Helen Hovanic

From time to time I have students withdraw from my online classes due to competing responsibilities. I find the following ideas to be helpful in minimizing this challenge.

• Remind students of the level of commitment necessary to complete my course. This information may be specified in the course syllabus and course overview, or I may consider sending a reminder in an e-mail.
• Provide students with guidelines for setting priorities.
• If the policies and procedures of my institution permit it, I may grant extensions for submitting course work.

I learned that it is best to use Synchronous discussions when dealing with one student at a time to clarify any misconceptions or to offer personal advice.

I also learned the importance of seeking feedback from students on a regular basis. In doing so I should solicit student feedback about how the course is progressing. Are they getting out of the course what they want? Is the course fulfilling their expectations? Are there some things you are doing that they do not like?

I learned that in an online learning environment students acquire a higher sense of comfort and security when they firmly know for sure that someone is available to support them and make their learning experience a successful one. This is what makes the instructor's projection of their presence so important.

Of the Four popular and effective ways of projecting my presence in an e-learning environment, I would like to make sure I 

answer students questions and provide them with informative and constructive feedback in a timely manner (within 24 hr. turnaround) 

I have learned that Online courses are characterized by:

• Structural integrity. _This has already established in the program that I use.
• Navigational simplicity.  "                       "                            "
• Intellectual interaction.- the next two areas I need to work at to activate their learning.  
• Active learner-centered learning. -I believe I could accomplish it through the use of collaboration in projects.