Communication Tools
My courses meet in an online environment where we do web conferences once a week. The students can use chat, video, and audio to interact with me.
The students prefer to use chat instead of the audio/ video set-up. What would you recommend to get the students more involved? Right now they only really use their chat box, but for me I really want them to participate orally and visually to break up the course and make it less teacher centered.
Tracey,
If you can provide minimal extra credit, it may be worth it. Some can't offer extra credit, but again we have to show students how it connects to the learning outcomes. Thanks!
I would perhaps offer them some incentive within there course work such as exra credit,etc. This way they will join in on video and probably love the advantages it has to offer.
Sue,
When students understand the expectations and have opportunities to interact, they begin to feel more comfortable. Thanks for your input.
While I agree that students learn better when they are comfortable, I believe there comes a time when instructors need to push students outside of their comfort zone.
Maybe at the beginning of the course, allow them to participate in chats only. Then as students become "comfortable" with that process, require them to include at least one audio/video aspect to the online conversation.
Make sure these expectations are presented to students at the beginning of the course, so there are no surprises. But gradually require more participation in different ways. I think, in the long run, students will appreciate the change of pace as much as you do.
Katrina and Anthony,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We use synchronous and asynchronous methods and do require students to buy a Web cam because students do need to do oral presenations. So, many times the course content/learning outcomes help us make the decision on whether or not students need Web cams or not. Thanks again.
Hi Anthony,
In the online environment where I teach we do live audio, but aren't required to use video (we have the option to use it). The students aren't required also. In my own opinion the students will learn better when they are comfortable. I wouldn't require students to use a webcam, but it is good to have the option out there for them. When I look at the situation from a student perspective and from the online environment in general, a lot of people feel more comfortable communicating and sharing their opinions when their name is more of an alias since we don't know them personally.
Anthony,
Meeting through Web conferences is a good way to build community and rapport in the class and answer questions immediately. I require each student to have a Web cam and when they have a question, they turn their Web cam on and ask their question. Then, I may turn mine on and answer it or I may ask another student to do so (turning on their Web cam) just as I would in a a class - call on students. This has been helpful.
