Tena Crews

Jo Ann,

Consistency and communication are the two "Cs" that I talk about most often in online courses. Helping students manage their time is important as well. Thanks for your input.

Jo Ann Bartusik

The course framework also provides consistency for the students. They will know what to expect in each week (or however you choose to break it up). Since time management is such a crucial factor in online learning, knowing what to expect actually saves time.

FRANCES HOKANS-DOLL

Jason,

That course on navigation through an online course sounds awesome. That would help some of the older students who still have a hard time just using computers (like me).

Tena Crews

Jason,

This is great. Any way to help students feel more comfortable in communicating and navigating through the online environment is awesome.

Jason Dominguez

As far as navigation, our institution has a practice of running each new online student through a 2 hour course on navigation and exercise, exam, and thread submission. We have found that this is a great way to allow the students a chance to grasp the look and feel of the course. This provides them with the opportunity to be knowledgeable about the course navigation without taking from their lesson time.

Tena Crews

Donna,

If a student has a problem with navigation, it is important to help them. However, this is important feedback from students. When they can't find something, you can revise the course so it won't be a problem again.

Thanks!

Donna Valente

It is very important for the student to feel that the instructor is available to help them navigate through the course if problems come up.Clear communication helps the students feel more confident about their online work, especially students that are new to online courses.

Tena Crews

Hima,

You bring up a very good point about negative teaching evaluations. They are tied directly to lack of communication and lack of navigation.

Thanks!

Tena Crews

Hima,

A good course framework does help the student navigate through an online course. This is very important for assignment submission, communication, etc. When students can't find whatever it is they need in an onine course, it is very frustrating and the teaching evaluations become more negative.

Thanks!