Teaching online
A syllabus is important for any class because it allows the students to navigate easily through the course. Also knowing what they will be learning ahead of time helps them be more prepared and organized for the course. For online learning I think that emails, discussion boards and the web are effective learning tools.
Marshall,
Yes, you set the bar and then hold them to it. Students should understand the learning outcomes and how to achieve them. Thanks for your input.
And you have to hold the students to the requirements on the sylabus, example is a request for extra credit, knowing that none is allowed in most online classes, you have to point out the rules and deny the request.
Todd & Krystal,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. When you do allow for some synchronous learning, the student community begins to build. Nice job.
I second that Krystal! I absolutely love using the live chat portal as a means to teaching online. Not only does it allow for dynamic interaction with the students, but it encourages scaffolding by allowing student the chance to connect the topics of discussion to previous knowledge.
Krystal,
The live chats make the class seem more alive and the students start to develop a good relationship with the instructor in stead of just feeling like a number. Nice job.
I really like to use live chats to communicate with my students. I am often frustrated by classes that limit me to just email and discussion boards. I think that having the students see me and hear me helps them to connect with me and the material. Plus, it's way more fun for me to talk about the material instead of just answer forum posts!
Hima,
It does help the students navigate the course and helps establish an area they can refer to often so that they understand what is expected of them. I agree too that email, discussion boards and the web enhance an online course. It's important to use a variety of media to engage your students.
Thank you.
