Edgar Cortes

Well teamwork project on line help the students to refocus in the class topic and be proactive to communicate with the other members of the team to complete the project on time.

Edgar Cortes

Roger Urban

I'm thankful that we have the holiday break as I plan on mentally reviewing courses and noting the signs of dwindling returns, along with getting myself pumped-up again and REFOCUSing.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi E Morris,
Good job of putting into print some things that all instructors need to look for if they are in need of REFOCUSING themselves and their instructional delivery.
Gary

E Morris

There are subtle clues like the length and quality of responses in assignments, time spent on-line, particpation levels with group projects or fora. When, or if, these seem to be showing signs of deminishing returns, it's time to REFOCUS and get a sense about where the class is on its journey.

Katrina Neckuty-Fodness

Hi Gordon!

I also instruct online. One thing that I plan to take from this module about REFOCUSing is to "blow up" the positives for students midquarter. I think it is important for them to recognize what they have learned and to have a conversation (on the discussion board) about how it ties into where we are going as a class. One other thing that I thought about doing is hosting an open forum via a webinar so that we can talk about our goals as a class (moving forward).

Best,
Kat

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Karen,
I like your strategy. This really pushes out the boundaries of discussion for the students and as you say builds on what they have already talked about. This helps them to see relevance and application to what they are learning.
Gary

Karen Hutchins

I see a need to refocus when student involvement in discussions declines, or my own interest in the question at hand. At these times, I add an additional question to the discussion forum that interests me, and seek responses from students on it. The results are often positive, especially if I am building off of previous responses. It adds some novelty and surprise to the discussion.

George Weissinger

It may be that the traditional classroom offers some visual cues that might not be readily available in the online environment. Having taught both traditional and online courses, and preferring the latter, it is possbile to get cues from the written comments, as well as other online strategies you employ. The breeze meeting (or use of the webcam) is a one way visual dimension, however students can respond during the session as well. Future technology will enhance our capabitlities to satisfy the need for cues.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Patricia,
You make a number of very good points about online courses and how students become involved in them. The is a place for both online and on-site programs and students need to be guided into the setting that will best match their learning preferences and career goals. Often they are guided into courses for convenience rather than really matching their career needs and potential success with the course format.
Gary

James Walsh

Shorter responses and poorer results. More work being submitted late or incomplete. All of these are indicators for me that the course is bogging down and a "refocus" is needed.

Patricia Plavcan

Although I think you can deliver a well done online class, you miss the opportunity to get a feel for your student through cues that you get in the classroom environment.

I am an extrovert, therefore, the student contact in the classroom bring up my drive to participate and excel. Online to me is very sterile and you need to try to refocus meaning for you on other things!

what I find very strange about career schools adopting online education is that they are usually attracting students who do not like formal educational settings because they are not hands on.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Gordon,
Since I teach many online courses as well I know for me it is when I start to feel like I am struggling in responding to student questions or reviewing their assignments. It is as that time I stop and reflect on why I am teaching the course and look for ways to refocus my efforts.
Gary