Betsy,
She syllabus serves as a key component in the communication process. Some online instructors have started giving students a quiz on the syllabus and until the student receives 100% on the syllabus, no additional online content will be released to them. Just a thought. Thanks!
I very much agree with the course discussion. Three things that should be considered when developing an online course are: having a good syllabus, using communication tools that facilitate discussion, and communicating with students to guide the discussion.
Having a concise, but very specific directions in the syllabus helps guide students in the right direction. One of the challenges that we have had to overcome is making sure that students read the syllabus. It is great to make a fabulous tool, but if students don't read it then where does that leave the instructor? In our courses we make the syllabus an assignment. the student cannot progress to the rest of the course until they have read the syllabus and discussed it.
Aaron,
The effective syllabus is really the key as well. It helps you communicate and explain the course layout. Thanks for continuing your input in these forums.
I believe communication, course layout and an effective syllabus are the most important things to consider.
jacob ,
Referring to the syllabus as a guide for students is excellent. This is exactly what they should view the syllabus as. This is many times the first step in communication with the students. Thanks!
1. Creating a dynamic syllabus as a resource and guide for the students
2. Having an open commnunication line with the students
3. Encouraging and assisting students who are new to the online platform
Philip,
Excellent. You can take them back to the basics to see what they know and help them move toward where they need to go. Nice job.
The three things I think are most important to consider when teaching an online course are how much the students already know about the subject, their learning style, and how dedicated to their education they are.
For example: If I'm teaching pharmaceutical calculations I need to know how comfortable with math my students are, what their motivation for school is, and how they best learn. I've had an 18 year old in the same class as a 56 year old and neither felt comfortable with their math skills. Building their confidence along with their competence is very important and there were similarities along with major differences. Initially, one student cried while the other just closed her eyes. In the end, they did very well and remember it ten years later but it took different methods to get through to them.
Heather,
I think I already posted a response to this post. It's seems like a duplicate, but keep up the motivation of students and helping them overcome the obstacles. Thanks!
I believe the most important thing to consider is how the student learns, what is their learning style. I always change how I teach things to their learning style to help them grasp the new knowledge.
Another thing to consider is what is their obstacles to overcome. Some students can be pregnant or working multiple jobs. This is important to remember
Lastly, I like to know the reason they came to the online course in the first place. That way if they are falling behind by either their obstacles or not understanding the material and can use that to help motivate them.
francis,
We have to know our content and understand the best way to provide the content to others. The more students are engaged in the learning, the better the result. Thanks!
I want to make sure I can teach the students the material. Also I want the students to feel comfortable with me and are able to ask questions when they need help. It is important for the students to be a part of the entire experience and benefit from my instruction.
Daniel,
Developing an understanding of the students (you audience) and their background is helpful in the environment. Understanding our students will help motive them as well. Thanks!
The three items that I consider important are
1. a general background of the class that I try to determine in the introductions by each student;
2. what are the prior required classes to determine a starting point of knowledge that students should have; and,
3. different techniques to motivate students to participate in the class and share their knowledge and experiences.
Daniel
Robert,
You do the best you can with what you have to work with. Keep trying different things and working to help all students. Thanks!
Your suggestion is very helpful. However my concern is we get such a variety of students with very different learning abilities, patterns and so forth. That, and I only see them four hours a week in class...is a stumbling block to adjusting the curriculum. Some students who sit in my classes have issues with writing a simple sentence. Others write like it's the most natural thing in the world. Maybe there isn't a perfect solution, but my frustration lies in that I just don't know how to adequately service them. I do appreciate your help, and will give your idea a try with my next class. Thank you very much.
Heather,
Thanks for your input. We do have to know where are students are coming from and how to effectively help them reach the learning outcomes. Once the content has been provided to them, we need to assess them effectively.
Exactly! Especially "who is your student" where are they coming from? I teach a final marking period class regarding the job search and utilizing the skills obtained. Do I know the skills they have obtained? Am I knowledgeable in the information they have received? As a graduate of the school myself, for most of the curriculum I can say yes. For what I am not aware of, I can sit in on classes and take the initiative to know who my student is.
John,
We, as online instructors, do need to be a good role model. We have to be present as we expect them to be present as well. Thanks!
The three most important things to consider when teaching an online course are: 1) your students will take their cue from you - if you are active and enthusiastic, they will be; 2) when your students are LEAST interested, they require the MOST help and encouragement (see the first consideration); 3) communication in the online classroom is equivalent to PRESENCE in an f2f classroom.
