Gail Stewart

I learned useful strategies to deal with potential classroom issues while also maintaining your professionalism and respect for students.  Setting clear expecatations and remaining consistent will help minimize issues with students.

I believe it is possible to have some qualities of all 4 types of instructors.  Structure is very important, however, if the students do not feel that you respect and value them it is hard to teach them.  It is important to be a balance of all the types of instructors in order to acheive an environment where students are set up for success and can master the learning objecetives. 

Students, the institution, and the teaching and professional community comprise the major stakeholders who have interest in helping teachers close the loop in their online courses.  Data and feedback are needed from each of those three groups. 

It is also important to remember that students are consumers in the course and they can be valuable sources of feedback.  Since online students don't have the opportunity to have casual conversation it is important that teachers plan for communication experienes with students and between students.  

Rubrics are a great tool for students to use to self-asses their work.  Using a rubric helps themrealize the importance of the objectives and relate the designated criteria to their work.  This way students are able to ensure they have met the objectives of the task.  It is important that students are provided with the criteria for success prior to starting the assignment so are able to meet those criteria. Hving students self-assess can save the teacher time because hopefully students are editing their work before turning it it, based on the critera outlined for the assignment or task.

I learned about the difference between the necessary compononents of a syllabus in an online course versus a syllabus in a face to face course.  An online course needs a dynamic syllabus that is modified as students provide feedback about the course.  It is important not to have a flat syllabus when teaching an online course so that students can interact with the syllabus and visit it often for information.

Its important to remember that in person content shouldn't just be copied online and used for online instruction. It is important to consider the tools available and different mediums in which content can be delivered online. Consistency is also key so that students know what to expect and can be successful. 

As we learned in a previous module, it is important to just state the facts and to not enter any personal opinions or generalizations when talking to students.  Each state has specific policies to which they must adhere.  It makes sense that some of the duties would be seperated.  It is crucial to have a knowledgeable person in that role to make sure no violations occur.

I learned the importance of knowing your specific state regulations and how those are similar/different to other states.  It is also important to be careful with the use of social media because it can be powerful but also dangerous.

It is important for institutions to understand that omission of information is considered misinformation.  It is good to keep in mind that it is ok to tell a student you will get back to them with the correct information if you don't know the answer.  That is much better than giving them wrong or midleading information.

It is important for institutions to be honest and transparent with students throughout the entire process, from the application phase all the way through the program.  Honestly and transparency will help students know what to expect and will prevent miscommunication that could lead to potential problems.  Institutions must be aware of all of the regulations so they can remain operable.  Mistakes could cause serious fines or even shutting down of the school.