learning experience for adult learners (Abbajay, 2020). With a focus on some fundamental components, you can create a comprehensive and learner-centric approach, fostering an environment that maximizes the effectiveness of technology in adult education.

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In this section, we detail ways in which instructors can best leverage technology to enhance learning.

Use Technology to Prepare Your Instructional Material

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Artificial Intelligence Can Help Quickly Generate Material

    • Efficiency: AI can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, streamlining the process of content creation and helping presenters generate relevant and targeted material efficiently.

    • Personalization: AI algorithms can customize content based on the preferences and learning styles of individual participants, enhancing engagement and understanding.

    • Data-Driven Insights: AI can provide insights into learner behavior, allowing for continuous improvement of content and delivery.

    • Lack of Creativity: AI may struggle with the creative aspect of content creation, potentially leading to a lack of originality or a standardized tone in the produced material. This is because AI may find it difficult to replicate the nuanced and imaginative aspects of human creativity. Additionally, AI often relies on patterns and existing data for content creation, which may limit its ability to generate truly novel and unique ideas. Human creativity often involves intuition, emotions, and contextual understanding, aspects AI may find challenging to fully emulate.

    • Bias: Depending on the data used to train the AI, there is a risk of bias in generated content, which can compromise your broad audience’s ability to engage with the materials.

    • Complexity: Implementing AI systems may require technical expertise, and there could be a learning curve for presenters to effectively utilize AI-generated content (Hetler, 2020).

Varying Technology Elements Provides an Engaging Experience

  • Incorporate short, relevant videos to illustrate key points, providing a dynamic and visual component to the learning experience.

  • Use polls to gather real-time feedback, check understanding, and keep participants engaged. Pulse checks assess the audience's mood or level of interest.

  • Facilitate interactive Q&A sessions to encourage participant engagement and address specific queries. Technology tools can help manage and prioritize questions.

  • Integrate gamification elements, such as quizzes, challenges, or rewards, to make the learning experience more interactive and enjoyable. Gamification can boost engagement and motivation among adult learners.

Google Drive Facilitates Easy Collaboration

    • Real-Time Collaboration: Google Drive allows multiple users to collaborate simultaneously on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time, fostering teamwork and productivity.

    • Accessibility: Participants can access and contribute to shared documents from anywhere with an internet connection, promoting flexibility and remote collaboration.

    • Version Control: The platform automatically saves versions, making it easy to track changes and revert to previous states if needed.

    • Security Concerns: While Google Drive is secure, sensitive information may be at risk if proper access controls and sharing settings are not properly configured.

    • Dependence on Internet: A stable internet connection is crucial for seamless collaboration. Technical issues or connectivity problems may disrupt the collaborative process.

    • Learning Curve: Some participants may be less familiar with the platform, requiring training and support to fully leverage its collaborative features.

Technology-Enhanced Slide Decks Tell a More Engaging Story

  • Leverage technology to incorporate visually appealing elements, such as images, infographics, and animations, to enhance the storytelling aspect of slide decks. Visual elements not only capture attention but also facilitate better retention of information.

  • Use interactive features like hyperlinks, buttons, and navigation tools to allow participants to explore content at their own pace, creating an engaging and immersive experience.

  • Utilize templates and design tools to maintain a consistent and professional look throughout the presentation, enhancing visual appeal and audience retention.

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Technology Best Practices

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    • High-Quality Microphones: Invest in a reliable microphone to ensure clear and crisp audio. A USB microphone or a headset with a noise-canceling feature can help eliminate background noise and improve overall sound quality. Use a quiet space and reduce potential disruptions to create a professional audio environment (Abbajay, 2020).

    • Webcams with High Resolution: A high-resolution webcam is crucial for clear video streaming. HD webcams enable participants to see the presenter's more effectively, promoting engagement. Position the webcam at eye level to create a natural and comfortable viewing angle.

    • Lighting Setup: Proper lighting is essential for a visually appealing presentation. Use natural light whenever possible and consider adding supplementary lighting sources to ensure the presenter's face is well-lit and easily visible. Avoid backlighting, as it can create shadows and make it challenging for participants to see the presenter clearly (Abbajay, 2020).

    • Stable Internet Connection: A stable and high-speed internet connection is crucial for smooth video streaming and interaction. Encourage presenters to test their internet speed before the session and recommend a wired connection for optimal stability.

    • Backup Equipment and Technical Support: Have a backup plan in case of technical issues. Presenters should be prepared with a backup microphone, webcam, or alternative internet connection.

    • Training on Technology Use: Use rehearsal time to familiarize yourself with the chosen technology tools and ensure you can navigate the platform confidently. Practice delivery through a dry-run to verify pace and technology integrations (Abbajay, 2020).

  • Ensure that all digital content, including presentations, documents, and multimedia, is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This may involve providing alternative text for images, closed captioning for videos, and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies (Level Access, 2020).

    • Implement regular assessments and feedback mechanisms to gauge participant understanding and adjust the pace or content accordingly. This promotes continuous learning and allows presenters to address any challenges promptly (Abbajay, 2020).

    • Examples of technology features that help obtain continuous assessment and feedback include: polls, pulse checks (i.e. thumbs up/thumbs down), emoticons, and reactions (i.e. applause, beating heart, etc.)

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References

Abbajay. M. (2020). Best practices for virtual presentations: Fifteen expert tips that work for everyone. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryabbajay/2020/04/20/best-practices-for-virtual-presentations-15-expert-tips-that-work-for-everyone/?sh=5ab8dea33d19

Hetler, A. (2023). Pros and cons of AI-generated content. TechTarget. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Pros-and-cons-of-AI-generated-content

Level Access (2020). How to make virtual meetings accessible. https://www.levelaccess.com/blog/how-to-make-virtual-meetings-accessible/