Christine,
Communicating clearly is very important. Students must know how participation is going to be graded and what is expected of them.
I even include in my instructions whether or not texting language is appropriate, etc. I give examples of appropriate responses and inappropriate responses. I also use a rubric for grading the discussion board posting.
Thanks for your input.
Interesting posting! I like to allow my students as much participation into the learning process as possible. However, I also believe it is my responsibility to ensure enough participation and that the basic learning objective are met. Thanks.
I agree with this. I make sure to clearly explain what "participation" means in my courses. I also give it a place in my grading breakdown. I think that the instructor involvement should be high, but not in a way that is too domineering in conversation. We want students to think critically for themselves, but guide them in the a certain learning centered direction.
Joseph,
Positive feedback is very important, you are right. It helps to tie the live chats to participation grades or discussion forums in the same way. Encouraging students who do not participate to particpate or requiring students to lead a discussion as a part of their grade also helps stir discussion.
Thanks!
I find that most students like to just listen to the course online. Sometimes I feel that they show up just to show the instructor that they are attending.
I'd say out I have maybe 2 students a session that really get involved with the live chats.
Positive feedback both in task and LC's has a great impact on students.
Dennis,
Let me clarify. Typically beginning level courses are "led" by the online instructor, but as the students progress, the online instructor should become more of a facilitator and much more participation is created between students. If students are to work in groups and present in an online format, the instructor may facilitate the group, but much of the learning is engaged by student interaction/particpation rather than just instructor participation.
Students should eventually be able to develop projects/complete assignments through inquiry-based learning. The instructor can participate in that type of learning on a variety of levels.
I hope this helps clarify.
Thanks!
I don't understand about asking students what level of participation they want the instructor to have. What if half the class does not want any participation and the other half does?
I think the instructor should be very active in the online class.
I think that the level of participation should be spelled out in the syllabus.My feeling is that if you are not required to participate you won't. I do agree that querys should be made at some juncture in the online class.Maybe a short forum regarding the students understanding of the material as presented and ideas that they have to "Jazz it up" to help their peers to understand it better.
Tara,
Being positive is a great way to introduce the students to the expections, topic and their experience in online learning. It's important to keep a positive outlook/tone throughout the class as well. As you serve as a positive role model, your students will also be positive.
Nice job.
It's important to understand the students expectations of learning when it comes to a new program. Online courses might be new to some students and may be overwhelming. Discussing the outline and walking the students through with a positive attude may help the situation.
Beth,
Thanks for you input. The instructor should set teh learning objectives/outcomes to be student focused - I agree. What do you mean by "too much interference from the instructro may prevent this?"
Also, what is students say they want a low level of participation or no participation? Thanks!
Look forward to more discussion on the topic.
