My name is Diane Small-Puente and I currently teach Computed Tomography online with MOODLE2. The last 8 weeks have been very challenging in regard to some of the students' lack of ability to utilize an online platform. Currently, we have an orientation that begins the same day as the course and it does not require each student to participate. I have had several students who are unable to use the system and have had many "calls" and have had to take time to go through tutorials personally with the students because we do not have the IT support. I have made the recommendation that the orientation be completed before the course start date. Also, our orientation is not instructor driven, I fill that the students need to achieve a level of competency in order to enroll in an online course. Online instructors......what is your process for orientation? Diane

My self I see this as a major reason to avoid e-teaching. I would much rather spend my time helping those who really desire it. Personally I would try to have a one on one and remind them of the rules of conduct and if they choose to deviate from those it's time for them to go.

I have found that a major difficulty with the online class is that students tend to wait until the end of the week to do all their assignments. They would succeed much better if they were engaged throughout the week. However, it seems like assessing the student TOO MUCH through out the week, it defeats one of the purposes of learning online- having a dynamic schedule. Can anyone share their success stories in successfully engaging the student throughout the week? I am curious if it dramatically improves scores. Brian Stout

First and formost you should ask "why are you here"? I ask all my students the first day of class that question. Is this a required course, like I'm having to take, or are you here because you want to be! If it's required you can show how the class will still benefit you if you put in the effort. Even though this is required for my teaching job and I have no desire to be an online instructor, I'm finding ways I can benefit from learning different approches to teaching.

I feel the student must have faith in the instution before he takes the plunge into this type of study. If the person on the other side of the computer fulfills the students needs that is all that is required. Certification by the school needs to be recoginzed by the proper accredidation governing bodies.

Being 65 years old I find this type of learning very difficult. My learning style is hands on, learn by doing not reading about something and nothing to touch. On the other hand my son is very good at this type of learning. He can visualize the content where I have no imagination and it's just a bunch of words.

Does anyone have any advice on discussion forums for online mathematics courses? I have seen them used in generally two ways: 1) Required posts on a topic determined by the instructor. 2) Optional posting by students regarding any module topic. I have found the second way to be much more productive. In case (2) the students use the discussion forum to vent their struggles and identify solutions. Also, it gives the opportunity for the instructor to answer questions in a centralized place rather than responding to individuals via email. Although in this cases there is less overall participation, the participation that occurs is useful. I have found option (1) to work poorly. Either the topic is boring and does not afford much opportunity for in-depth discussion or, if the topic is based on a deeper mathematical idea, it is beyond the capacity of most students. The resulting discussion becomes ineffective. Any other online math instructors have comments or views? Brian Stout

Evaluations are a key to a students success as grades now play such a large role in the jobs they gain. Should evaluations be easier to help the student succeed?

What is the most important feature of feedback do you think? do students really read what we write?

Online resources may include a discussion board, email, chat rooms, etc. What is the most important online resource you use?

The course framework is the road map for course development. What are the most important factors to have in your course road map for optimum student learning?

Managing the e-learner environment involves consistent review of assignments, constant communication, and student outreach. This way you are more aware of what your students need and how to best capture their attention.

Engaging learners can be done by incorporating group discussion responses, or activities that require the online learner to work with a partner. This is also achieved by giving the learner freedom to choose research topics, discussion topics, etc.

This can be done by way of using proximity in the classroom. Moving around the room and catching eye contact of your students will help keep them engaged in the lesson.

How flexible do instructors need to be in regards to the timing of their live chat sessions? I tend to like to have my chats during the day on Monday - so that early in the week, students know everything they have to know to complete the assignment. Some students prefer evening chats. I have been known to throw in an extra chat for students that prefer the live chat in the evening? Your thoughts?

Do you think it is important to send personalized emails to each student during week one as well as respond to their introductions in the classroom? Why is this extra effort on the part of the online professor important?

Do you believe that the length of the course impacts the students engagement? What do you believe is the optimum time for a course to last in the online environment?

There have been times when a student will make sure they find fault with another's posts and they have to make sure they bring it to their attention in the discussion forums. In addition, they also need to post i.e. "did you mean ______" and it was a word that was misspelled by me, the instructor. In attempting to ask for courtesy and respect to all and not be negative the student became even more confrontagious and claimed my tone was inappropriate. As an instructor I could not wait for this class to be over and for the student to move on. What I do not understand is how these students progress in any program and are not counseled by advisors to stop this type of negative interaction and help them understand how this is going to affect their place in any work environment.

I have yet to find the best way to get student's to write substantial discussion posts and engage in meaningful responses. I go as far as telling them that they are not gaining anything if the simply agree and don't challange each other. Can you give me some examples and pointers on how to get the student's better involved with the discussion board? Looking forward to hearing form you, Daron A. Collins

How are some ways that a teacher can add creativity and learning enhancement to a ready-made course module?