James Keating

It seems at our place there is more and more access all the time to various video and photo technology. I'm glad to see it. It means learning new strategies and inserting new material, but I think it is helpful. One thing we always have to do is to be sure we clear this in terms of "legal use" of the material. Is this a problem elsewhere?

This is a good suggestion. I can see a way that I could ask a student to look at the syllabus, as it pertains to objectives, and then ask specific questions he or she might have. Do you think this is workable? It seems to me a good approach...but I'm open to suggestions.

One thing I noted in this unit is that it is best to use syncronous instruction with a single student rather than with a large group. I see the point and agree...however, my school presents us with group "chats" and these are the ones that are held in a sychronous form. On the other hand, it would be very difficult to hold these chats individually simply because of the large number of students involved. Any ideas of how best to balance these two situations?

Yes, this is what we use at my school and so far my photo has not frightened students away!!! As far as I know! haha

Well, it has happened only a few times, but I've seen students who are not really well versed in the course content or objectives. On the one hand, I don't want to chase them away with rude comments about not reading the syllabus...but on the other hand I don't want to encourage them to think they can negotiate course content. That just isn't possible in the courses I teach. I wonder if this is something that happens? I will admit it is rare...but it has occurred. Jim

I can see where a video clip could help an instructor introduce himself/herself to the students. But what would be second best? What if that technology is not available in the online environment at present?

I would think it is important for students to have a clear set of expectations about the course before it begins...but what if the student thinks something entirely different than the school or instructor thinks about the course? What should be done?