As an asynchronous online project, the main characteristics of technology that our group chose for are free, open, and easy-to-use. The following technology tools are four major tools that we used in this project, including WordPress, Google Group, Google Docs, and Google Forms.

WordPress

Academic blog posts in relation to the four essential questions and different learning outcomes will be all presented on WordPress (this website). As a fully asynchronous online project, WordPress can provide a much more open, accessible, and flexible platform for people to participate in their learning. There are no restrictions on the learning place, pace, and time for learners as well. Also, a variety of multimedia, such as videos, audios, and images, will be embedded in blog posts, based on different topics; therefore, it will be very informative, effective, and attractive. 

Google Groups

Google Groups is designed for learners to discuss questions in relation to our topic asynchronously. By using Google Group, we, as instructors, can ask questions based on different sub-topics and encourage learners to share their ideas, discuss and answer questions, and ask for help. This online tool will not only help learners interact with each other, but also help instructors determine a learner’s participation in his/her online learning. 

Google Docs

Google Docs is used for learners when writing assignments and group projects are asked. It’s a very effective and useful tool for learners to edit and write papers together. This online tool is used for some of our sub-topics as the part of assessment, in which writing assignments are asked by instructors.

Google Forms

Google Forms is used to make online quizzes for our learners by us. The form of the online quizzes in this project is multiple choice question. This online tool is useful and effective in this project as the part of assessment because both instant feedbacks and grades will be given to learners after they submit the quizzes.