Good old FERPA! I allow students to call me if they have questions, but I do not spontaneously call students to clarify. If they ask me to in the email I will, but I prefer to just write answers down.
Sometimes, I admit, I have stored email templates. So many questions are identical. I cut and paste the template answer and then modify it to the individual. I always try to make sure my emails at least sound personalized since I hate form letters myself.
After teaching the same course many years, I have found the places where confusion usually happens. I've added annotations to the instructions.
And now, THANKS TO THIS COURSE, I've done a FAQ thread in the discussion board. It was so easy to create. I just distilled the questions I'm asked EVERY TERM (a gazillion times over), and wrote the answer once.
I know that f2f classes have room for a lot more "getting off track" (of course, I teach writing and literature--two places where discussion is supposed to happen!) Some of the best classes I've ever "taught" have happened when the day gets "hijacked" by students. Or when students *aren't* prepared (I work at an urban comm college f2f, so low student skill levels) and I have to "wing" the session, improvising when people admit they haven't read the material I had carefully planned a series of Socratic questions on.
But none of this happens in an online environment. Or I should say rarely happens. Live chats are sometimes "hijacked" in this way when students bring up things important to them and relevant to the course.
But I find when I plan online courses, I try to allow for "spontaneous" discussion on the boards. But by the asynchronous nature of the course, I'm not on hand to immediately steer things back to fruitful course. I find questions need to be more concrete.
I think, while I am a very concrete person in the f2f environment, I need to be more so in the online environment. As others have so clearly pointed out, we lose so much when we are not f2f. This can be added in, of course, but that means detail, specifics and content need to be added, especially when it comes to questions and expectations.
One resource that students have at their disposal is motivation. Without it, learning becomes complicated.
-Tracy
It's true they like to hear a voice but then why are they taking an online class? Also I was warn about FERPA when calling students. You have to be very careful what you say because there is no documentation.
When creating content for a f2f class, the instructor and student have the opportunity to ask and answer questions regarding the material.
For the online class, the content will be viewed at different times and understood differently by every student. It is essential to write and rewrite the material clearly so the students will be able to understand it.
Aida
Joseph,
There used to be some freeware that would allow you to do to simulations regarding personal finance, particularly with the stock market. You might try googling for some of them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Theran,
You and I are on the same page! Good teaching is good teaching. Content is just what it is. . . content.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
LaBoore,
Don't you think keeping the lines of communication open is so important to deal with these situations. I don't have students knocking my doors down when I have physical office hours for my f2f students!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Angela,
FYI, it is sometimes not to difficult to determine when f2f students aren't engaged. I think sometimes we think students are hanging on our every word in f2f; they aren't.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Theran,
You make a great point. Look at the resources around you when going online. Many textbook companies have great resources and they want you to use them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Wenda,
True! It is all about delivery. You can create the same and even better in an online environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Brian,
That is perfect for the online course ( and f2f) You have to use creativity with technology to establish your own style.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Brian,
Does it have to be so linear? How can technology be used to prevent that?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MeriAnn,
I am pretty militant about that! When you read the Seven principles by Chickering and Gamson, they most certainly apply to online learning. Good teaching is good teaching.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MeriAnn,
I to feel that way. I think students computer can be the classroom! I want them in my content more than just when they show up for class. In the online environment that is easy as I can drive them to a LMS.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
MeriAnn,
You got it! It may be a good thing to review a course delivery. I guess we always assume that f2f is the best way to teach it!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
True! This is why rules of communication must be observed. Also, generational differences may make a big difference.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
OK, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Who says the f2f content is what needs to be taught. Course revision is NEVER a bad thing.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Amir,
True, but there are many other ways that can engage students. Consistency is the key.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tracy,
True, but there are some pretty good tools to help facilitate engagement with students. Once patterns are established, students will get the hang of it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
