Diane,
You make a great point. There is comfort in repetition.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think consistency of presentation and expectations and responsiveness of the instructor. If everything looks and feels the same students will become accustomed to the environment very quickly. If the instructor is consistently responsive to the students questions and responds with usable information the students will be more accepting quicker.
Stephanie,
How do this tie to teaching pattern in the online environment?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Debra,
True, some schools have standardize their online learning so it is up to the faculty member to focus on the engagement. You make such a great point about engagement.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
lindsey,
What you said in your post is so very important. You have to clear and consistent in all you do.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Steven,
That is important. Do you think these choices have to do with a teaching routine?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
Don't you think that is setting expectations for the course. It is important that the expectations match the teaching style and vice versa.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Pamela,
Great post. I also think it is important that creates communication within the class and that includes communicating among students also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mary,
What a great post! You are right, communication both ways is the cornerstone of a good teaching pattern. It is also important that delivery is matched with content and with educator's and students' skills.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
1. Expectations/Objectives/Culture
2. Delivery modality and learning styles.
For some schools, particularly the one I work at, the learning outcomes are already embedded in the program and there are expectations on how adjuncts deliver the content, some of it is standardized. However, there is some flexibility in additional tools that can be used which needs consideration because students enjoy a faculty member who is engaged themselves. They feel then they are supported and helps them stay motivated even when they feel a little frustrated. Another area that is important is communication. Communication is the most important aspect to an online course, especially when you have new students who never taken an online course before. They tend to require a little more hand-holding because they many feel very overwhelmed and isolated. Maintaining a good level of engagement in the class and communication will provide a positive and enjoyable learning experience for the student.
I believe the two most important things to consider are 1) being very clear in what your expectations are of your students and 2) what the student can expect from you. I really believe in responding to students' questions and concerns in a very timely manner. Therefore, just being very clear with your students and living up to what you promised as well.
If I have to pick just two, then:
1)Proper introduction including an agenda with the topics to be covered.
2)Proper conclusion which will recap the lesson and the important points to remember.
Help students:
1)understand the importance of submitting assignments timely
and
2)read the information for each components of the course
When establishing a teaching pattern, I believe that the two most important things to consider are:
1) Building a strong communication style that reinforces the power of two-way communication.
2) Development and delivery of content that meets the learning objectives and outcomes for the course
Esther,
Yes, I think you also have to remind students to use the info from the tutorial. I find that students will ask me before looking to find things themselves. It is a tough balance.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ben,
You are correct. Consistency and repetition go hand in hand.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
You make such great points. You have to have expectations of yourself so the students understand that you are serious about their expectations. I have student expectations and faculty expectations in my syllabus. If I view the syllabus as a learning contract, terms go both ways.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ola,
I agree. Consistency in everything will make the course a successful experience for both the learner and the instructor. Nice post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patty,
GREAT IDEAS! I have begun to refer to the syllabus as the learning contract. This seems to have a different tone to it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
