Stephanie,
Yes, it can be overwhelming for new students. Ususally no one is there to show them how to expedite the course, so it is essential that the instructor give them examples and explicit directions like through a video on how to succeed.
Renee Shaffer
The following tools are available via our online classroom:
1. Adobe Connect for weekly live chats
2. Discussion boards
3. Instant messaging with students, for use during office hours
4. For group projects, the groups have their own discussion board and live chat area they can use.
5. We have a file share area where I can upload files to share with the students.
6. Email
The combination of these tools provides a variety of ways to interact with the students. For students where this is not their first class, this combination seems to go well. For new students, I think it can be rather overwhelming for them. I always reach out to the students when the class starts via email and ask how long they've been with the university, to get an idea of who may need a little extra help.
Steven:
I also forgot about the camera!
That brings the course alive for our students - great add!
Jan
Jay:
I forgot about the 'instant messenger' tool. This is a great way to have students contact you about questions for 'active' learning!
Jan
Discussion boards and web ex sessions are a couple. These can be helpful to increase student activity.
Jan
Jay,
No, instructors should be able to use whatever technology tools they wish. With the thousands out there, there should be one that works well with the instructor and their needs.
Renee Shaffer
In my current online courses, I am able to use Adobe Connect to facilitate Live Chat sessions with my students. This is a great opportunity to help answer questions about the weekly topic as well as build community. There is also a built in instant messenger tool where students can contact me anytime I am logged onto the portal. Being available and approachable are key elements as a successful online faculty member. Do faculty need to get permission to use free technology tools that are not embedded in the LMS particularly if they are affiliated at a for-profit institution? What is the rule of thumb?
Jay Familant
I have access to Collaborate. Collaborate allows the instructor to share their computer desk tops with students and view informative videos that will help them be successful in the course. By sharing this technology; instructors expose students to additional resources when doing research assignments and preparing for exams. They are now informed of these free technologies and begin to access them without the assistance or direction of the instructor.
Shundra Mosby
I have several tools available to use in my classroom. They include
1) Collaborate or WebEx - students can view my presentation, documents, or powerpoints as well as actively chat with me
2) Chat room - students can chat with me in the chat room located in the blackboard
3) Discussion boards - this encourages group discussions and interaction
There are several tools at my disposal when engaging students bi-weekly in "Live Chat" discussions. Through the use of Adobe Connect software, students can gather in the same cyberspace "meeting room" where they will see my PowerPoint presentations, my desktop, as well as see me (via Webcam) and hear me. The virtual classroom provides an excellent opportunity for presenting material, reinforcing concepts and receiving feedback from the students through a Q&A process.
1) An online camera that allows me to show students actual items and point out unique characteristics
2) The chat box for reading and then responding to student questions during live chats sessions.
3) Graphics tablet and whiteboard for drawing and demonstrating points of interest.
