Three things I would think are important are
1) Syllabus
2) Design of the virtual classroom
3) Various means for communication
This unit stressed the importance of providing a dynamic syllabus.The students need clear expectations. So, the syllabus must not only be a good road map, but also allow for change as the course progresses and students provide their feedback.
The virtual classroom must be set up to allow for a variety of means of communication - I2S, S2I, S2S, etc. to build an online community, a sense of belong; But also, it should well structured so that each lesson allows students to build upon what they have learned previously(scaffolding.)
William,
You are right on track! Being flexible, comunicating well, and scaffolding students' learning will enhance your online classroom.
Through my experience teaching online, I have learned that the most important thing is to be flexible with my time. Students will ask questions at different times so I need to be ready to reply. Second, I really like the idea of the dynamic syllabus--I try to make sure that I tie everything in my class together, but also allow students to access assignments/lessons from different places. For example, I have my courses divided into Week sections, and in each of these Week sections, I link to the Assignments/Discussion Boards that are due. I also have the Assignment/Discussion Board sections separate so students can directly to those sections as well. This seems to work very well. If I make my syllabus dynamic, I can add links into it as well. Thirdly, I always try to use Scaffolding (even though I hadn't heard that term before today).
Sarah,
I like your clear and quick response. ;-) You are right on track. Students must get clear direction and consistent, quick feedback. You may have to define what "quick" is. My idea of quick is within 24 hours.
Thank you.
Clear directions.
Quick feedback.
Being there for the students. Weather it is responding to the discussion boards or answering emails and phone calls promptly.
Kathleen,
Right on again! Course expectations go along with the course objectives/outcomes. When students feel comfortable and begin to build community, that's when they really begin to communicate. And, scaffolding the learning helps all students.
Thanks.
Hi Clayton,
I like how you have included visibility. As an instructor being both visible and available is important to students who sometimes feel that they are alone in cyber space.
Technology alone cannot teach a course. Thanks for the post.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
It is important to:
1. Set all expectations for the course in the syllabus.
2. Utilize technology to create a warm learning environment and community.
3. Use the eight scaffolding tasks to guide the course.
Jae,
Helping students be accountable for deadlines and standards sets the tone for the course. Thanks for your input.
When teaching an online course it is important hold students to standards and deadlines, to respond in a timely manner to questions and to monitor interaction between students to make sure it is relevant and appropriate.
Deborah,
Yes, you are right. The syllabus for an online course will be very detailed and long. But, it has the necessary information. Keeping up with your communication with studdents is awesome.
Keep it up.
I think that the three most important considerations when teaching an online course are:
1) An easy to understand, comprehensive syllabus that lets students understand what to expect in the class and what is expected of them. The syllabus should be flexible enough to meet any changes (or challenges) that may arise during the course.
2) Good communication. It's important to me that students feel comfortable enough to email me with any questions, and aren't alarmed when they receive an email from me. I participate in all Discussion Forums, giving kudos to everyone, even when I must correct some misinformation. Responses to emails are sent within a few hours so that students know their questions are important to me. I also try to give detailed comments on all assignments, outlining what the student did right, while giving suggestions for improvement on the next one.
3) Building upon each assignment to help students with their scaffold learning. Beginning with the very basics of nutrition, we work our way up to therapeutic diets, so that when the final project is due, they can take something from all assignments and bring it together into a cohesive project.
I think while teaching your course you need to have a specific syllabus created that has any information a student may need. Be able to have a good repore with the students in your emails and discussion boards and have alot of encouragement to help your students stay positive with effective communication.
Tina,
It's interesting that you bring up empathy. I don't think others have thought of that. You do have to think about what the students are going through. Many classes can be difficult for them.
When you look at it from this perspective your instructions and communication become more effective and detailed.
Nice job.
I believe the three most important things to consider when teaching my online course, Algebra, are clear instructions, effective communication, and empathy.
Earle,
I like the way you provide your information.
1) Organized
2) To the point
3) Helpful
Thank you!
1) Clarity - striving to make sure that students can understand the material
2) Relevance - trying to make sure the material relates to their learning and future success
3)Engaging - create an environment where students feel comfortable participating and asking questions
Aaron,
Thanks for your input. I like your description of "blah blah" information. You are so right. Sometimes those new to teaching online try to put "stuff" out there just to "fill up" a course and it only becomes distracting.
Obviously you understand that organization, clear expectations and laout are essential. Thanks again.
1) Course structure, clear outline (dynamic syllabus) how it is put together and what the student will learn.
2)Organized discussion instruction and online assistance as well as information access for discussion.
3) How to lay out a path (scaffolding) to help the student continue to grow and move forward interested and challenged.
As online instructors we cannot afford to put "blah blah" type information in our courses. There are many distractions that an online student may be faced with, we must need to give them challenges with a sense of learning and growth with each moment that is spent on our courses.
When teaching online there are many important things to consider. The three most important to me would be:
1. Communication - make it timely and clear in it's message
2. Engagement - connect early with the students and connect often to help them engage in the community
3. Encouragement - reassure students so they do not fall off the wagon or get lost in the technology.
