Ejike,
Basically all three of your items will help keep the students engaged. When we design those effective interactions even in our feedback, students will be more motivated to improve. Thanks.
Christine,
When you start with finding out what the students know before the course, you are starting the communication early. This is a great idea. Thanks.
Ejike and Shirley,
Agreed. Effective communication can't be emphasized enough. Thanks to you both.
Harprit,
Good job. Two of your three items deal with timeliness. One on the part of the students and one the instructor. Time management is key for all of us. Thanks.
Penelope and Donna,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We do, as online instructors, have to vary our teaching methods to "get to" all students. Thanks.
Dr. Crews,
When I teach online courses, the three most important things that I consider are:
1.What the students know before the class.
2.The learning needs of the students and how each and every students can successfully learn from the technology available.
3. How to effectively communicate with students.
-Christine
Dr. Crew,
When teaching my own online course, the three most important things that I will consider are as follows:
(1) Rubrics
(2) Timely Feedback
(3) Open line of communication with my students
I believe that it is important to base feedback on rubrics because it provides a meaningful feedback and promotes learning. Rubrics make the assessment process transparent. It also helps to alleviate confusion and questions from students. In addition, it also saves time. If rubrics are provided for students, it is assumed that students will crosscheck their answers with the rubrics to ensure that all questions are covered and that all answers are tied to the rubrics.
Timely feedback is necessary so that students will know what they didn't do right so that they will not repeat the same mistakes in future assignments. Good and open communication will ensure that my students understand assignment requirements or ask for clarification if instructions for assignments are not clear to them.
Hi Donna Dimatteo, I agree with you regarding the use of different teaching approaches in order to make sure all learning styles can be fully activated.
From my own personal online teaching experience, three things I consider to be important are ensuring 1). that students have submitted assignments on time, 2). that they've engaged in discussions, and 3). that students' queries are timely replied.
Shirley,
I agree with everything that you said. Syllabus, good communication, and good materials are very important. As a matter of fact, bad communication leads to a lot of problems. Communication is the human connection when teaching online. It is the key to success in both online and traditional instruction delivery.
When teaching an online course, the three most important things that I should consider are (1) how to interact with my students to keep them motivated (2) how to present the course information in such a way that it is in harmony with the learning styles of my students, and (3) how to provide an effective feedback that will help them to improve. Of course, I assume that the syllabus for the course is dynamic, meaning that it will assist the learner in finding course information and viewing specific course information.
Michelle,
We do always have to keep the end in mind and think about the objectives in mind as well -- for meeting them is the end goal. Thanks for your input.
John,
Ah - be flexible. That's for sure. For those who are flexible will not be broken. Ha!
Thanks!
I am a 'keep the end in mind' type of teacher. With that said, it will be most important to look at what the institution is looking to evaluate at the end of the course. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting 'teaching to the test', but I assume the institution is forward thinking enough to know whtat is important enough to be considered.
Michelle Boddy
Be organized, plan ahead and be flexible. If we are to be student centered then we must be willing to change as we go along.
Maureen,
You have used this information for a few posts. Thanks for your continued input.
Take care.
1. Presentation of course for understanding for students.
2. Ease of presentation for student comprehension.
3. Interest for student to elaborate and like so their discussions have "meat" and interest other students participation.
It has to be "catchy" and "interesting to want to write".
Melissa,
You got that right. Without effective communication and asking the questions you noted, the learning will not move forward. Thanks for your input.
Communication is the most important key in online teaching. Communication is a two way street, so sending messages to your students does not consititue communication. Are they responding? Did they understand the message? Make sure information is flowing both ways.
Secondly, it is important to consider where the student is technologically speaking. We can't assume that the student understands blogs, forums and webinars just because they signed up for an online class. Get to know the student and make sure they are comfortable with the technology you have included in the class.
Thirdly, we must evaluate our student learning styles. It's not enough to provide online reading. We need to address all learning styles just as we would in the face to face classroom. We need to have components that reach verbal, visual, and kinesthetic learners alike.
Melissa
Julie,
And, what about "what are the course objectives?" But, I think that goes without saying. That's probably why you didn't say it. Ha! Thanks for your input.
