Ron,
Engagement, expectations and objectives are all key components. Thanks for your input.
When teaching an online course, the three things I believe are most important include the syllabus, communication and course content. The syllabus serves as a guide to help students understand the goals, objectives and expectations of the course. Communication is critical as it helps ensure students can get the needed support for questions and concerns. Finally the course content is important to ensure the students are gaining the appropriate knowledge for the degree that is being obtained.
-Does the course design provide for adequate engagement?
-What are the students expected to know before they take this course?
-Does the course have clear expectations for what is expected from students and what they can expect to learn?
Kyle,
I always love it when participants in this forum list things like this in question format. It does make you think about what questions we should all be asking. Thanks!
James,
Thanks for this input. They relate directly to the course content, students and developing community. All great things to consider.
The three most important things to consider are What do we want the students to learn? How do they learn best based on their particular learning style? And is the material Scaffold properly making the information easier to absorb?
The three most important considerations in online instruction are as follows;
1. Syllabus: A dynamic syllabus helps create the foundation for the online course. It provides the basic information needed by the student to successfully complete the course. An instructor bibliography links the instructor as a learning resources and partner.
2. Create an Online Learning Community: Use a variety of technology and tools for students to develop a sense of belonging to the community. This community will learn and evolve together throughout the course.
3. Scaffolding Student Learning: Use personal work experiences to build knowledge and skills in the classroom.
Will the students become active learners in the classroom?
Dr. James F. De Bouno Jr., ND, PhD
Adjunct Instructor - Environmental Science
Mona,
Good list, Mona. Thanks for your input. I like that you added to look at the LMS tools.
Nice job.
1) Introduction of the content-does the content match learning objectives of the course and presented in ways that mesh with the learning styles of the students?
2)The knowledge base and learning needs of the students.
3)What tools are available for me through the LMS for presenting content?
Tanya,
Great information. Thanks for including the specifics about instructors and their actions. This is important to think about.
Thanks!
The three most important things are:
1. Quality of feedback and communications
2. Flexibility in approach
3. organization
In the classroom the most important things are how we interact with our students through feedback, announcements, phone calls, emails, and in the discussion forums. Instructors should be encouraging, enthusiastic, and approachable. Next, we must always consider the different learning styles of our students and have different ways to approach the learning the goals that will work for a variety of learning styles. Last but not least, classroom management still applies online and meeting deadline, organizing announcements and being in control of the flow of information keeps the class running smoothly.
Engelbert,
Right on! You hit on three important components that we all need to focus on. Thanks!
1. Being available to students for questions and guidance
2. Understand each student's learning style
3. Effective follow up and feedback
Jerrod,
Being clear and concise if very helpful in many situations. They will also help engage the students. Thanks!
1. Not every student is as motivated or has the flexibilty to be on every day. In light of this I have to be flexible as well and make sure any information is easily accessible.
2. Familiarity with technology can differ student to student. Therefore I need to make sure all directions and/or walkthroughs are clear and concise with lots of detail and pictures.
3. I have to stay engaged with communication or else the student will feel as if I am disinterested.
Aleksandra,
Getting to know your students and getting them engaged is the first step. Communication carries you and the students through the course. Thanks for your input.
Stephanie,
Good list! We have to build upon what the students know and learn in the course. They syllabus should be detailed and communication clear. Nice job.
When teaching online courses, I believe the most important things to consider are:
1. The type of student. Their knowledge of not just the topic but also to mode in which they are learning. A student's understanding of technology can greatly impact their ability to learn in online courses
2. How to engage students within the course. Just like in face-to-face, or on ground courses, students need to be engaged in the topics of the course. Most of the time, this is done through the faculty members passion for the topic. At times, in online courses, it is hard to project that passion.
3. Communication within the course. It is important to open up the lines of communication with students and between students when teaching online courses. Interaction and communication are critical components of education, which can be forgotten in an online course.
When teaching an online course, I believe the following things are important to consider:
1. creating a dynamic syllabus
2. encouraging effective communication
3. scaffolding content material
Amanda,
Communication is always a key factor and it leads right into many other items that need to be considered. Thanks!
