John,
Why are students more "on their own" in an online course? Do they have to be? I have students that isolate themselves in f2f courses also. It is a matter of delivery. I agree about the hands on but that seems to be changing also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I will have to admit that this was a question I was interested in finding the answer for when I started this course. I have not taught online yet and am looking forward ...with some trepidation, to starting a course soon. I have come to realize the unique features of an online course. My F2F courses use some technology ...I show some clips, we access articles online, etc, but they rely primarily on my somewhat animated input along with my antics and the interaction with their classmates. ...all of which are missing in an online course.
Maybe I'm just nervous or overthinking this, but I'm still not positive what makes an interesting, motivating and valuable course for my discipline. I teach English and wonder how to put a course together. I printed off all the content and plan to use it as a resource.
Face to face content can be supplemented by the instructor. An example or ppt. may need additional support in an online environment or may not be useful at all.
Some of the course content created for a face-to-face course may be difficult to present to students for learning to take place when using online delivery methods. And since many online courses involve students working at their own pace, the content may not be suitable for the virtual campus. Online students will also be "more on their own" in learning course content than in a traditional classroom setting. And some courses may require more "hands on" learning techniques in order for students to be successful.
Anthony,
Have you developed you own online personality? It is important for you and for your students. You do that in your f2f courses I think it is important to do that in online. That will help you develop your strategies in converting f2f courses to online.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anthony,
I agree with you. Most adjustments I make in improving my online teaching improves my f2f teaching. I love that!!!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jacqueline,
Why can't we create the connections that f2f depends on in the online environment. I think we have to make sure that we don't let our perceived limitations limit the students ability to connect online. Yes, the timing is different but the importance of connecting and the ability to connect is there just different.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jacqueline,
I agree with you. I now have students to develop their own Professional Writing Plan. I have students to study the feedback and then complete a journal entry in my LMS's journaling feature with a plan of action to improve their next writing assignment by the feedback I gave them. It is working. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree! The voice recording has worked better for feedback. It appeared that students were not reading the feedback on the assignment submissions because future assignments were submitted without taking into account the previous feedback (the grade was okay for time... who care what the feedback stated). I began using recordings and future assignments were very much improved.
One reason in particular that course content created for a face-to-face course is not appropriate for an online course is that learners connect, work together, encourage, learn and create through numerous technologies. This would not be possible with f2f.
Also, we (instructors) have to find strategies that will get and keep the student engaged in discussions. We can’t lecture and then ask a specific question a student or the class and wait on a student to raise their hand. Therefore, we must design our communications to keep students interested and actively participating via our discussion forums.
Are there any instructors who happen to being using a hybrid format? If so, what about scheduling live chats, etc.? Do any of you have issues always rescheduling? I've attempted on a few occasions to have live chats, etc. and some students are not available. The "same time, different place" appears to be a hurdle for some students and they are not willing to commit to "being there".
Jim
Ive found that one of issues I confront is assuming students 'get it' in the F2F environment, whereas ensuring that you're as clear and straight forward as possible in the online environment. I've taken for granted in both types of instruction and assumed that content is understood. When in online you have to be sure to be clear and direct, which has helped shaped my deliver methods in a F2F course.
Anthony
Course content in a face-to-face course is not always transferable to the online environment. One of the primary things you lose in the online environment is the personal interaction where such things as body language and personality traits are easily identifiable. Also, the way content is delivered is very different. Whereas in a F2F course you may be able to assign readings that matches the lectures and expect students complete the assigned tasks. You can then return the next class and discuss the readings and lectures. In online courses, that straight forward approach isn't always the best format. You have to ensure students are engaged, create pedagogical styles that creates a welcoming environment in the online structure. ALthough you expect similar outcomes (i.e., student success), you have to prepare and deliver content in different formats.
Anthony
Michael,
I don't know if its easier, it is just different. We are familiar with the f2f process so it may seem easier. I think we may become lax in the f2f environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When students are in a face to face course, the ideas and concepts relayed by the instructor can come across easier. If questions occur, it is answered so all of the students can understand. With online courses there is lag time between responses, and if the thought is not properly expressed by the instructor then conflict and confusion can occur between student/instructor.
John,
Great insight! I agree with you that you don't always pick up problems until after the content is delivered. You really have to make it easy for students to connect all of the learning objects and that can be difficult. It is so important to have good course design to help connect the dots of learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
Great post! You are right, the content has to be presented in a different way to engage and respect the learner and learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When I taught in a classroom, I had everyone together at the same time. I could use a white board and show how the step by step problem solution. I have not found a way to do that in an online situation.
In an online course, seldom is everyone together so information disseminated may not be the same to each person. I may write or say certain things to one student but not say the same things to another. I may find better ways to describe a solution and then not recall which student I should contact to explain it further.
When I taught in a classroom, I generally assigned every problem in the text and had students write their solutions on the white board and we all talked about the solution. I sometimes had one student be scribe and then went around the class with each person adding to the problem until it was solved. In an online course, I have found that process is a failure. If every student misses the same thing, I can send a general email or course announcement to describe the error and show the solution.
In an online course, I usually don't know there is a misunderstanding until after the homework has been submitted and many times the module is nearly over or the students are taking the tests or quizzes and the opportunity to review and learn has shortened considerably.
F2F and online are two completely different environments. As such students learn in different manners. We can't expect students to grasp the material in an online environment in the same manner as we do a F2F environment. Trying to just take our material and put lectures into PowerPoints isn't the answer. Though those lecture/voice over PowerPoint presentations may help with retention and be good for note taking they can't be the only delivery method. We need to make use of chats, but synchronous and asynchronous as well as e-books, discussions etc.
The instructors that teach in both online and F2F environments need to remember that what works for one will not automatically work for the other.
Kim C
Michelle,
True, but it may be more of design and delivery than content. You can't be dependent on the nonverbals but you can make adjustments when needed.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
There are many reasons why course content created for a F2F course is inappropriate for an online course. So much more clarity is needed in an online course (especially asynchronous environment) because you are lacking the ability to use gestures and spontaneously adjust what is being said.
Another reason is that in a F2F setting, instructors can interact with students to stimulate involvement. The content itself must do that most of the time in an online course.
M Boddy
