Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

Course Discussion Questions as Assignments

I really like the suggested practice of classifying discussion questions as assignments. Without that, I think it could be too casual and not directed towards the learning outcomes. It helps me get better results when I state the purpose of the assignment, the relevance to the learning objectives, etc. This helps me connect with the students. The assignments are clearer and make more sense.

Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

On-site visits as part of multimedia in on-line course

I think each student would need to pick their own local site, and then share the experience with other students in other places. Students would learn from each others' as well as their own site. Does this make sense? It seems learner-centered. It also seems to apply intellectual interaction to see how well students chose and utilzed sites. It would seem to be an assessment tool. Thanks.

Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

On-site visits as part of multimedia in on-line course

I consider on-site visits--by students to locations where they see course contents demonstrated in real life--to be an important part of an on-line course, no matter what the course topic is. Does anyone have experience with this? Perhaps students could do an audio-visual project, along with journaling, to apply their knowledge of a course module, lesson or topic, and share it with the rest of the class? This intellectual interaction would test comprehension and provide focus.

Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

Preparing Mentally for First On-Line Teaching Experience

Yes, consistency is a goal of fairness and professionalism towards each student, while dealing with the many unique variables presented in each class, due to different personalities, life situations and needs of the student. It's always a challenge. I want to improve my use of on-line teaching tools precisely for the above reason. As I see certain students struggling with class requirements, I can encourage them to use the on-line resources, and they can do so more on their own terms than just in the physical classroom environment.

Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

Hybrid E-Learning

I need to use e-learning along with, and to enhance, my traditional classroom setting. I am not sure how much I can mix e-learning and classroom learning. I have international students who will benefit from having things posted more on-line. Also, when students miss a weekly class,they need access to the course to avoid falling behind. Also, most students, even in traditional classrooms, use on-line resources on a regular basis, and express a desire for more on-line access to the course. I have yet to find out how much e-learning I can use with my school's available technology. I am… >>>

Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

Instructor Authority

In dealing with students who are noisy, disruptive, or procrastinators, and also intimidators, I think it is important to know that the teaching institution will back you up in what you are doing, and that students can not complain about you for doing your job to keep order and fairness in the course. Does anyone have insights into whether on-line instructor have the support of their employers in handling difficult students? I think it would be hard for an instructor to "go it alone", especially since they lack personal knowledge of the student. Comments?

Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

Bells and Whistles

How much multi-media content do you think is needed in an on-line class to make it engaging to students? I would like to use carefully selected links to You Tube or certain websites to stimulate students to think. Do most CMS allow these aspects of multi-media? How important is it to use a video clip of yourself as the instructor?

Julia Wilder

Discussion Comment

Preparing Mentally for First On-Line Teaching Experience

When I teach in the classroom, I sometimes design later portions of the course based on how the students do on assignments, tests, and class participation in the early parts of the course. In other words, I design the course around the students after I learn about them. How much of an e-course is set in stone before the class begins? If I can unlock parts of the course later, it would seem I can use the above strategies with an e-course. Any comments? Thanks!