Technology is not the instructor.
In the past when technology was used to provide a lesson but no follow up of the online material was provided, students did not "get" it. We have to reinforce all.
Carolyn and Agnes,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Keep your ideas coming!
Dr. Tena Crews
Agnes: I see this on ground and on line. I do not think most students can not handle it....they don't want toit. Just plain and simple lazy. Too many students today (at least where I teach) have been passed along for doing nothing. Homework? How dare I! I look at my students and each has a cell phone that the user can find the latest music video. Use YouTube to find out how to do a VLOOKUP? "No way! I did not know you could do that." I feel most know "how to" just not "how to" in class.
Carlos,
We all learn differently and that is why it's good to not only have students read things, but get engaged in the content.
Thanks!
I don't get at times some of the things I read online. I can't imagine how students might feel, especially, when many of them have not been too familiar with the online environment.
Vince,
The live chats can be beneficial for many students. Do you record them so anyone can watch/listen later?
This is certainly true. I have 2 hours of live chats per week in 1 of the online math courses I teach, and generally, I will have 1-3 students per 25 attend. The things I cover are directly related to the assignments, but getting the students to attend them is a tall order. I think the only way to do so would be require them to pass. Since they are optional, participation is not good. Sadly, a huge majority of online students do stuff the last day of the week and the day before it is due. I have tried all kind of creative stuff like giving away virtual doughnuts, but still, nothing has helped.
Agnes,
So many times we have to provide step-by-step instructions we think we shouldn't have to provide. But, the better the information we provide in a proactive manner, the less time we'll have to take later answering questions. Thanks for your input.
There are many students who are technologically advanced. However, I am stunned how many students seem lost when it comes to basic skills of posting information in the discussion forum, or enrolling into Turnitin.
Even though it seems straightforward, some cannot handle it at all.
Susan and Kelia,
You bring up good points. We all do learn differently and sometimes we need pictures, videos, etc.
Nice job.
Kelia,
I agree with you that technology is not the instructor. However, students today are much more technologically advanced. One of the great things about where I teach is that all students use iPads. If we need to get more in depth on a subject, need a picture, a video or find a great app we can now use that in addition to our curriculum. It helps to enhance our program not take away from it. We then share these with other instructors at other campuses so that we all utilize the best practices.
William,
We have to provide students with "student success qualities." Letting students know up front what qualities makes students successful helps them think proactively about what "they gotten themselves into." I stress that online learning is not for everyone - because it's not. I try to help them be successful though through effective communication and clear expectations. Hope this is helpful.
So many students get lost in translation when it comes to tech, but yet they continue to chose an online school as their vehicle for education. Any thoughts on how to bridge some of those gaps?
Tracey,
Creativity is where we have to perform to help students use the technology to excel in the course. Good point.
I couldn't agree with you more. Technology is good, however, we have to come up with creative ways to keep our students engaged and learning at the same time.
kelia,
Right. How many of us can just read something online and get it? We have to have follow up to reinforce the material. Thanks!
