Mary Vandercreek

I realize sometimes we have very technical material to present to a class that can oftentimes be boring and difficult for students to learn. What do you do to hold students’ attention in a live class? I will, at times, make some kind of surprising noise, like ringing a bell, or blowing through a recorder or harmonica, especially before we take a field trip. I am not musically inclined, but this gets them laughing, as well as getting their attention. Then, I can proceed with the presentation.

Many universities, especially online, require students to introduce themselves, giving some background, accomplishments and experience they have in the course topics. Instructors typically respond to each and every student, welcoming them to the class and giving a personalized reply. How do you handle those that give way too much personal information?

This module discusses licensing and certifications. Do you have a site or sites that you refer students to when they have questions about licensing and certifications? If so, what are they? Do you discuss these in class? Do you teach towards material that is covered in the exams for these? Is there anywhere a student can go, on campus, to find information about those required in their chosen field?

I've been teaching in brick and mortar colleges, as well as online, since the mid-nineties. I find that in online courses especially, there is a diversity of students; in cultures, learning styles, languages, attitudes and expectations. How do you accommodate these differences in your students, making each and every one of them feel they are valued in the classroom and should respect one another?