Is that a detriment to their learning process?

I am currently teaching a Public Speaking course and thoroughly enjoy interactions with my students. Our classes are managed by a course revision team and we are often asked about our suggestions for course revisions. I frequently offer my suggestions, but am looking for ways to become more involved in the course revision and creation process. Can anyone provide me with suggestions on how to approach my department chair regarding this request? Does anyone have experience with course revisions or creation and be willing to share how they became involved in that process? Thank you!

Students who procrastinate run the risk of not completing their assignments on time. In turn, they may not receive the critical feedback needed for completing future assignments. I tend to check in with students periodically throughout the week (I teach a 5-week class) to provide encourage and tips on staying on track. Periodically, though, I still have students to wait until the weekly deadline to submit their work. In addition to time management skills and continuous coaching, what other things have you seen work to get these procrastinators on task?

I think that if students wanted to feel a presence from their instructor they would attend the online chats. I think that is one thing that students like about online education they can do it themselves. Janis

I think that often students that take classes online think that they will be easier. As an online doctoral student let me say that is not the case. Taking online courses makes you more responsible for your learning. Janis

Active participation is essential to online course completion success. However, sometimes a students activity level falls below expectations. What ideas do you have on getting the student back on track when they have fallen behind?

If you have a student that is taking an online course because it's required and the only method in which it's taught, but this student is computer adverse and doesn't like computers, how do you keep them engaged and motivated to be an active participate in discussion posts?

I use Camtasia to increase my presence within my classes. This tool adds a presence in the classroom when used as a Welcome Greeting, an Introductory Roadmap for the course, assignment clarifications and comments/feedback on assignments. Your picture can be added also. It adds a visual/audio component for students to connect with. Does anyone use this? Jean

How do you adjust the balance between supporting students and encouraging their independence as the term progresses? Here are some of my strategies but I can always use some more. Having instructed Foundation Courses for a number of years I have found that the first two weeks are the most crucial for learner’s success. That is not to say that support is not needed the next 10 weeks. On opening day, I email my students the following letter: Dear Student, Welcome to Foundations for Ph.D. Study I am Dr. Jean Gordon and I will be your instructor for this course. I am looking forward to a semester where we explore the most fascinating topics including academic protocols, critical thinking, and inquiry-based analysis and other important doctoral program foundational skills, including time management, using the XXX online library, and academic integrity. I do not wish to overload you with information on the first day but there are three particular areas that I want to be sure to point out to enable a smooth start. From the experience of instructing many sections of this class, I want all to be aware so we can all enjoy the learning experience. First and foremost be sure to pay close attention to the Announcement section which will contain various clarifications. I will post Announcements weekly. Secondly, ALL applications in this class are required to be in APA 6th edition format and includes a cover page, reference page, double spacing, etc. . If you are rusty in this area, the Writing Center has vast resources including tutors that can and will provide help. I have witnessed amazing results from students who use the resources of the Writing Center. Thirdly, follow the instructions of each application carefully. If it calls for two separate summaries, then submit two summaries. If it calls for using a template for the PDP assignment, then use the template exactly with no deviation. If you have any doubt whatsoever of an applications directions then be sure to contact me. I am in class and in emails daily for any clarifications you may need. I am looking forward to meeting you all in the class café area to introduce yourself and will “see” you on the boards. Let the learning begin! Sincerely, Dr. Jean Gordon I let students know that both I and the resources of XXX are available for any clarifications they may need. I want students to know that I am available to help and support their learning. Next, I respond to each and every student introduction welcoming them into class and finding something that we both can relate to. I start building trust and community immediately and make myself accessible for any questions they may have. I monitor email and Contact the Instructor area daily to assist with clarifications. I do not just answer the questions but let the student know where they could find the information. I also make weekly announcements that are almost like a FAQ for the first few week’s applications and any others that need clarifications Week 1 Discussion Posts is an important area for instructors to lead by example. Once a trusting environment is established in which learners can witness that there are no attacks or non-constructive critical comments, they are more likely to offer contributions. Pointing out good posts and providing feedback will ensure better participation in future weeks. As the term progresses into Week 3, you will know who needs to be encouraged to use the resources in the Writing Center. Reach out to those and ask them if they need assistance with the upcoming Application instructions. By Week 4, the questions will become less and you will know who has found their way. Now where is the balancing point? My position is that it depends solely upon the student and each is different. Your thoughts?

i believe online courses have better experience for students and teachers. for students because they can access the course anytime and any where. one on one discussion . direct help from teacher. faster submission of any homework and getting their results. for teachers because they give more time for students to review the material and study it. plus for shy students it is very helpful to take online courses/

online courses are very useful and helpful. can be accessed any time, any where. and can be reviewed. also student has one to one discussion with teacher which makes outcome better.

it is great to be able to join online courses because they have great online tolls such as videos and PDF to access them any where and any time.

online training is very convenient for busy working professional. specially if program is approved and setup good.

I find it has been extremely important as an instructor to stay organized when teaching online courses or hybrid on ground/online. I teach writing courses so the amount of feedback I give students on their work tends to be more than say a class where grading is more black and white. I find it critical to organize my communication with students into folders. That way I can quickly access what the last line of communication was with the student. Another way I stay organized is by keeping the same routine or method of grading week in and week out. I follow my own system so that the more familiar I am with it the more I will cut down on errors. I find staying organized allows me to respond to students more efficiently and timely as well as having the most up to date information available for that student. This gives them the feeling that I care and I am able to give them more of a personal connection with me.

Procrastination in an online learning environment is inevitable. For asynchronous learning it allows students to do things at a time that is most convenient for them. However, as an instructor it puts me behind in grading and I must focus my time on past due material instead of putting the energy to use on the current weeks course material. Are there any successful methods for circumventing or minimizing procrastination for asynchronous assignments?

As a new on ground instructor and someone who has only taken, not authored or taught online classes the issue of personal connection comes to mind when learning about creating an effective online course. As was mentioned, having a variety of methods through which students learn including video, URL's, etc. is necessary. It is also important to consider how each student as well as student and instructor communicate and facilitate in the online environment. This personal interaction and often accountability between student and instructor is necessary for effective learning. This happens naturally in an on ground class but must also be established or given attention to in an online class. How can this be maximized is a good question and point of consideration.

As a paralegal instructor we may be required by the American Bar Association to provide synchronous instruction with students in classrooms and online. This is going to be a real challenge for the blackboard writing crowd of lawyers teaching in these programs. Any thoughts on how to make a smooth transition with instructors who have a hard time walking away from the lectern and whiteboard?

Recently, another institution I teach at evaluated my online performance twice. The first individual who evaluated the course hammered me. Up until that time, I received positive feedback. So, I was shocked and livid. I requested a second evaluation with a different reviewer. This person proved positive and offered constructive criticism which I appreciated. The initial reviewer wanted more course content added, and less student-centered facilitation. It was explained to me that I got a "tough one" the first time off. This correlates to the previous section that the human element must be accounted by all engaged.

Reality: Higher education is scrutinized more and more as it moves into the competitive marketplace. Therefore, rubrics must also be recognized for it practical and institutional values. It validates the the grading procedure. Years back when I was a college student and and started my college teaching career...my knowledge and my ability as a teacher formed my rubrics. The change is the key point, but the rubrics do not handcuff the instructor, but serve as a guide independent of his or her subjective assessment.

I understand why some would assume that utilizing technology is "the way" to teach or enhance student learning. However, technology is the platform by which the communication takes place (think of it as the virtual coffee joint where people can engage in a conversation) In the end, are we not teaching students how to communicate?