Jane Leight

Aha!! Thanks Lisa. Jane

Mary, I agree with you about the usefulness of worksheets. These are something I have used for years on campus and will continue to use in my online classes. Students like them because they are useful tools for studying for exams. Thanks for your input!! Jane

I couldn't agree more! Thanks for your input :) Jane

I think you are correct, there are many factors to take into account and some minimum level of participation needs to be required. Thanks for your response :) Jane

I agree with you... preparation and communication are crucial to the structural integrity of any online course. :) Jane

Q & A sessions? Are these done using synchronous chat, where the responses are typed, or through some type of a live session? I like the idea! Jane

Palloff and Pratt, two researchers in the area of online learning, say that asynchronous learning has the potential to be "transformative learning." You are saying something along the same lines when you say that it "allows for deeper comprehension, reflection and response." I agree with all of you!! Jane

Well said!! :) Jane

Hi Mary, You make a good point about online students being more motivated and self-disciplined. You mentioned that the quality of online courses is improving. The tools are certainly better for teaching online than they were five years ago, so I have to agree with you. Do you think this is why online education is becoming more acceptible? I am interested in your thoughts, :) Jane

Hi Mary, Would you allow your students to choose which discussion methods to use, or would you require that they all engage in every discussion? I am currently teaching a totally synchronous class and I am finding that it has its challenges, as does an asynchronous classroom. Come to mention it, not everyone preferred learning the same way in my on site classes either. I agree with you, multiple methods are the best way to go. Thanks for your input! Jane