The elements of Content and Trust
A student must feel that your demonstrated qualifications in course content exceed the material provided and that they will through your facilitation learn something 'special' that they would not otherwise be privy to if not in your class. In this sense the instructor must orchestrate their performance in a manner akin to that of a showman.
Aundrea,
Great post. You need to be creative in an online course sometimes. I have found it may not be my creativity but one of an instructional designer or a colleague who gives you strategies. It can feel overwhelming but you have people in your corner.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I absolutely agree with this statement. An instructor must go the extra mile to bring a unique element to the class. This helps to garner the respect of the student (which leads to effective communication and interaction), but also gives the student an edge on those who learn simply what is in the class material. I make a point to go over and above in my response to discussion questions (and general questions) in order to make the information relevant, and help the student "buy" into the course. For this reason, the instructor must not only be competent, but creative.
Rudolph,
This issues is the same whether f2f or online. Students have to be willing to put the time in. They don't see the importance of learning just the importance of completing.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I'm in agreement. Many times core competency in subject matter may not be the issue but rather the needed preparation.
Scott,
It is interesting that you said this. Many instructors don't know how to develop that performance in an online environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
