Establish Expectations
Instructors must establish expectations. These expectations help the instructor effectively manage the online classroom. Expectations put all students on the same page. Some students have great study habits and then others do not. This is why expectation must be communicated to everyone. The class expectations need to be consistent and clear. It cannot be assumed that every student understands what is expected. The Online instructor must use announcements to post expectations and provide the students with a means for ask questions.
LiKeyasha,
We all like to know what is epxpected of us in the work place, so it only makes sense to extend this to our students.
Shelly Crider
In an online environment, its imperative that expectations are established in the beginning. Due to the nature of the environment, there is a delay between when a learner asks a question and the instructor responds. At many universities, the established response time is within 48 hours. This type of delay and really disturb the learning process. If expectations are established in the beginning, its delay can be minimized.
Dona,
Excellent point. Many students come in thinking that online classes are a piece of cake. Letting them know right up front will help them with time management.
Shelly Crider
I think it is very important that students understand the time committment an online course requires. I think there is a tendency to underestimate this. I also think have a regular 'pattern' to assignments is helpful, such as discussion posts always due on Tuesdays and Thursdays for example so students develop the habit of logging into their course throughout the week.
Craig,
Do you ever use announcements for deadlines and or helpful resoucres? This is a good way to utilize announcements as well.
Shelly Crider
I agree for the most part except where you state that "Online instructors must use announcements..."
I put my expectations in the course syllabus, assignments, and other learning activities. Generally announcements would include any changes to those items but the main expectations are solid and maintained as a constant as you mentioned correctly earlier in your post.
I can see the use of announcements to call attention to the expectations, but I would have the expectations in a more permanent place rather than in the announcements.
Craig
Aretha,
Consistency is key to get knowledge to transfer to the student. If we instructors are inconsistent, students will become very confused.
Shelly Crider
Your points are extremely valid especially the need to be consistent. If the instructor is not consistent with the expectations of the course or even an assignment, the students will move in a direction that can cause the course and instructor to lose validity.
Raymond,
Thank you for mentioning "consistent". I have seen many expectations put out there, but not always followed through with.
Shelly Crider
