Cathleen,
I agree with the flexibility. I do think you have to be aware of that. I also think that you have to make students understand that this is a learning environment and there are expectations for work to be completed on time.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ben,
I really disagree with you on your first statement. I think we do a disservice to our students allowing them to have the consumer mentality. I understand that things happen but I always suggest that if you have a life that is too busy to turn in homework then you should encourage them NOT to take the course at this time. You do have to have a realistic timeline for work and it must be part of the learning contract with the student through the syllabus.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Establishing a pattern of teaching, as I understand it, has to do with how an instructor provides information to students and how his/her virtual classroom practice becomes second nature to the students through the use of repetition over a period of time. The pattern of teaching obviously includes several necessary components which allow an online course to function successfully. Without enumerating each of these components at this time, I can point to two of them that stand out in my mind as being most essential. The first is communication because it provides direction and, hopefully, clarity for the students as they navigate their course. It is, in a sense, a kind of road map that points the way and makes their educational journey more comfortable and enriching. The second is content delivery. This element embraces areas such as whether synchronous or asynchronous learning would work best for the class,how to correctly submit assignments,what instructor deadlines students need to be aware of, what rules the teacher has established for questions and answers, and on and on.
I believe the two most important things to consider when establishing a teaching pattern would be content delivery, and communication. Each quarter students ask how and where to submit assignments. I had assumed this was covered in
a student tutorial. I picked communication because students are often confused about what
you want, and don't know what your expectations are.
1) Consistency: Being consistent in anything will define the pattern more accurately
2) Repetition: Repetition also reinforces the pattern of any teaching style.
My personal experience with adult learners has allowed me to encounter the many barriers of learing they bring to the classroom environment. I find communication to be essential; by this I mean reassurance. I consistently re-assure my students by simply being available. Establishing what they can expect from me and following through. But I also establish guidelines as to what I expect from them as well. Assignment submissions (student) and grading (me) is very important. I expect assignments to be submitted on time but I also grade within 24 hours of submission so students have a clear assessment of where they stand in the class.
- Clear communication on what to expect from week to week in terms of live chats, additional resources and assignments.
- consistent Grading Rubric that provides the students a clear content on what was completed and what could be improved on.
I have had the same experience - I, too, give detailed guidelines in my syllabus. I follow up with a "syllabus quiz" that highlights some of the major expectations. I also require that students shoot me an email stating that they read the syllabus and agree to its policies. Suprisingly, this has helped, but I'm amazed at how many students still don't read it and seem completely amazed to find out there is a penalty for late work, etc.
I think it's really important to be flexible. For example, it may take students a week or more to get their books, so I usually extend the deadlines for Modules 1-3. Also I think it's really important for instuctors to respond to student's questions and concerns promply. This way students don't get frustrated, and they know we are there to support them.
The 2 most important things to consider are:
1-Students are paying a lot of money to get a good education--and they should not necessarily be penalized for not having everything in on time all semester long if something is going on in their life.
We all have things happen to us that can slow our lives up and we should be understanding of those things. Ideally we would like all students to turn in all things on time, but......
2-As instructors we should have a clear outline of what is due and when for each and every week/module. It will assist the student in knowing exactly what to do.
Mary,
I like that you said "exceed expectations" Why don't we say this more often.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
megan,
Great post! You are right, it isn't easy to be consistent. You must create your routine and keep it for the students' sake!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kathleen,
You are right, information should be placed in multiple places. You are right, you must have a presence.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eryn,
I think you make a point that we miss sometimes. We should always link assignments to objectives. Great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
ANTHONY,
I like the term you used; "dynamic syllabus". I do think it needs to be more than just a word file. Consistency is the key. You are correct, sir!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Donna,
That is true. You have to continue the communication about expectation throughout the course. Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Angela,
You are right. That is also true with f2f. Good point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tanya,
Yes, it is so important to make sure you have "presence" in class. Design helps with that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Niki,
Design is so important in the pattern of teaching. Great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lois,
Yes, I have worked on the development of common rubrics. One way to begin the discussion is to look at a paper that is described as an "A" paper, "B" paper etc. We then look at what makes it that type of paper. It at least begins the discussion.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
