Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Rubrics are performance-based authentic assessments that evaluate student performance on any given task or set of tasks that ultimately leads to a learning outcome. Rubrics use specific criteria as a basis for evaluating or assessing student performances as indicated in narrative descriptions that are separated into levels of possible performance related to a given task. A rubric is a working guide for students and teacher, normally handed out before the assignment begins. A rubric enhances the quality of direct instruction. Dr. Marcia L. Brown, PMP

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Communicate Effectively

A key to good communication is effectively asking questions. The two types of questions are open-ended and closed-ended. It is preferred to ask open-ended questions because they stimulate discussion and thinking. It is important to use clear, concise questions and wait before answering your own question, to give the students a chance to come up with the answer themselves. When responding to answers, provide acknowledgement, paraphrase the response, and capture the essence of the answer. These simple rules will help immensely. Dr. Marcia L. Brown, PMP

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Overall Communication for Teachers

An instructor needs to communicate with students frequently, provide substantive feedback, and communicate well with technology. The instructor should be an active participant, bring their own experiences to the discussion, do not dominate a discussion, or let a few students dominate it, challenge students without silencing them, and paraphrase a message if it is not clear. At a minimum, the teacher should include instruction on netiquette. Netiquette, which is short for Internet etiquette, is most important. It involves civility or politeness, professionalism, courtesy, respect, consideration, and good manners. Netiquette includes rules for all aspects of the Internet, including the World… >>>

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Successful e-mail messages

Successful e-mails begin with TO, FROM, SUBJECT, and DATE and they usually only cover one topic. They are written conversationally and concisely. Prior to sending the message, collect information, prepare an outline, and compose the first draft in a Word document. The subject line summarizes the central idea, the body explains and provides more information, and the closing includes action information with dates or deadlines, and a summary of the e-mail. If the e-mail is constructed correctly, then is will be a technology tool for effective communication. Dr. Marcia L. Brown, PMP

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

More on technology tools

As I begin to teach more and more online, I have tried to use a new tool each time I teach a new course. I have become more proficient with using blogs and wikis. More recently, I have established an account in SKYPE. What prompted this was an invitation from one of my students to participate in one of their team meetings where they were discussing their team project. I have learned much about SKYPE and have enjoyed the interaction with students. Dr. Marcia L. Brown, PMP

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Evaluation

Course evaluations should not be centered on whether or not the student liked/disliked the instructor, but whether the course provided an opportunity for learning through the quality of the learning experience designed, the quality of learner-instructor interaction, and whether the course reinforced the achievement of the learning objectives. Marcia L. Brown, PhD, PMP

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Feedback

Provide feedback that is constructive, noncontrolling, and informative. This will enhance the students' desire to improve and continue to learn. Additionally, whenever a problem arises, it should be viewed as something to be addressed and not a statement about an individual's worth. Marcia L. Brown, PhD, PMP

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Online Instructors

Online instructors need to provide clear guidelines for interaction with students. They need to provide prompt feedback in the form of information and acknowledgement. Additionally, online instructors need to provide well-developed discussion assignments, provide assignment deadlines, provide challenging tasks,and praise for quality work. Dr. Marcia L. Brown

Marcia Brown

Discussion Comment

Goals

Oftentimes, instructors lose sight of the fact that the overall course objective involves educating the students. The primary purpose when authoring a course should be to facilitate student learning and thinking. Additionally, we want to carry the goal even further by facilitating further learning. Dr. Marcia L. Brown