communication
communication is the key to a successful online course for the student and the teacher. along with feedback. We are the guide have to help many students succeed and move forward in many cases. Being flexible as a teacher also helps. :)
Kimberly,
Great strategies. You want to remind students there should be no surprises in the course When they pay attention everything is explained. I also create a calendar to for students to put in their phones that set the dates for them to work around.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Zara,
Yes, I agree that communication is the key to successful online courses. At the start of a new course, I post an announcement communicating how effective communication is important in an academic, professional, and personal setting.
I then explain how the essays they have to submit will enhance their writing skills, develop their critical thinking by allowing them to brainstorm with ideas and deciding what they’re going to write. I them end with a positive affirmation that if they master their techniques and skills on writing an effective essay, they will appreciate the hard work in the end. I believe it motivates them to want to do a good job on their work.
lea ann,
You are right. NO matter what the delivery method, communication is the key.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Communication is the key to almost anything an instructor does. You have to be able to adequately communicate expectations, course material and feedback for anything to be successful.
Kimberley,
I would even take the online word and just say teaching. It may be different delivery but good teaching always shines through.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yes I agree when we engage in online instruction we have to flexible for our students so that they can indeed meet our objectives. Isn't this the very basic basis of online teaching?
Frances,
You are right. It is too easy for students to isolate themselves particularly online. You need to be able to say you did all you can to engage. Sometimes, students can do the reaching. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Zara,
I totally agree with you that communication is essential. I can usually identify students who have not been in chat session or viewed the archived chat or looked over the learning materials for the course by the grades assigned. I usually do not get any emails from these students either. I think that communication goes both ways - student to instructor and instructor to student.
zara,
You are right! Flexibility is the key but isn't it a key for any teacher no matter what the delivery.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
