Before you plan any online learning activity, it's important to understand the broader implications of using different types of technologies. >> Technologies can be roughly divided into two categories, institutionally supported and open access. >> Functionality can be similar between both groups, but there are issues you need to be aware of before deciding which is right for you and your students. >> Closed systems are often referred to as Learning Management Systems or Virtual Learning Environments. Examples include Blackboard or Moodle. >> Often these systems include an integrated range of technologies, such as discussion forums, information storage, blogs, wikis, and assignment submission. >> They can also integrate grading and administration tools. They may even include some open systems that the institution decides to adopt. >> An institutional's IT or Learning and Teaching Department usually supports these systems centrally, meaning that training and technical help are often readily available. >> There are several benefits of using institutionally supported systems. Students and teachers can usually access all systems easily from one place, with one password. Access to data about student performance, and tools that streamline administrative process are often built in. Teachers will usually have immediate help available from their IT or Learning and Teaching Department. Institutions are usually required to hold student data for several years. And usually have measures in place, to manage this effectively on their own systems. And if you need to reuse your online content in another class, your IT department should be able to help you transfer it, ensuring that none of your content is lost and that time is saved. >> Of course, there are some restrictions you need to keep in mind as well. Due to the complexity that can often be inherent in large institutional systems, many teachers and students can find using them daunting and challenging at first. Some teachers prefer the autonomy of delivering course content, using technology they feel is more appropriate rather than using one that is prescribed. And large systems may not be able to facilitate certain activities, or functions as well as some more specific open systems. >> Often referred to as web 2.0 or social media, open access technologies are usually designed around specific functions or tasks, that can be set up and used by anyone. They're usually free, but some may involve a subscription based service. >> Examples include YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, to name just a few. >> There are many benefits to using open technologies. Most students and teachers may already be familiar with them, making it easier to get started quickly. Teachers can often set up these systems themselves, without having to go through any complex institutional administrative process. It's easy to share information and collaborate on projects with other institutions, organizations and even industry, as there is no issues surrounding compatibility between platforms, operating systems or versions of software. Most open technologies have a range of privacy settings that can be controlled by teachers or students. And, there is usually an abundance of support available in online forums and help sections of various websites, but you have to know where to look for it. >> So what are the downsides to using open technologies? Well, they are not integrated into institutional administration systems. This means that you usually have to manage giving students access manually, and manage or submit grades separately. Teachers or students can become overloaded with having to remember different websites and different passwords, if too many open technologies are used. You have no guarantee that open technology platform may be in business in the future. And your institution does not have access to the data in case something happens to you. Service providers may also terminate accounts, change the terms of service or in the mid functionality that could result in the loss of data. And an institution may not offer technical support for the open technologies. When using open systems, teachers have to be rigorous in providing appropriate privacy for their students, otherwise they may be held personally responsible for issues that may arise. Or if a teacher or student breaches copyright, they may also be held personally responsible. The line between the use of institutionally supported systems and open technologies is increasingly becoming blurred. >> You may want to consider a more integrated approach that draws upon the benefits of both. >> The important thing is that you first investigate what technologies and policies your own institution has in place. >> Think about what support is already available to you. The practical implications of different technologies. And what functionality will most help your students achieve the learning outcomes you've set for them? >> It is also useful to speak to colleagues about what has worked for them, and any suggestions they might have for you. >> Now that you've had some time to consider, I recommend taking a look at the related activities, so that we can help you determine which type of technology might be best suited to your own purposes. [BLANK_AUDIO]