Carol Sagers – Response
I believe that teaching a course online carries with it the very same responsibilities when teaching the same course in a traditional classroom setting. The Instructor is responsible for generating learning and achieving learning objectives in both scenarios.
The big differences between the online environment and a traditional classroom include 1) the asynchronous learning situations versus the live classroom situation; and 2) the lack of face-to-face communication (inclusive of body language) between the student and instructor in the online environment. These two differences require different work for the online instructor to achieve the goal of delivering the learning objectives (as presented in the modules of this course).
Short answer to this forum: “Same zoo; different animals.†Instructors must understand online students and connect with them via technology and with communication that encourages, facilitates and stimulates students to demonstrate learning.
I think the core responsibilities of teaching online are essentially the same as those in a “brick and mortar†classroom. Where I differ with many of the responses in this forum is in their focus on teaching itself as opposed to a focus on the material being taught in the course. The core responsibility is that the students fully understand the material at the conclusion of the course and are prepared to “move on†to the next course level. My view may be jaded by teaching (“facilitatingâ€) College Algebra online for over 7 years.
It is not enough to entertain students, and coddle them through a difficult subject. It is important that they learn time management, self-discipline and the other attributes of being a committed student. While these may be indirect side effects of taking the course, the prime responsibility of the “teacher†is to assure the material is studied completely and is understood.
The techniques of getting these ideas across are indeed different in the two settings as noted above, but the ultimate outcome must not be lost. The outcome must be that the students are able to do mathematics at this level.
Comments?
Anthony
Frances,
I believe you summed it up very well in your opening and closing sentences. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Kelli,
I agree that the common goal is to instruct and guide the students to a good learning outcome for each student.
I also think that the student has a responsibility in both the online and face to face environment to be committed to the class. I have found that some students sign up for a class in either environment and then I wonder why they bothered since the level of participation is so miminal.
Frances
Kevin,
That is certainly true that you cannot move the discussion to another student in an online environment even in the discussion board assignments. That method of learning for students is much harder in an online environment.
Some students even in chat do not further the discussion when a classmate asks a question and, as you note, with emails it is just the instructor and the student.
Frances
Tim,
I agree that the our responsibilities are much the same for any type of class.
For me it is more difficult to know what is happening with a student in an online class as I cannot rely on the body language or facial expressions. It takes more "digging" to find out why students are not participating or do not understand the material, etc.
When teaching face to face I did have to respond to student emails as most colleges furnish a student email. It was definitely not as many but some students did send questions and comments via email.
Frances
I think the responsibilities are similar, but how these responsibilities are carried out is different. With face to face classrooms, it is easier to notice when students are unsure or frustrated about the work required. In an online environment, it is more subtle since there are not facial expressions or body language. You have to be more proactive in findng out what is going on with a student who is not participating sufficiently in an online course.
For both online and face to face classes, you have to be sure to give effective and timely feedback on assignments. With online, you may have to do more follow up with email and private chat sessions while in the face to face environment, you may just meet with the student after or before class.
Since most colleges whether online or not furnish students with email accounts, instructors will tend to get questions and comments through email. I think you will get more communication through email with an online class since the information cannot be obtained during the normal face to face class session. Regardless, it is up to the instructor to be sure that the students' questions or concerns are addressed.
And the instructor is responsible for giving students a good learning environment where it is possible for the student to learn and grow whether it is an online class or a face to face class.
Frances
Latasha,
Very good. We need to teach regardless of the medium.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
disagree. No matter if it is traditional or online the students are still students and you as an instructor have the same responsiblilty to perform.
James,
Very good explanation of these points. There are many approaches and perspectives discussed on this thread.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
In terms of objectives, they might be the same. But management of the class is quite different. Because students can submit at all hours and can have conversations asynchronously, there are many opportunities for encouragement and instruction that do not exist in the traditional classroom. This is good. On the other hand, we don't get to actually visit with the students and to see them in person, which is something of a disadvantage. But, that's the nature of the entire field of college education...there are many different approaches, each with values and advantages. I will be interested to see what others think of this.
Nicole,
Yes, these are the responsibilities of a teacher regardless of the teaching medium. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I disagree. Teaching online has the same responsibilities, it is how you carry them out that makes the difference. Instructors are responsible for providing information and training on the same subjects, engaging the students, and assessing students.
Mitchell,
Yes. the end result needs to be the same. Well stated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think I disagree with that statement. While the platform for traditional and online classes obviously differ, the goals of both types of classes are the same. You need to engage students, challenge those that need it, bring up to speed those that are falling behind, etc. While the mechanism by which an instructor does this might be different, the responsibilities are all the same.
Dr. Gilbertson,
I agree that the bottom line is to meet the objectives of the class and the faculty must provide opportunity for all students to be successful. Thank you for your contributions.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The bottom line of teaching any course is to meet the objectives of the class and it is the responsibilite of the Faculty to make sure the students are successful.
Sandy,
I agree that our responsibilites do equate regardless of the environment. I have taught in both and do feel strongly my responsibilities were the same. However, there were differences in the work effort and type of work effort involved in teaching ongound versus an online class. I still feel and can document too, the online versions require more of my time.
Thanks!
ROBERT,
Excellent points and rationale. Higher education and professional workplace environments are changing because of computer technology. Teaching online can successfully add a positive element to that.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Aron,
Some faculty would equate "meeting participation via the threads" as the counterpart of class lecture/discussion. Nevertheless, the face-to-face discussion has a beginning and end time. The online discussion threads continue 24/7. Good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
