Donald Kraska

About me

I am a retired engineer teaching online Algebra. A close second only to a knowledge of English grammar and spelling, math and Algebra are the cornerstones needed for success in any field of endeavor, I feel. Algebra is used in many ways in the software of the application courses the students take. My continual search is for more and better ways to activate interest and motivation in learning Algebra for these students.

Beyond giving elementary application examples of that algebra in the types of software used in their fields of study [we have little time for more], which I do, and which works in many cases, are there any other thoughts/methods/ideas that other instructors can supply to me in this quest?

Thanks.

Don Kraska

Activity

Donald Kraska

Discussion Comment

Student Computer Compatiblity

The school where I teach online selects Quiz questions from a pool or questions randomly for each occurence and use of the quiz. So when students get cut off or timed out, I give them the choice of accepting their grade from partially complete work or a reset. I do NOT reset if they have just used up the alloted time with no technical error. If the student says it was a technical error, it goes to tech support to determine IF there was a technical error or if they just timed out.

Donald Kraska

Blog Comment

adaptive learning

I also liked this course. But what I have been told by other instructors who taught a prototype Algebra course using these concepts was that proportionally more students failed than failed the regular online lecture type course. The reason I was given is the same reason online students fail the regular course; lack of motivation and drive to follow the steps needed to get through the course.

In the course, they said that math and science are classes that typically work best with this approach! So I have mixed feelings about using this approach as opposed to the basic lecture… >>>

Donald Kraska

Blog Comment

ED102

I took this course in the past, it really helped.

Donald Kraska

Blog Comment

Motivating online students

This is certainly true. Usually, it takes contact that is direct and to the point about grades. Usually with a copy to their advisor. Then they tell of their problems, personal, technical and something can be done to move the student forward.

Donald Kraska

Blog

EL114 Copyrights and Instructors

This course is eye opening. For profit schools are not covered by some of the legislation that covers non-profits. Instructors must be careful of using material from the internet - one ALWAYS should at least request permission from the copyright owner before using the material. Also, the copyright laws are typically 30-40 years behind the times when it comes to technological advances, so beware. And finally, contact your school librarian, who could be the best source of what you need to know in this area.

A good course that all instructors should take - and then heed.

Donald Kraska

Blog Comment

Just a Warning to help others

Sounds like a course I might enjoy, for the reasoning experience!

Donald Kraska

Blog Comment

ACTIVE LEARNING ED111

ED111 really is a good course, especially for an instructor, like me, that is mostly used to lecturing first, then trying for student involvement second. There were many good ideas and thoughts to consider and to possibly implement in a gradual way over time.

Thanks for this well done course.

Donald Kraska

Discussion Comment

emotional behavioral

@succes0904

I teach Algebra, and get this all the time. Here is what I say to them when students say they can't get it, and it’s too hard;

Think back to the last big problem you had in your life. At the time, it seemed insurmountable, really tough. But, you had to get it done it was important to your life to do so. So, somehow, you did. You probably remember how you did it; you talked to others with more experience, you asked for help when possible, you read and thought about it a lot. Then, the most important… >>>

Donald Kraska

Discussion Comment

Some young students think they know what is important

Tirrell: So true, but what many have not learned is that they can exceed their perceived limits if they truly want to. You have to know this from experience before you can consciously alter and expand your old perceptions. When a student/instructor is stretched to the physical limits, like you are, it is very difficult to do that, and usually leads to too little sleep, which has many negative results. I will always be looking for ways to help students want to exceed their limits, because, when they do, then they will develop more efficient ways to learn and expand… >>>

Donald Kraska

Discussion Comment

Some young students think they know what is important

Thanks, Gary. My hope is that some other instructors will have specific ideas on things to do, that somehow tie together instructor experience with technique and course content in a way that unmotivated students need to spark them into using their own creativity and imagination to tackle the course material.

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