There are many resources that I usually provide the students at the beginning of the class.
1-list of course expectations before the course starts, and it includes Instructor contact info, Where to go when you have Computer/Internet issues.
2- Syllabus and course overview, Course Material, Course Tools.
3- Course assignments, Grading Rubric, Proper citation resources
Also, provide other documents, including student code of conduct and Academic honesty policy sources.
Loretta,
The syllabus is many times the first point of communication with the students. It is essential. Thanks for your input.
Mamie,
Knowing you students and you content are essential. Thanks for your input.
When teaching your own online course, what do you believe are the three most important things to consider?
1. I believe that a syllabus is an essential tool that helps guide students about the expectations and learning objectives with the class.
2. Scaffolding is needed to provide the student with an "invitation to learn". When a student can relate to past experiences, this can allow the student to feel "welcomed" to take the steps needed to actively and productively participate in class.
3. Within the syllabus, the information about the class needs to obtain clear and concise statements. When I was an online student, the syllabus was the "ruling document" that provided me with the vital information for being successful in the class I was taking.
I believe the three most important things to consider are my 1)student demographics, 2)syllabus with clear course expectations, and 3)the content or material being introduced. Understanding my audience allows me to tailor my lecture with more specificity and practical views. The syllabus should define clear objectives and expectations for the course. Providing a great learning experience involves me knowing the material and sharing my expertise with the class. I've found my focusing on these things has helped me facilitate my course more effectively.
M. Allen
Sandra,
Sounds like you have a good pland for communication issues. The individualized, timely feedback will helps students improve. Thanks!
With an online classroom it is nice that everything has already been constructed such as the syllabus, assignments, DB topics, etc. so that the instructor can focus more on teaching and not just preparing. For me, the first thing that I establish is how students should address me (i.e., professor) and then how I can be contacted. The ideal method of individual communication is through email as it does provide documentation; however, if this is not meeting the needs of the student then a telephone call can be an option. Students need to know from the very beginning how they can connect with the instructor especially in an environment where everyone is so far apart geographically.
Another important aspect is timely feedback; students should be able to know when their submitted assignments will be graded. Along with timely feedback is also the important consideration of the quality of the feedback provided by the instructor. Students should be provided highlights of what they have done well along with what needs improvement including examples and where improvement was necessary. It is also best to individualize feedback as well through the use of making reference to information provided by the student in the assignment.
Sandra Masten
Shannon,
Thanks for your list Shannon. And, don't forge the learning outcomes.
The three most important things to consider when teaching an online course are:
1) Make sure that I am always available to the students via email for any questions or concerns.
2) Make sure the students are getting all the material that they need to learn the course.
3) Make sure the students actively participate in discussions.
Ted,
Clear, frequent feedback along with engagement makes for a great online course. Thanks!
The faculty member must do three things:
1) The instructor should provide clear direction to the student and provide guidance to the students with what needs to be done.
2) The instructor should provide prompt feedback to students and answer questions quickly.
3) The instructor should be active in the discussion and encourage participation by acting as a role model in the forums.
Alan and Nicole.
So true. The key is to use the technology that is appropriate and useful for the "job." Thanks!
Alan,
I like the way you related it to you teaching your own class. The communication, specific instructions and building on the students' knowledge base is essential. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole,
I support your third point regarding knowing how students like to learn. There is certainly variation including traditional reading, but also audio and video. All these technical tools are available and should be used when appropriate.
In facilitating my own online class, I need to understand the audience; their needs, wants, and skill sets they bring to the class.
The syllabus needs to be an understandable road map. Specific instructions as well as usable organization are critical.
The dynamic syllabus needs to encourage scaffolding, the building of knowledge upon the students base of knowledge.
Sandy and Clayton,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We all have to be present and engage the students so they are present as well. Thanks!
Sandy ,
Great list. The different learning styles are important and I like that you have a variety of ways to engage the students. Thanks!
Clayton, I agree with all of your points. It is so important to be "present" in the class and responding promptly is key.
I currently teach 5 week sessions and one cannot wait several days to respond. I found that checking e-mails and responding several times throughout each day is a must.
Relating the subject matter to their personal and working lives helps create understanding. I encourage students to share their experiences related to the topic and we all learn from each other.
You make some excellent points!
1. Clear communications about course objectives and expectations.
2. Different learning styles of students and creating audio, visual and text options to engage all students.
3. Providing clear and concise formative feedback that includes information about resources to obtain additional information where improvements are needed.
Andrew & Frank,
Ah, I see what you are saying. I include it in my syllabus and remind prior to the first posting on the discussion board.
