Quick response and continual communication
Jesse,
Do you give students expectations for you that they can expect?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe they are expectations and communication.
Setting expectations for students and the instructor will develop into communication between students and instructor. And communication will help the instructor focus on each learning style of the student.
Bill,
How would you set that tone?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Set a tone of easy communication
and details of what is expected for whatever period we woudl be together
June,
I do the same thing you do in my online course. I have colleagues that always put their messages in three places.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
June,
Make sure that you don't burn yourself out in your communication and interaction in the online environment. You want to make sure that you have defined boundaries for your students with minimum expectations; if you exceed that great, but it gives you breathing room.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree, Lisa. I copy everything into both announcements and emails so no one can say he/she didn't get the communication, and I make clear instructor comments with each task that I can refer to as well as rubrics that support my grades. Students always thank me for my immediate and helpful responses, and I am always shocked when they say that that is rare. It makes me sad as there is no excuse for ignoring a fellow human's questions.
I need to consider my teaching style and the materials I have to work with. For one of my schools, we have synchronous chats, so I try to include some lecture and discussion for students who have different learning needs. For two of my schools, I can only communicate via emails, announcements, instructor notes, and grading comments. I establish a pattern of replying to all students up to five times a day so that they have the immediate feedback that many need with the fast-paced classes that are now so popular. No matter where I teach or what I teach, I give quick and consistent feedback so students can learn in order to do better on subsequent tasks. I also believe in one-on-one, which interestingly enough can be achieved in a synchronous chat. I have students submit papers that we all look at together. That way the student gets individualized attention as he would in my in-seat classes and others with the same issues can benefit as well.
Kim,
You are correct! Organization does help with routine which makes students much more comfortable.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe communication is key and also having an organized course is important.
I have found that students like having an organized course and being able to communicate effectively and often is key.
Kim Houck
Holly,
If you create all of the details and create a good learning environment, what makes it different than a f2f course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would agree, but also add very detailed directions for both. Honestly the more detail and even examples/tutorials will really help the online student. They are pretty much on their own.
Daniel,
I like online discussions as well as it becomes the class discussions. I have also used wiki's with some success.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Daniel,
I agree with you. routine and consistency breeds confidence and trust. You are right about the lag time.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I like online discussions as well. I have seen things over my time that really make me think and do more research. That time really gives the students to research and think. This is a great tool to use.
I think consistence is very important when establishing a pattern of teaching. Grading techniques, timing of lectures, timing of grading and many others help the student to get into a rythm.
The other item is to respond to students as quickly as possible. Long lag times are not good for the student or the instructor.
Steven ,
Great answer. How do you determine skill level?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Clearly identifying the assignments and what is expected. Also a review of items missed or not understood from the previous weeks assignments.
Engage students to research assignments and those more advanced provide more feedback for the less skilled members of the class.
Chelsea,
You are correct. We do tend to make things very difficult. Great answer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
