Getting students to participate in online courses is not always easy; yet it is essential to making a good course. I try hard to recognize the various types of learning styles of online students in an online course setting. I very much appreciate the various student types noted in this module. If learners are properly engaged in an online program, success is very possible (Taylor et. al, 2013). Reference Taylor, R., Jung, J., Loewen, P., Spencer, C., Dossa, A., & Lemons, J. (2013). Online versus Live Delivery of Education to Pharmacists in a Large Multicentre Health Region: A Non-inferiority Assessment of Learning Outcomes. Can J Hosp Pharm. 66(4): 233–240.

Presenting yourself as an online professor can be challenging. I know I certainly have felt the challenge. From this module, I’ve learned the importance of projecting your presence by noting your credentials, etc. to your students is important. Appropriate presentation and introduction to students is critical to a good learning environment (Reiness, 2011). Reference Reiness, G. (2011). Tools and Tips for Teachers CBE Life Sci Educ. 2011 Summer; 10(2): 146–148. doi: 10.1187/cbe.11-03-0021

Having a well-planned instructional design is critical for online learning. I, personally, have found the more prepared I am for online students, the better the course runs. A study noted that the main mark of success for online learners was the design of the online instruction (Changiz, Haghani, & Nowroozi, 2013). Reference Changiz, T., Haghani, F., & Nowroozi, N. (2013). Are postgraduate students in distance medical education program ready for e-learning? A survey in Iran. J Educ Health Promot. 30;2:61. doi: 10.4103/2277-9531.120862.

Do hybrid courses present a greater challenge for instructors since some of the information is presented online; while some is F2F? Jorell Lawrence

The extension of the teacher or professor to the learner is the main hurdle that must be overcome to make distant learning a success. How can we achieve that goal? As a matter of faculty statements to decipher any goals I believe in part depends on ensuring sufficient opportunity is captured for the instructor to demonstrate there knowledge. Requiring instructors to provide introductions and summaries of each modules concepts can provide a level of trust. The instructor should have the ability to merge information and in doing so supports the main goal of demonstrating how multiple concepts within a module relate, and in doing so assists with overall comprehension. Our comprehension ultimately depends understanding how single concept relate to compel a greater story.

I can see how guiding students is an important part of an online instructors role. We need to have the skills to guide and direct our students. Is anyone aware of any web sources that help you to become a better facilitator? Thank you Michele

I am currently teaching an online course. The students have established deadlines through out the week to complete discussion posts, assignments and tests. I hold a Live Lab each week. I struggle with some of the students not participating in the Live Lab discussions. It is as if, these would be the "quiet" students if we were meeting live. Does anyone have an tips to engaging all students? Thank you Michele

I am interested in using Blogs for my course room. Does anyone have any "lessons learned" or tips to share? If you use Blogs in your course room, what feedback to you have from your students? Thank you Michele

All assignment questions, practice exercises, discussions, scenarios, studyguides and test should all relate to the learning objectives in the course. If the content doesn't map correctly will the course overall academic averages decrease? Romanda

Is it important to go beyond just evaluating certain information in the classroom? For example,should the instructor do a little more in the discussion thread and respond to more student posts? Romanda

When you consistently contact your students even when there's no improvement needed will it increase their efforts? Romanda

I think it is very pertinent that instructors use as much as possible in the course in order to grab the attention of the new-age students. Using collaborate is a technology tool. Ms.Cooper

Student evaluations and surveys are a great way for educators to measure the compentencies in the course as far as how they are mapped to the content (assignments/test). This will determine if the content is relatable to the course description and the current industry as well as clear enough for the students to understand. Romanda

Giving the students positive praise increases their ability and drive to do better on the next assignment or test.

It is very essential that instructors encourage students to learn and comprehend the information in the course whether then trying to remember the information for the test and ust forget it later. Moreover, if the student really retains and applies the information they will benefit from the scaffolding method.

What other methods can instructors use to egage students in the course?

Online content should have questions that cover the learning objectives for the unit. Comprehensive answers to the unit question would help gauge the student's understanding of course material.

In nearly every class, I have at least one student that says the internet kicked them out of a test. Ethically, I have an issue resetting their test. I have no way of knowing if they say the questions which would give them an advantage. How do you handle this situation? Thank you Michele

The idea of sending the topic of discussion to students ahead of a Chat session. My question is, how much time in advance of the Chat would you send the topic to the student? I can see how this would engage and motivate the students by allowing them time to research the topic early. Thank you Michele

Hello I really like the idea of students posting their own bio's. I typically include my own bio at the beginning of each course. It would be great to know my students and their academic and professional backgrounds too. If anyone has incorporated the student bio's, did you ask them to post the bio's on day one? Thank you Michele