Debra Hall

This module reinforces the fact that students will be students, especially the first few weeks in a new class.  Their personalities will come alive.  Making sure to set aside class expectations & guidelines up front in the first couple of days will help foster positive communication, keep behavior disruptions to a minimum, resolve conflict management quickly and keeping the students engaged to manage the attrition will all help the on-line class be manageable & successful .

This module was helpful in giving us examples of asychronous vs synchronous classroom settings and how to manage and facilitate both.  I agree that giving quick, positive feedback will be the key in keeping students engaged and eager to participate in the next lesson.  

Giving students the opportunity to post information about themselves, their hobbies and interests, their level of experience within your subject area, and reasons why they are taking your class can give you an insight as to their level of interest in our class.  Getting to know your students can make them feel more comfortable and connected in your class. 

I agree that communication will be key in letting the students know what is expected of them in each lesson and module within the course. Giving deadlines for students to complete assignments will be important.  Because I previously taught course content via "hands-on" activities in small groups within my class, my challenges will be making sure I have assignments that meet the needs of ALL students in my class and labs until we are back in the classroom.  Organization and ease of navigation through the lessons will also be a key component.