Quiana,
Good questions. Taking these questions and being able to ask them yourself and possibly letting your peers do a review of what you are doing and asking them the same questions would be beneficial.
Thanks for you input.
First, I would ask this question:" Does this make sense?" meaning is it easy for me to understand because I understand the intent, and will the students understand the same intent? This is very important, because, we typically understand what we mean when we say something and that is an assumption we should try to stay away from.
Second Question: Are there too many steps involved? Too many steps will cause the student to either loose interest or the wear with all to complete the work. Is there a simpler way to get to the same goal.
Third Question: Do your students clearly understand the goals of the course. Are they able to connect the information given with the learning objective it is associated with.
1. Have you clearly explained your expectations of the students
2. Have you clearly indicated what your students can expect from you
3. Are you active in the course - do you participate in the discussion, do you monitor student progress, do you grade work quickly
Sherrilyn,
Right on! the feedback must be consistent and timely. Communication is the key to success in any environment, but particularly in the online environment.
Thanks for your input.
The three most importatn things to consider:
- Clear and concise course expectations to the students
-Good Communication
-Providing relevant and timely feedback
The timely feedback always presents a challenge for me, as day to day life seems to always get in the way of ensuring that I get all assignments graded and back to the students in a timely matter.
Donna,
Yes, making sure your expectations and the course outcomes are explained well and connected to the content is necessary. Then, assessing student work to make sure they are achieving the course outcomes and making revisions is perfect.
Thanks!
When teaching my online course, I think that it is important to consider the curriculum that is being delivered and the format of it, so it makes sense to the students, how the students will be assessed during the course and how to make adjustments based on the assessment so the course is better for the next time it is taught.
Jason,
I'm a detailed syllabus lover. My syllabi are much longer for my online students. And, keeping the communication going is very important.
Nice job.
When teaching I believe it is most important to:
1. be sure the syllabus is organized and very detailed. The key is to put all the steps in front of the student. Being clear on the instructions for discussions is essential to good communication;
2. provide efficient assessments that allow for changes to be made to the dynamic materials based upon student needs; and
3. promote the effective use of discussions to facilitate a community of learners that connect and share information and knowledge.
Claireann,
You are exactly right in that not everyone comes from the same place. Everyone comes to your courses with different experiences, knowledge and skills. When students understand what is expected of them and understand how their projects/assignments are connected to learning outcomes, everyone does better.
Thanks for your input.
Melissa,
Thanks for your input. You have some good ideas. Getting to know your students and developing a community in your online classes is important. And, communicating your expectations and other aspect of the course through a detailed syllabus helps everyone.
Forum questions can help students learn more about each other and the content. Thank you.
In response I would like to say that as an instructor to adult learners, many of whom have been out of school for 30+ years, we need to be sensitive to their computer knowledge. Not everyone is coming from the same place. Our syllabus needs to be very clear about what our expections are so that students can meet them.
In teaching on-line my three biggest considerations will be:
1) Do I have clear expectations that all students can comprehend? This is critical, especially in setting precedents.
2) Is the learning environment non-hostile? In other words, do ALL of my students feel comfortable in the on-line classroom to post and have in-depth discussions? If not what changes do I, as the instructor, need to implement?
3) I need to understand my students and their learning preferences. This will help me incorporate technical tools into the classroom that can aid in my students' success. This can be done through feedback, and posting those three simple questions (found in this unit's writings) throughout the session.
Chris, I totally agree. My thoughts were the same, but I loved how you simplified the main points.
Melissa
When teaching an online course the first consideration is to get to know your students by having everyone post their BIO. As the instructor your Bio must be posted as well. By this, you will gain insight on the students prior work and educational experienes. You can get a clear picture on their motives and goals for taking the course.
Second, is to post a explainatory Syllabus that includes your office available hours and best means to contact you. The student will be able to anticipate the course objectives as the class moves through the course. It will also give them an opportunity to give voice to any onset questions of the course objectives.
Third, is to set up Forums for discussion questions. This will assist the students to learn from each others posting and to respond in a professional manner. Forums are a great tool to open communication for students, and a foundation for future group assignments. Being able to view their grades is important as well for the goal oriented students.
Melissa Hartfied
Steven,
You are right. Keep the communication going and make sure students know the expectations. As you provide your students with feedback, be positive, but provide constructive criticism. Thanks for your input.
1. setting clear expectations
2. 2-way communication providing feedback
3. paying attention to your students feedback and adjust if necessary
As a student of the online courses i have learned may things that we need to make adjustmennts in some of our methods to teaching online
Michael,
Communication is the key. Whether it isnthrough the syllabus or various means including the objectives and how the course is set up. . .it is essential. Nice job.
The practice of teaching on line requires several important considerations.
1. Multiple announcements to reinforce the requirements of a dynamic syllabus posted, course material clarifications so the student's learn to establish expectations and timely individual forums for students to review as needed.
2. Each week of a course the requirements for the week are posted in a thread designed to clarify the syllabus information for students.
3. Socratic dialogue is consistently engaged with through responding to every students DQ answers with a new question and request that students add a new question in every response.
4. Connect opportunities with website URLs and real world access to support subject material for students to review.
5. When enagaging in asynchronouse discussions, the responses should challenge students to research topics via the Internet and university library and report the findings to the class.
6.Provide formative and summative assessment feedback in the students work with personalized comments to direct the student for clarification of understanding for the reconstruction of the students knowledge and understanding.
