Lois,
I think you have a great strategy. You keep them focused on what it is important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The two most important things to consider would be:
1)learning outcomes - imperative in order for students to meet/exceed expectations
2) communication - imperative for effectively facilitating course content/student's requests/feedback/clarity
While admittedly not always easy to do, consistency is key! In the traditional face to face classroom that meets at a scheduled time, consistency is a little more ingrained in the design of the course. Of course, in an online class flexibility reigns, but I've found that sometimes that can actually be a hindrance to consistency in my own personal organization of teaching & facilitating the course.
I believe another essential component to teaching online is feedback to the students on their work. With larger class sizes, this can be difficult to do, but the students need to know how they are progressing with each assignment.
I think communication with students is key. It is important to communicate expectations frequently and repeat in in multiple places in the course. For example, even though most information is included in the syllabus, I emphasize it in announcements and send emails if I feel students are not grasping certain things.
I also feel it is important to participate frequently. I feel if I respond to students' questions or posts quickly, they are less anxious and begin to feel comfortable.
The two most important things to consider are:
1. setting clear expectations so students understand the goal of the project/assignment
2. linking the assignment to course objectives
When establishing a pattern of teaching, what do you believe are the two most important things to consider?
1) A dynamic Syllabus - the syllabus is the backbone for an online course and needs to be carefully crafted, clear and understandable, identify expectations, be crystal clear about what the students are to do to fulfill the assignments.
2)Consistent presence in the online classroom through the discussion forums. These forums are the most often used and visited by students and they need to see that the instructor is present.
Anthony J Matias
When establishing a pattern of teaching the most important aspects would be communication and consistency. The syllabus provides the 'roadmap' for the course and clearly communicates the expectations of both the instructor and the student.
A 'locker room' contains all the course documents in one centralized location where students can easily access and reference all pertinent documents (excluding lectures, assignments and exams).
A 'student lounge' much like the water cooler allows students to freely communicate amongst themselves to share ideas, concerns, or request for assistance.
Forums are effective to evaluate the students understanding of the course content being covered in a specific subject matter. Instructors can use this avenue to provide valuable feedback, interject a new train of thought sort of being a devils advocate. Certainly, the goal is to engage the student into a higher level of critical thinking.
All in all, the syllabus clearly defines expectations and when both the instructor and students understanding the content then a pattern of teaching can best be established.
Donna Thompson
I would consider course expectations to be the most important factor. Students need to know what is expected from them and what the can expect from the course/instructor/school in return. I would include course policies and procedures in expectations.
Another important area is communication. I believe establishing multiple formats to communicate with students is essential. Some will be more comfortable with one venue while others may be intimidated. I have used email, instant messaging, announcements, Q&A discussions, Skype, and telephone. There is not a "one size fits all" when it comes to communication.
Having clear and concise criteria that is plainly laid out for the student. Making sure that I have a 'presence' in the classroom so that the students know I am looking over their information and available for questions.
When establishing a pattern of teaching, the two most important things to consider are:
1) The course layout from module to module should be the same.
2) Homework assignments, submission of assignments, and grading methods should be the same from module to module.
I have been working with a team of instructors to refine our rubrics. We have found that a rubric with expectations for each level of the grade scale has helped with faculty grading consistently. For example if they are expected to use correct APA format or have correct spelling and grammar, then an A would be 100% correct, B may be 2 errors, C might be 3 errors, etc. Not all aspects of a rubric are as easy though and can lead to instructor subjectivity with the grading.
Has anyone held faculty forums for courses to help faculty be more consistent with using rubrics?
The learning outcomes and communication are key for me. I post the learning outcomes not only on the syllabus, but the specific ones each week that relate to the week's content. In the threaded discussion I post the specific learning outcome for that question so that the students think about the outcome when they are responding to the question. I just do not want the learning outcomes to become a nice item on the syllabus, but an actual focus for the student to reflect on. It also helps the student focus their discussion response.
Communication is very important, especially in the on-line environment. Students may not all look at the announcements or read everything they should to help them succeed. I tend to post an announcement every week and follow up with an e-mail of the announcement. I have also placed announcements directly in the discussion thread to make sure every student has the opportunity to have the information I feel is vital to that week.
Ted,
You make a great point. You have to set expectations and hold everyone to it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Edward,
I am not sure about the last comment. What do you mean by that?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christopher,
How do these play a role in teaching pattern?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe it is important to be consistent in communications with students. For example, if you are lenient one week and strict the next, this will discourage students.
I also believe it is important to provide detailed feedback in grading. Without this the student does not know if the he or she is achieving the outcomes.
Ted Framan
The most important things are having the students comfortable with the mechanics of the class while having enough connection to make it work for their needs.
The second most important thing is that the way it is stays consistent throughout the course minus any positive additives. For example if the students are concerned about how they are going to accomplish their assignments they will not be too happy with a field trip.
I think the two most important things to consider is consistency and ease of use.
John,
What a great post! You are right; the terms "repetitive and predictable" are perfect. It does put people at ease. Great comments about rubrics.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Thomas,
I agree totally. Students need to know expectations and that should be detailed. The feedback is crucial; both good band bad.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
