Misael Benavides

Blogging is a great way for students to gain more practice in their writing skills. 

Students should have the adequate and required computer technology necessary for all types of online communication(s). 

Rubric for assignments that include media and other various forms of technology have to be very clear...especially when dealing with Baby Boomers. Challenges that are seemless for some, are frustratingly tedious for them. Also, be sure to include common pitfalls, errors, FAQ's, etc. that students may encounter when dealing with assignments like this. If you don't, then get ready for the slew of emails and questions to follow because you failed to prepare.

I'm weary of social media. I stay away from it, so I do not incorporate it into my class. I DO, however, tell my students that they need to check their emails. Now, regardless of generation, students HAVE TO understand that email communication is commonly and more frequently used in a workplace setting. So, they need to get comfortable, used to, in the habit of, etc. of checking their emails and not only relying on social media for important communication for their course(s). 

Netiquette is a delicate subject and difficult thing to implement with a strong-worded student. Some students treat their online courses like a social media wall and have absolutely no problems 'blasting' their peers when they 'disagree' or even 'agree' with their posts. I've had to play online referee several times, and it was not fun!

Student participation in an online setting is important. You have to communicate to students that they need to be proactive in their communication and willingness to respond, reach out, communicate, etc. 

"I agree." I see this response EVERYDAY! Students find it difficult to move the conversation forward. So, I tell them to imagine they are having the conversation in real (and face) time, and how only saying "I agree" would not further a conversation. 

Feedback is necessary. This provides a clear picture as to how effective, user-friendly, etc. technology is for the student experience. 

Structured interviews, such as the mock interviews done by our Career Services Dept., are great for student practice and feedback.

It can be very frustrating when course links for videos, YouTube, etc. do not work. Verify that every tech component like that is working prior to the course opening for the student. If it isn't working, prioritize a fix and reach out to your school's IT department, if necessary, to resolve.