Richard,
I LOVE your answer of clarity of subject matter. It is a challenge to try to break the subject matter down in the online environment. Great Answer!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
1. clarity of the subject matter, being able to break technical terms down into information that is easier for the beginning students to understand. I teach a few into classes and many of the students are new to the terms and concept.
2. keeping the material interesting and keeping the students interested.
Thank you for the kind words.
Yes, since there are so many learning styles, it seems that a teacher has to take a variety of approaches to reach all of their students.
Michael ,
What a great answer! you are "spot on" on the different modalities of communicating that important expectations to students
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Communication of learning outcomes and effective communication of the course content are two very important elements to consider when establishing a pattern of teaching. The students need to have a sense of where they are going in the course. It’s important for them to know what is expected of them and what they need to do to meet those expectations. So, one of the first things for an instructor to do is to write a few documents for the course: one that lists and explains the course outcomes, another that explains what is expected of them, including rules and regulations, and finally a brief explanation of the material to be covered.
Effective communication of course content is also important. That can be done through documents, voice-over PowerPoint presentations, or in live chats. Some students need to opportunity to interact with the instructor in real time, to ask questions and discuss the material. Others need the clarity of understanding that a good instructor can impart.
Lanny,
The "Cs" are important in all teaching, but especially online teaching. They may include clarity, consistency, communication, course goals, etc. Thanks for your input.
When establishing a pattern of teaching, I believe the two most important things to consider are clarity and consistency.
Clarity: When teaching (on-line or in person), it is essential to clearly define and communicate course objectives, methodology, and expectations to the students. In order to successfully provide information to students, it must be done in a manner that can easily be understood by all. If a teacher is unclear in communicating information to his/her students, the students may become easily frustrated and unsuccessful in achieving the course goals and outcomes.
Consistency: If a teacher is consistent in the delivery and placement of course content, the student will become more efficient and effective in successfully achieving the course goals. Consistency will help minimize student uncertainty and anxiety when taking an on-line course. Knowing where to go for necessary information and what to do time and time again will help the student and teacher with time management issues as well as enable the student to maximize his/her ability to succeed in the class.
Miriam,
True, students have to accept responsibility when we prepare student centered courses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mark,
Well said! It is important that student expectation and educator expectations are met!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson,
I have found that student responsibility is very important indeed, however, student preparedness plays a big role in the ability for a student to succeed. If a student is under prepared, then all of their best efforts may not lead to success in the short term.
I think the most important would be the communication of when certain deliverables can be expected. For instance when the discussion questions are available, when written assignments are due and when they will be graded. This will establish a definite pattern of the work flow during the week.
The second item would providing consistent and timely responses to student questions. This will give them an idea of how long they have to wait for responses so they can plan their work
Miriam,
Correct! Student centered also means student responsibility
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Also, once students understand what they are accountable for, some will progress to meet the requirements above and beyond what the course offers to them. On the other hand, the stragglers must have a base line to measure their performance.
Miriam,
Yes, to keep the students' attention and help them learn in the best mode in which they learn, keep the variety. Tell them, show them, have them show others, etc. Thanks!
Miriam,
There are some students who communication better online and some in person. Just make sure you encourage all students to communication in some fashion. Thanks!
Miriam,
When the students understand the expectations of the course through the learning outcomes, it's powerful. Helping them succeed is just as wonderful. Thanks!
The variety of strategies is what is important. It is essential to reach students' diverse learning styles. Some students need animation and sound, while others are fine with text.
Because so much diverse material is now available from publishers and reliable web sources, it is easy to offer a variety of teaching/learning components, which will address all learning styles.
This happens to me as well. In the course Chats, I always get the same students.
I think that this is OK. The beauty of online learning is the diversity of teaching/learning modes. What works best for each student and what a student feels comfortable with is best.
In the first place clearly state the objectives.
Secondly, utilize several teaching/learning delivery systems to convey the objectives and assess that students have mastered them.
Tonia,
I have a quick question; would you allow your students to answer questions in a discussion without using full sentences to emphasize the the answer? I don't understand your answer completely.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
