James Keating

Blog Comment

I enjoyed taking this class and feel there was lots of good information that I can take with me into my professional practice. I'm glad I was here!

James Keating

Discussion Comment

Behaviors

I've been fortunate to note have too many problems in this regard, but it does sometimes happen that there are problems. I'm always interested in knowing what strategies work best to help other instructors deal with the aggressive and hostile student...especially the one who just won't settle down. It isn't a common occurance, but it certainly can take a huge amount of time away from the rest of the classroom responsibilities.

James Keating

Discussion Comment

What if no video is available?

Here is an idea I had not thought of...but it certainly could be done. It could make me a STAR! I wonder if they give Oscars for such presentations? Seriously, I can see where such a presentation could be the kind of dynamic addition to a classroom that would be very positive. Thanks for the idea.

James Keating

Discussion Comment

Student expectations

Very true. Sometimes student assumptions are quite different from what I thought they would have understood. I wonder, "where did they get that idea?" But, no matter, it sometimes happens that there is a misunderstanding and it is important it be cleared up as quickly as possible for the sake of the student...and also the rest of the class.

James Keating

Discussion Comment

question

I'm sure changes will be fast and furious, but that's good. We have a good product now, I believe, but I know it will get better as we go forward. I'm sure there will be all kinds of applications and developments we have not even imagined...and new technology will add even more dimensions. In my view, it's very exciting!

James Keating

Discussion Comment

What if no video is available?

This is an excellent thought about using Youtube for an introduction. One advantage to that is that you do have complete control of the content you put into the presentation. Thus you can be sure you say all the things you must say relative to objectives, university-driven information, etc. This is important to do well and a controlled environment, such as this, would give a place where this can be done. Good point.

James Keating

Discussion Comment

Student expectations

Thank you for your thoughts here. This is something I think is quite important. Students really do need to have a clear idea of what the course objectives entail. This is because they should be sure they are in the right course in the first place. Moreover, even if they are in the right course, it is important they know the objectives and expected outcomes. If they don't, then they could be quite disappointed with what happens in the course and feel they have not gotten what they wanted from the university experience. This is apart (even) from the problems… >>>

James Keating

Discussion Comment

question

This is true and I think the best part of this business is that it is vibrant, alive, and always changing. To me, that is exciting. This is good. I think the industry will refine and improve constantly and it will result in an ever better online educational presence. So, the things we can learn from each other are going to be very valuable. I wonder what people will say 25 years from now...WE will be the good-ole-days!!!

James Keating

Discussion Comment

What if no video is available?

Yes, that is what we use. A little text and a photo. It seems to work pretty well as far as I can see. Probably students appreciate knowing what an instructor looks like...to be able to link a face to the voice. It's a nice personal touch.

James Keating

Discussion Comment

question

Yes, I can see that. One thing I do is try to cover what I call "administrative issues" in every chat...with everyone. This includes issues of deadlines, timelines, grade postings, and other information that could be helpful for everyone. I don't want to waste anyone's time, of course, but students usually think this is worthwhile. It isn't exactly course content but it seems to help things run smoothly. Do you think this is a legitimate use of time?