Andrew,
It is so important that you work with your designers (as you noted) to ensure what is designed meets your needs and the needs of the students. Helping them undertand the learning outcomes and how you want to achieve those outcomes is a necessary components of the design process.
Shafi,
Right on! We have to engage the students and give them timely feedback that helps them improve. Thank you.
Hala,
Ah - we live and learn. The technologies I have used have helped me turn F2F classes in to great online classes. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Mitchell,
You emphasize the point that everything must be clear. This is so important. When the learning outcomes are included in the rubrics, the expectations are more clear and you are communicating those expectations/outcomes in a variety of ways. Thanks!
Frank, I can see posting the respect announcement early on but if we do it too often we almost put them on the defensive as if someone indeed is violating the ethical standard. See my point?
Tena, I believe there are 3 critical things to consider here:
1) Remove barriers to learning
2) Provide clear and unambiguous expectations
3) Maintain control over the integrity of the classroom
For removing barriers we first ensure we work with designers to provide material that students find challenging and related to the real world. We respond quickly to concerns that provide a barrier to getting discussions and assignment done, thus to clarify material. In our expectations they must reflect our University expectations as well, and our vision as to how the student will be assessed realistically. We maintain control over the classroom to ensure that inter-student communications, group communications and responses reflect acceptable ethical standards and respect.
1. Students' Participation and engagements.
2. Timely feedback and answer to students' questions.
3, Set up the mechanisms for immediate feedback for students.
Before teaching online I spent 20 years in a bricks-and-mortar classroom. I didn't know or believe that it would be possible to create the learning atmosphere required in an online format... I was wrong!
I continue to be impressed and amazed at how it is possible to create communities (ad the sense of community) online with our peers and our students.
1. Clear Course Expectations - as with any course, whether online or traditional, students need to know from the very beginning what they need to do to be successful in the course. These expectations can be laid out in the syllabus and communicated through DB and chats with the class, but an instructor needs to let students know what they expect of them.
2. Clear Lines of Communication - especially in an online course where students do not have regular face-to-face access to the instructor, it is critical that instructors communicate with their students in a timely fashion. Emails and phone messages should be answered within 24 hours, and 48 hours at the maximum.
3. Rubrics for Grading - when students miss points on assessments, they need to know precisely why they have missed the points they did. That way, they're not making the same mistakes over and over again.
Flora,
Excellent. The communication and clear expectations help the students succeed. Nice job.
Over the past 8 or so years that I've been teaching online, I found the three most important things to consider are:
1) Clear course expectations
2) Positive comfortable interaction with students which I usually create by sending welcome letters and emailing 24/7. I also call them when I find they are falling behing. This dialog creates a nice environment for them.
3) Timely and informative feedback. All students want this so they can improve and succeed in online classes.
Terry and Nicole,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. The instructor serves as a role model in using positive, friendly communication. Thanks!
Nicole, In light of the module I just completed on the importance of communication in an online course, I am intrigued by your #2 objective of creating a "non-hostile environment" where students will feel free to communicate. Something that comes to mind that I can do would be to interact frequently and in a friendly, open manner with the students to foster an environment that encourages sharing information. If you have any other ideas on how to create this kind of desirable environment, I would really like to hear your ideas??
Sincerely,
Terry Weaver
Valerie & Lindsey,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Keep up the good work.
I think your post makes a lot of sense, Lindsey. Some of the discussion seems to be focused around 'building' our own online course, vs. teaching it. I think your three points are more related to the teaching aspect.
Lois and Nicole,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. What kind of virtual prizes do you give?
Agreed on all three points, Nicole, though I usually think in terms of a supportive environment that I try to reinforce by getting to know my students on a personal basis and by having fun in discussions--giving away virtual prizes for good responses.
Craig,
You bring up very important components of the online environment. The syllabus serves as a key communication piece and helps establish the setting and expectations for the course. Nice job.
I see the three most important things to consider as:
1- Clearly present the course format, policies, ane requirements in a dynamic syllabus.
2- Build a framework for the content that is consistent in design and time required to complete.
3- Work with students to understand the course content, structure, and requirements so that they have a successful experience in completing the course.
Tony,
You are right. It's hard to limit it to three important things as there are so very many. However, you brought to light three very important considerations. These will all help the students succeed in the online environment. Thanks!
