Another way for instructors to practice expertise, is by setting high, and yet realistic expectations. Make sure to voice those expectations from day 1 in class. Set short terms goals and celebrate when they are achieved.
I agree. It is very important that the classroom is easy to navigate. Along with this, it is also important that the classroom has all the tools necessary for a student to be successful. There needs to be hands on work as well as typcial typed out assignments. I think it is easier to lose an online student because there is no face to face interaction so it is very imperative that the classroom draws and keeps their attention.
I absolutely agree. For most of the individuals taking classes now, they are of the younger generation where all they have known are iPads and iPhones. That being said, they are accustomed to seeing something "pop" out to them when looking for topics or links (as opposed to just reading and finding the link). I'm not saying I necessarily agree with this "short-cut" mentality, but I do think that an online course should be laid out in such a manner that it is easy to follow when looking for information, and icons correspond with topics/folders/homework drop boxes etc.
The problem that sometimes occurs with scenario is that not everyone is going to be on the same technology savvy page. So how do we bridge the gap between our young advanced technologically savvy students and those who may not have as much experience with computers?
Is always a great idea to have interesting presentation, so that we could get the students attention.
Cheryl,
A picture is worth a thousand words!!! So in an online class.....a good page is worth content itself!
Shelly Crider
Steven,
I think having a common study area is important. I have taught online classes for over 10 years and believe me, some of the students I have had would have benefited from this concept. I do try to suggest study in the same place as this helps with remembering the content, but calling it a common study area.....I really like that.
Shelly Crider
Sabrina,
Critical skills are certainly missing in many courses that I have seen, online and traditional. Students want quick assignments and not necessarily to have to think about the answers.
Shelly Crider
Dr. Henrietta,
Good point! I love the idea of adding pop up questions to Power Points. This is a great way to really keep students tuned in!
Shelly Crider
Jacquilin,
Frustrated learns will cause frustrated instructors! We like our courses comfortable for everyone!
Shelly Crider
kathleen,
Online courses also allow you the ability to go back and read notes at hand.
Shelly Crider
I totally agree. If a course is not pleasant to the eye and is overwhelming with content and not structured so that students can navigate their way through, it will not help the student learn. Although some students are more visual learners than others, they are still driven by what is visual pleasing. It makes them more interested. What do you think?
Good point on the various interactions. This is also important with different learning styles across the student base. Having different interaction can help the students. Also, your point about the instructor interaction is key to student growth.
Dr. Keith Purser
There is some degree of look and feel that is important. Goding to a web site, we might not want to visit again if the layout is not easy to use, or the colors cause eye issues.
However, we go back to to web sites because of the content. The same applies to online courses.
It is important for the look and feel, but that is one one component. The information and experience the learner has is also important.
Dr. Keith Purser
I am not sure about a specific study area, I like to think of it more as a common study area. The more I can get them to match an online setting to a face-to-face setting, the better I think they will do - but I also think as online eduction continues to grow, we will see more strictly online students, and this analogy may not be needed anymore.
Kimbery,When an Instructor/Professor engages online students with ongoing verbal communication via live conferencing, I believe that students' are more apt to learn. Students' have an opportunity to ask questions and Instructors/Professors are able to share detailed information with the use of PowerPoint presentations or visiting different assigned websites with students.
Sabrina
Yes, I would agree that online education is designed to impart. Each course is desiged with detailed instructions for assignments, discussion questions which helps students to increase their critical skills, and video presentations and animations which help students to retain their coursework. Students' are able to utilize different types of intelligences when they are exposed to different forms of communication. The key to a successful online education is self-discipline and a positive mindset.
Sabrina M.Sanders
Absolutely, the look and feel of online courses helps to attract students and increase their urge in learning the content. For example, incorporating videos and voice in power points attracts more attention. Adding graphics and highlights plays major role, but one has to be cautious not to overdue each design to outweigh the theme of the presentation. The main incentive is to drive the presentation theme with extra details by adding captions to make objectives clearer. What about adding pop up questions to Power points to access the learning so far?
Absolutely, the look and feel of online courses helps to attract students and increase their urge to learn the content. For example, incorporating videos and voice in power points attracts more attention. Adding graphics and highlights plays major role, but one has to be cautious not to overdue each design to outweigh the theme of the presentation. The main incentive is to drive the presentation theme with extra details by adding captions to make objectives clearer. What about adding pop up questions to Power points to access the learning so far?
Yes, the look and feel of an online course is important because the learner needs to feel comfortable in the environment to participate. If the course is hard to navigate or is not intuitive, it can frustrate the learner
I have gotten to degrees by attending college online. The ability to be able to move around the course and access material was critical to me. I have ADD I think and being able to have not to take notes because all of the material was clearly presented was quite an advantage for me.
