David,
You make a great point! Tone does make a difference in an online course. I think it may be the "nonverbal" of the online classroom.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sarah,
You are correct. Expectations are such an important part of success for students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe to most important things to consider are, first, properly communicating the expectations to the student and having them respond that they are clear on the expectations. This eliminates the "I didn't know" issues later on. Second, due dates and the last date an assignment will be accepted with grading penalties.
I think you need to have a strong grasp of your student demographic. In my case, I have all non-traditional learners. I find my pattern of teaching evolving but another important thing to consider is multi-modal delivery using technology. My students do not learn well with a print-only format.
Virginia
Hello.
I think that clarity and consistency are the two most important factors to consider. However, there is more than that. I think that quality of tone is also important.
Clarity provides easy access, easy understanding, and opportunity to reduce student anxiety. Instructor anxiety is also reduced because providing clear guidance reduces related student questions and concerns.
Consistency provides opporutnity for ocmmunity building because students bercome familiar with patterns of communication and processes.
Establishing a teaching pattern which renforces a positive, helpful tone is vital to creating a positive learning environment. Direct languatge, helpful transitions, and using clear, consistent language all lead to a helpful, friendly tone.
The two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of teaching are:
1. Clear expectation of what is to be expected in the course
2. Clear communication between the professor and the students
Dr. Kevin,
You are right. Consistency from the instructor can build self confidence in the learner.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would say that when establishing a pattern of teaching, two of the most important things are content delivery and questions and answer. It’s actually quite difficult to narrow to just these two because all of the items mentioned in the materials are important. However, with content delivery, this is important because consistency help to promote student understanding of what is being conveyed. With regards to question and answer, I selected this because questions/concerns are bound to come up. Therefore, having consistency here helps students to reliably get resolution to their issues and move on with their studies.
Kevin
Taryn,
Great post. You are right, the rubric is such an important part of the assessment process.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe it's important to consistently state the learning objectives early on for each unit. Students begin to expect and rely on a statement that helps them match individual achievement to the stated goals. In addition, the posted grading standards (rubric) help students understand how their coursework measures against the instructor's objectives, while giving guidelines for the quality of their coursework.
Yes and I send emails sometimes, but I really try to encourage students to take some accountability and read what is already developed in the course for them
robert,
Great post! I agree with you. Both are so important for student success!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe that when establishing a pattern of teaching the two most important things to consider are communication and consistency. Communication is the key to success. From day one students must understand all policies and know that they can ask questions if in doubt. Consistency also provides a solid foundation for students’ success. Office hours, live chats and grading should be done at set times each week.
Bernadette,
I agree with you. Do you put information in multiple places (forms)?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I also post and send emails, to make sure students are "reading" the course content and especially the announcements..This is sometimes where vital information is missed the most.
Annabel,
True, I also remind students to check the calendar and announcements.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jaclyn,
You make great points; consistency and communication are the key with availability to you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christine,
Those are important tools, how do you communicate their importance to students?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Darlene,
You are soooo right! Modeling is such an important tool in an online course. Good post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Elizabeth,
You make a great point. You have to reach out to your students and make them feel that they are important. We would do that in a f2f course why would we NOT in a online course? Good post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
