The Basics of Laboratory Design | Origin: EL116
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
The Asynchronous, Self-Directed Learning Model --> The Basics of Laboratory Design
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Constructive feedback on asynchronous labs so students can reAttempt the lab to gain a better understanding. Deadlines need to be thrown out and the course should be more fluid. Giving students a weekly schedule is good to keep them on track but remember why students are choosing to do the asychronous courses. It is because they need to manage multiple things.
It is very important in an asynchronous environment specifically, for instructors to keep up with accurate and timely grading, also communication with students regarding their progress.
I thought the best practices list was really helpful. It gave me a lot of ideas for possible synchonous and asynchronous activities! I also appreciated the section on dealing with asynchonous anxiety.
In this module I learned the importance in time management and Best Practices for Online Teaching. The students who are procrastinators will have a difficult time trying to complete an online course successfully. It is important to have frequent check-ins throughout the course and give rewards or recognition to the students to keep them motivated and engaged. I like the thought of incorporating games to reinforce concepts and have the students remember the topics being taught.
Keeping online students engaged in an asynchronous evnironment is very challenging. Feedback and communication is key and we focus on this as soon as students enter the program. Students must remember that facilitators do not work seven days a week 24 hours a day and they need to learn to manage their time. Students always seem to wait until the weekend to attempt assignments and if they have an issue no one is there to help but IT. I email and message students to let them know that I am there and my on-line office hours are posted. Accountability and responsibility.
I have learned that structure, and assignments with clear directions and grading expectations allow students to know how to succeed in the online environment. It is also important to highlight and recognize student success.
It is very important to have continual feedback from students in order to ensure the course is engaging and efficient.
Fortunately in these times we have countless ideas to communicate ideas, produce content, distribute and even monetize through the Internet. Information resources that are not made can generally be developed online with willingness, collaboration, and creativity.
Lab learning can be effective with the right design with allowing for creativity. Using small 'chunks' of content, providing examples of quality work can open the doors to better learning and retention. As a faculty teaching, there are so many different technologies ith digital software that I would need to take training sessions on how to use some of them as I was not familiar with several of those identified in this section of the course. Students who self-paced with completing learning activities may run into time management issues (and many do) if there are not a set of expectations or a course schedule where they should be at certain times throughout the semester. Great tips with time management strategies by Chickering and Gamson
Laboratory design for asynchronous learning should approximate the actual performance environment as closely as possible. This also applies to simulations. The main points are to ensure good time management, and that students are not overloaded with tasks, so they have time for interaction and feedback. Student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactions are particularly important, and the instructor must provide feedback thoroughly and frequently. All materials should be within the LMS. This course also mentions that students should participate in discussion boards and communicate frequently what they are finding. However, it is not clear to me how that will be accomplished in asynchronous settings, as discussion boards may contain initial postings from students who have since completed their studies, so cannot see responses of other students.
Having sessions for testing and progress checks is important. I like to have sessions where we are going over the more real-world examples. They can then see how this all relates to what they are learning. I give them chances to give their stories and ask any questions. I also encourage more "ambiguous" problems that might have multiple solutions.
Acknowledging students' work/learning/accomplishments by providing appropriate and timely feedback, offering rewards or extra credits, are some ways to encourage/keep student engagement.
This section provides much fodder for thought. The use of labs can put content into a practical application, can help students process the content beyond rote learning, and can provide the opportunity for group interactions, all of which are positive to mastery of course content.
The resource of 7 Principles of Good Undergraduate Education address many of the issues with time management and feelings of isolation or lack of motivation that may be associated with asynchronous learning. Issuing certificates to students when they complete the modules is a good suggestion for imrpoving student participation. Providing clear directions for assignments with examples and a rubric, along with a list or calendar of assignment due dates may alleviate some of the issues related to student procrastination. Contacting students directly when deadlines are not met, is another instructor to student communication opportunity that can support student engagement and success in the course.
I will be implementing a reward system with certificates or badges. Also, I will need to look at other options for an LMS for my program since the current one has its limitations. Especially when it comes to structure and ease of use of the materials and resources. Maybe even creating my own teacher website. Lastly, I love that they gave a checklist for best practices and time management. These will be invaluable when it comes to creating next year's courses.
Students engangement is so important especially for an online class, inserting videos or scavenger hunts is a great way to keep students engaged.
It is important to keep students engaged. Some students get bored very easily or lose interest when they feel they are not receving adequate attention. Instructors/teachers must try to ensure that all students are getting what they need out of the class.
Students that do not have time management skills with find self-paced courses very challenging. Enrolling in this type of course requires self-discipline and motivation. Virtual labs are a replacement for in person labs.
If you do not havecheck points os some other point of accountability you will tend to lose that 20% or so that will only complete assignments if they know they are being watched or held accountable.
