John,
You are right. The instructors must set the communication pattern early and repeatedly remind students about it and model it! The more information given to students and modeled; the better the students perform.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Online instructors must let students know from the beginning of a course about how and when communication patterns will take place. Students want to know what methods of contact will be used with each other and between them and the instructor. Online instructors have to provide all of the learning outcomes to students as soon as a course starts so students will know the end objectives and goals. And students want to know where all learning tools and resources can be found and instructors must consistently provide this information.
Anthony,
I too think the syllabus is a contract. I know several educators that make students sign a statement that they have read the syllabus; it really gives it a contract feel.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anthony,
How true! It doesn't matter the delivery to be a good teacher you have to do that!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patty
Great point about the significance of a syllabus. I've always informed my students that the syllabus is our binding contract. As such, I make sure I put everything in the syllabus that's needed, and some things that aren't. This way I'm protected against any student saying 'I didnt' know' or 'where does it say that'? I simply can refer to the syllabus. I also make sure I leave some flexibility within my syllabus so if I do have to make some changes students are aware of that as well.
Anthony
When establishing any pattern of teaching, either online or F2F, it's essential that the instructor clearly defines their expectations and the assessment guidelines.
Anthony
Jacqueline,
What a great post. It is our job to show up and teach which means the same thing in as f2f as an online class. I agree with you, "no surprises"
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
You are so right, the consistency is so important. The is comfort and confidence in consistency for the student and it helps with instructor workload.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
You all have listed so many great things to consider when establishing a teaching pattern. I think that keeping the class/discussion moving forward is essential. It is our jobs to “show up and teachâ€. Secondly, start and maintain a clear and consistent approach throughout the course. For example, I begin each week in the same way. No surprises! This still allows for flexibility for the student.
When establishing a teaching pattern the two most important items to consider would be:
-The instructor needs to clearly explain the guidelines and expectations of the class
-the teaching pattern/style must be consistent throughout the whole class (not bouncing back and forth between different styles).
Jacqueline,
I understand your pain! I turn on tracker on my LMS that will indicate who has accessed certain areas. They can't really say anything when I have proof.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Mara. I also have issues with students not reading post or rubric and it never fails that this is the student with all the questions. I sign on as he student and all posts/rubrics are still marked as "new". I then subscribe this student to get an email of all my announcements and this has helped a great deal since the announcement are going to their personal email addresses.
Kimberly,
YOu are right about the expectations. Many times you have to repeat it! Also, you are right about the design of the course. Learning Objects must be easy to find and connect to the other learning objects.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Stating the expectations/guidelines for the course. The students need to know what to expect and what is expected of them.
Also, being sure that all the material is easily accessible and easy to understand.
Kim C
Michelle,
You make a great point, course design is so important. Familiarity give students confidence.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In establishing a pattern of teaching, I would make sure the following two elements were included: each seminar should have the same organization for content and assignments should consistently be due on the same day of the week for the weekly seminar.This lets students plan not only inside the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well.
M Boddy
Elizabeth,
Great post. You have some great "feedback tags" that are detailed but short and to the point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Melissa,
Yes, isn't that what we would do in our face to face course? Consistency is the key. Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Effective communication with students is key. I repeat standards as frequently as possible not only the first couple weeks but also the entire term in as many areas as possible. Feedback includes reminders of standards. I might say, "Great job following standards regarding word count and etiquette. To earn higher scores, be sure to make your first post by Thursday of each week and additional posts by Sunday at midnight." Later reminders might be shorter: "Word count standard not met" but still clarify where student fell short.
~Beth
When establishing a pattern of teaching, I believe it is important to provide clear expectations and a weekly schedule for assignment/discussion submissions. This should be established at the start of the course so that students can become accustomed to your weekly reminders and patterns of teaching.
