Scott,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Some instructor do not accept late work and others do some sort of deduction. Whatever we do, we have to be consistent.
Nice job.
I agree that there is a divide between online and on-ground classrooms. I think however that instructors sometimes make this divide more noticable by treating certain things differently. Having taught both onground and online I find certain on-ground expectations do not always translate to online.
One of my pet peeves is puttng your name on your assignment. You would think that in higher education this would be a given, but it isn't. In an on-ground classroom if you don't put your name on your work you don't get credit, period. Online students often assume that the instructor will know it's from them. I have a no name-no grade policy, but do allow students to resubmit work to correct their error.
The other major divide is in timeliness of assignment submissions. On-ground students are much more consistent with on time submissions. This is particularly relevant to discussions. In an on-ground classroom students have to respond during the discussion or there is no discussion; online students want to submit often well past the discussion closing. I explain that adding posts to a closed discussion is not a discussion and although asynchronous, online discussion still require posts during the discussion period.
I have been teaching online since 2006, and I agree. Having a strict deadline can be good and help the continuation of the course week by week. But, and I say but, have a way around this for students that have emergencies or in the military is important.
What I do, is (I hope this helps) if a student emails me a late notice on or before the due date (always Sunday at midnight), I will accept their homework late (until the following Wednesday) and
will subtract 10% for their work being late. On very special occasions will I extend this late time period beyond Wednesday but with always a deadline. Communication is critical for the student to let me know what is going on. If they don’t communicate, then I can’t help them. Some people think I can read minds, well I can’t. LOL
Once that deadline has been met, that’s it. I will not accept the assignment.
Donna,
Clear navigation and expectations are essential. Also, if the Learning Management System (like Blackboard or Moodle) allows for cutting off assignment links after the due date, the is helpful as the students learn quickly that they cannot turn in late assignments.
Thanks!
Having students complete assignments on time can be troublesome but having a clear course module helps the student navigate the course better and can help complete work without confusion.
Sarah,
You are right. Reducing students' anxiety is connected to effective communication and easy navigation within the online course.
Nice job.
You are right in saying that the two are very different. With online class rooms it is easy for information to get lost or confused. When teaching online classes it is very important to be very detailed and to get back to students quickly. This helps to reduce anxiety and to insure the success of the students.
Elke,
Setting deadlines and sticking with them to make sure all students get work in on time is essential. Extending deadlines only make the situation worse.
I agree, it is really different teaching an online course. I started online a couple month ago and I found out that I have more trouble getting everyone finishing the work on time!
Jesse,
With your experience, you have much to offer to others in this class. Thanks for your input.
