Joanna,
The syllabus is a very important communication tool so we are all "on the same page." Using rubrics will help with consistency in grading and helping students understand the expectations as well. Thanks for your input.
Les,
Thanks for prioritizing your thoughts. You bring up very good points we all need to think about as we teach in the online environment. Thanks!
There are more than three important things to consider when teaching an online course. Three important items:
(1) Approachability – I want the students to feel as though they can approach me immediately should they encounter problems. In the past, I’ve approached students with poor score/participation levels only to find out that they had unanswered questions. Some students lack the initiative but some are too timid to seek guidance. I strive to make myself approachable.
(2) Clear and thorough expectations – Ambiguity creates undue stress that can impede the learning process. Clear and thorough expectations reduce ambiguity as well as reduce some of the S2I/I2S communication.
(3) Assessments – Timely assessments enforce my online presence and let the student (and me) know how well they are doing in meeting course objectives.
1) Thorough and dynamic syllabus
This is important because it gives the students something to refer to with questions and provides them with a road map.
2) Instructor consistancy
Being consistant with students forms trust. This applies to all aspects of the course such as lectures and grading.
3) Appropriate use and knowlege of technology
In an on-line course, technology should be utilized and the instructor should have a grasp of the technology used.
I would argue that the three most important things to consider in teaching online clases are the following in priority order:
1. Know your students so that you can provide them with information that will support their individual needs. In other words, make the class both practical and useful to them.
2. Deliver the material in a way that is relevant, dynamic, and interesting. There is nothing worse for students than not being able to make a connection between the class and their practical needs at work.
3. Make sure the syllabus is comprehensive and well written, your expectations are clearly delineated, and the students know that you are there to support them and help them succeed.
Nicholas,
I like the words you have used: communication; ineraction; connection. This is a great way to describe important concepts necessary for online learning.
Linda,
Right on. The students need to understand their choices and expectations for communication. Thanks for your input.
John,
Yes, being active and engaging the students is essential. Your feedback helps do that as well. Sounds like you are working on being a very good facilitator of learning. Nice job.
1. Communication- needs to be clear, concise, and convey expectations.
2. Interaction- Between instructor-student and student-student
3. Connecting with the students on an intellectual and social level.
I first need to know the system that I will be using to communicate with my students. I also need to let them know all the tools that are available to help them on the on-line course. They need to familiarize themselves with the course module and know how to navigate through they modules. If they understand that I feel they will do well with the on-line course.
Jeanne,
I am so glad this course brought light to your learning process. Thank you for continuing the conversation. Your input is so helpful. Thank you
Tena,
Hello. When teaching my own online course, it’s important to consider the following: 1) maintain an active presence in the discussion boards, 2) post relevant course announcements, and 3) provide timely, substantive feedback. To keep the discussions moving along, I like to ask follow-up questions in the discussion boards. The course announcements can be used to summarize the week’s activities. The written feedback can help the students progress from one week to the next.
Regards,
John Halstead
Taking YOUR online course is preparing me to teach my first online course! So while I am happy to express an opinion, I cannot say that it comes from a wealth of experience teaching online.
1. It does seem clear that the dynamic syllabus is key. In my current f2f courses, the syllabus is produced from a program administrator and all instructors teach from that syllabus. I find, however, that each class is different. Some groups are very participatory, while others are less so. And, of course, there are differing learning styles and abilities with each class. I adapt the syllabus to each class that I teach, and hope to do the same with an online course.
2. Monitoring communication, it seems evident, will be key. I see this as a large part of the course. Without feedback and discussion, the course is likely to die a slow death.
3. Asking for student feedback. I like the 3 questions...what to we stop, start, and continue doing. Should provide LOTS of feedback!
Tammara,
Wow! Being a student brings a whole new perspective on everything, doesn't it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Frank. I remember when I was a student, in many classes the Syllabus was not very helpful. It really just listed the textbooks, the instructor's info, and grading scale. Most of my classes were on ground, so any additional information was dispensed in class. Now many students are on-line and a syllabus is the only tool many of them have to follow the course. I think this makes it the most vital document for use in the class.
Lindsey,
Excellent information. Thanks for sharing your three important considerations. Remember, as you noted, online instructors need to be present in the online environment so the students don't feel lonely. Thanks.
Lindsey,
It is amazing what we can learn as an online student. I encourage all online instructors to take an online course to get this experience. Learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do. Thanks for your input.
Frank,
Glad the course has been helpful. Keep sharing your ideas so we can continue to learn more from each other.
Frank and Nicole,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Keep up the postings about being respectful. It's a good reminder for the students.
Frank,
Building the relationship take time but is well worth the effort. Do keep up the good work!
