Tina Stavredes

Hi Jayasree, how many students do you feel is optimal for teaching in the online environment? Tina

Hi Elizabeth, I have my faculty give individual feedback on discussions in the first few weeks of the course and then move to just posted scores. We have found as you have that students make decisions on the extent to which they meet the requirements of discussions, so continuing to give the same feedback on points missed doesn't change the outcomes of learner posts. Tina

Hi Elizabeth, I agree. The online environment requires more individualized communications and support. We have tried to incorporate as many scaffolding tools as possible to help learners, but they still have lots of questions! Tina

Hi Esther,great observations about the "guide on the side". This role moves the learner to be more actively engaged in meaning making! Tina

Hi Kelly, I agree that it is important to help build this learner's confidence by developing trust and find commonality. Great advice! Tina

Hi Aisling, we are also using checklists with a lot of success! As I said before, you have some excellent strategies for managing the online learning environment to support students:-) Tina

Hi Aisling, I am really impressed with the different strategies you use in your course to engage learners. Grading rubrics are an excellent way to inform students of the expectations of activities and can provide opportunities for students to do their own self-reflection on the criteria before submitting assignments. Great suggestions for supporting these learner types. Tina

Hi Aisling, there are so many different types of learning styles. Some relate to social styles and whether students like to work independently or in groups as well as cognitive learning styles which relate to how the think. Including activities to meet the needs for different types of social styles as well as cognitive styles can support individual learners and also help them develop new styles of learning. Tina

Hi Aisling, you have done an excellent job of setting expectations for your students! Tina

Hi Jenni, yes, I think it does help but we have been using what we call a psychology lounge to help develop engagement in low stakes (no grade associated with engagement) discussions. We feel that getting learners engaged in off-topic discussions help them feel more comfortable, which can improve presence and increase overall participation. Tina