My primary focus has been on the instruction of accounting concepts. What are the best practices to use when teaching an online accounting course?

After several instances of "I don't get the rubric..." I pulled some old student work (de-dentified of course) and posted the three papers in the online course. Here is an example of a report that received an A, a B, and a C - see if you can identify each, and comment for each what led you to that decision. It really helped to open their eyes as to how difficult it is to be objective in the grading process. After this intro, we worked on a "class rubric" for discussion boards what do you need to do to get an A, B, or C. Since they were contributing to the creation of it, I saw a lot of the grumbling about the grading drop. I think it is about making assessment more transparent?

Any tips or advise on how to reduce the walk-away factor in online learning? I know I'm up against work schedules, raising children, household chores, and TV viewing time. Do you have any specific tips you can share on how to keep student engaged throughout the term?

I think the fast emerging concept of utilizing the cloud could be leveraged in course building. Most schools now have administrative type portals for basic information to live but I am curious about actual course material being placed on the cloud for internal use. By placing important blocks of information in a centralized location that can be easily accessed -schools can close the gap across programs or multiple geographical locations. The concept of using shared drives and other such tools has been proven to do that very same thing. However, shared drives usually come with an additional level of complexity when managing and developing. They are also not always synchronous in response to updates and changes. With the proper setup and access protocols, I think this technology might be leveraged by many institutions going forward. I am curious if anyone is doing this for allowing access to internal general course building components? If so - have you found it effective for driving toward standardization?

As an instructor who has always taught in an asychronous manner, I am curious to hear how those who teach in a sychronous manner feel about which method work best (based on your own experiences) for both you and the students. I find that asychronous teaching would be more advantageous for students who can learn on their own time/pace. Comments?

Like many Elearning instructors; it is so important to understand the appropriate direction in facilitating course material to filter the information incoming and outgoing. Online student’s have the desire to understand the course layout to effectively understand the information given. Charolette Brown

The Role of an Instructor The role of an instructor is the same mode of a facilitator. The instructor oversees student’s involvement as well as communicates the intended course material through live lectures as well as through chat sessions. Charolette Brown

Synchronous Learning Environment I am more favorable of communicating in a synchronous learning environment versus asynchronous. Synchronous learning environment allow me to effectively get the message across. Recently, I just started conducting chat session in a synchronous environment and have noticed how well students retained the information given. Charolette Brown

Technology tools such as Google docs and blog is a cost-effective tool that can be shared among instructors and students. The tools are free and can connect with any online college. Charolette Brown

As an online instructor, I believe that it is highly important to understand the learner needs in an online setting. Oftentimes, students struggle with the assigned material because of lack of understand or lack participation. I like to encourage students to use me as their vehicle for learning. Charolette Brown

Online discussion forums are so important for online students. It offers student engagement, student interaction and an online learning environment. Charolette Brown

Instructor's can inviting demonstrate presence in the classroom by posting a short biography of their interest and hobbies. Students want to know that their instructors or humans and not machines. This is sure fire way to keep students actively present in the online environment. Charolette Brown

Should the course duration reflects the course contents outlined in the syllabus?

Discussions are very important to the learning in an online environment. It is important to be very prompt and enthusiastic in our approach to discussion topics.

I am finding more students in my classroom that aren't that familiar with computers joining UMA. Although it tends to be scary for them I am excited that they are taking on the new challenge of e-learning along with enhancing their computer knowledge as well. I try to leave encouraging words of appreciate for their efforts.

I'm finding that many of my students do not go back into the discussion board to read comments posted on their answers. I think I'm going to start sending a reminder asking them to review these remarks and respond appropriately.

I think sending a reminder message about my weekly chat sessions will really come in handy for my classes. I know it depends on the students schedule but perhaps a reminder will encourage them to make time. I'll have to try this out.

A lot of my students try to take the easy way out when it comes to answering the discussion questions each week. Some of them give very minimum information about the topic and expect to receive full credit for it. I add my comments by asking more questions and trying to encourage them to elaborate more. What kind of tips would you suggest for instructors?

I wanted to stress the importance of real time learning. Students need to know that there is a real instructor on the other end. If we only had one synchronous meeting per course it might help with retention.

I read the list of suggestions for biography topics. Is it against FERPA to have the other students read personal information about another student? Diane