kelia karson

Discussion Comment

I think it is good to have peer review and feedback. If an instructor does this it must be noted what the ground rules are. I have found people are kinder but thoughtful with their feedback. Students take it seriously.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Scalfolding

I never heard this term used in education before. It makes sense students would build on what they have previously learned as they move forward. It is important the teacher has developed a program that makes it obvious to the student they are not learning something altogether new but taking their knowledge to the next step.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Constant changing

The testing and res=testing or assessing is so true when developing your online course. I also agree with keeping the look of certain online material consistent.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Be willing to adjust

I am not a fan of changing material or content to often. A well planned and organized lesson plan should have gone through a thorough checklist before students are introduced to it. However, I do believe if after a few groups have gone through a course and the instructor finds students are having trouble in the same areas, change is needed.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Facilitating without taking over

I am finding that I should be more present in the course forums. I think by gently guiding the students they may start to participate more thoughtfully and pay more attention to guidelines.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Asychronous Learning Warning

It is beneficial for students to learn at their own pace but Instructors must stay active to be sure students are staying on track. Some students will struggle and never inform their teacher. It is up to us to look for signs that tell us students are not fully engaged.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Technology for the Technically Challenged

Everyday I run into problems with students who struggle with all of the technology used in resident and online education. Instructors not only teach course material but must instruct on how to use the tools. This can be difficult and take a lot of time. More institutions must start providing tools to help students outside of class time.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Counseling Students

Is it ever acceptable to stop attempting to reach a student who is in crisis or risk of failing?

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Forum Participation

It is difficult to get students excited about asynchronous forum participation. Students can be resistent to the stuctured forums that are part of academia. Initially students see them as a free-for-all to express their opinions. However, despite the initial resistence, I do find students start to discuss and post in a more intellectual manner.

kelia karson

Discussion Comment

Answer emails please

I teach online courses and I have taken online courses and the one thing that bothers me most is lack of timely communication. Have set hours that are posted online to respond to emails and questions. Please be sure to remind your students that you are not plugged-in 24/7 but you will stick to the schedule posted.