Jean Morrison

Discussion Comment

I have found while teaching in the online environment that many students underestimate the amount of time an assignment will take to complete, especially within the first few weeks of a course. I try to offer time guidelines for the different assignments as well as reminders for them to get started. Many students think assignments may not take them too long but soon are faced with reality. Usually after the first few weeks they figure out a schedule and routine that works for them. Jean

Jean Morrison

Discussion Comment

Effective Communication and Online Ettiquette

As students are participating in an online environment, they need to be aware of the proper way to communicate with the instructor as well as their classmates. The classroom setting requires a more professional language than when communicating with friends. It is amazing to me but many students are not familiar with the effective ways to communicate in an email or in the discussion boards. I have found myself providing the necessary guidelines (online etiquette)at the beginning of my classes as well as offering reminders throughout the course. I have received several emails from students in all caps and I… >>>

Jean Morrison

Discussion Comment

Time Management

I have been teaching online classes for several years and it doesn't matter if it is the students first college course or students taking courses in a graduate program, time management is always a challenge. I make it a point during the first week of class to discuss time management and offer different strategies that can be of benefit including the course assignment schedule with due dates. I also post weekly announcements stating the different assignments that are due along with the actual due date as well as reminders as the due dates gets closer. I offer sample schedules and… >>>

Jean Morrison

Discussion Comment

Course Content

The course content needs to be adjusted for the online environment simply because the students are learning in a different format. The classroom should be easy to navigate with the different areas easy to access. Online students become easily frustrated if they struggle with finding assignment directions, where to submit assignments and how to access important information. Jean Morrison

Jean Morrison

Discussion Comment

Facilitator/Guide

I have been teaching in the online environment for 11 years and thoroughly enjoy being the "Guide" through the students educational journey. I have found that communication is key as well as creating a warm, comfortable environment for them to be a part of. I have also found the students enjoy seeing pictures of me as well as their classmates. It helps build a positive community. Jean Morrison

Jean Morrison

Discussion Comment

Synchronous Teaching

I have been teaching online for 11 years with several different institutions and this is the first experience I have had with Live Chat sessions. I have to admit, I am very disappointed with the involvement of students. I have yet to have more than 2 students attend the Live Session even though I have tried various ways to get them to join me. I would love to hear some ways that others have encouraged students to attend the event. Jean Morrison

Jean Morrison

Discussion Comment

Wiki in the virtual classroom

I have not had the opportunity to use Wiki in the online classroom and unfortunately am not to familiar with it as a tech tool. I have a colleague who is very tech savvy and I am going to meet with her so she can give me a hands-on learning experience with it. I think it would be a great tool to utilize if done properly. Jean Morrison