There has been much recent research on this very subject. Most experts agree submitting a consistent syllabus through all phases of the course is essential while allowing for changes if necessary. Understanding the student base of the institution so level communication can be obtained concerning subject matter. The availability of the instructor is essential because it also allows for efficient student/instructor communication. Providing 100% quality feedback to every aspect(discussions, assessments, and assignments) of the course pays dividends. Students simply look forward to positive comments and constructive criticism. A lazy instructor who does not reply with substantive comments in this manner will see a severe grade declination toward the end of his/her course.
rebecca,
Yes, we need that RESPECT. The finishing of the word makes it have more emphasis. That's a good idea.
i like your idea & will use it. i also spell in front of the class: RESP & then have the students finish the word & do it louder the second time: ECT!
Mahmoud,
You are right. The words you used in this posting are on target - framework, students' background and facilitation. Excellent.
The most important things to consider when teaching and online course at the platform available to the learners, the frame work of the course and the learners back-gourd.
I believe these factors are important to the a successful facilitation.
Eryn,
Knowing the content and helping students achieve the learning objectives are key. Keep up the good work.
James,
Yes, connecting their past experience to the content it enhances the learning experience. Thanks for your input.
Eman,
Right on. Effective communication is essential. The syllabus plays an important part of the communication plan.
Thanks.
Annabel,
Excellent. Thanks for putting your thoughts in questions. This does make others think about what to consider.
Thanks.
I like to consider my students and the best way to mold them through the instructional environment. I also like to be sure that I am very knowledgeable about the content and the location of all course materials.
Eryn
I think it's important to consider what past experiences the students have had, what their ultimate goal or dream career is, and where the gaps are in both their knowledge to bridge past and future.
An online teacher must consider creating a dynamic syllabus and articulate specific directions in it. He/she needs to utilize effective communication tools such chats and wikis. He/she needs to guide his/her students to create a good learning scaffolding by integrating all means to achieve that such as providing students clear instructions, directing students to valuable sources, and creating momentum.
Hello,
When teaching the course the following things needs to be considered:
1. Is the syllabus clear with course requirements?
2. Do the students have a clear understanding of how to communicate within the classroom?
3. Are the assignment instructions clear and do they meet the course objectives?
These items are critical to the student success. In addition, I believe that my participation within the classroom, especially in the class discussion, will be very important to set the pace for the course. Incorporating scaffolding will assist the students to understand the material and to apply critical thinking.
Warm Regards,
Annabel
Kurt,
Yes, assessing the students' KSA - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities is essential. It's a part of getting to know the audience.
Thanks for your continued input in these forums.
Based on my experience teaching online courses over the last ten years, I believe the following three things are the most important to consider:
1. The makeup of my student audience (experience, skills, knowledge, etc.).
2. The course objectives (what are we trying to teach the students).
3. The various types of tools available to provide instructions and guide the students toward learning the objectives (discussions, lectures, live chats, demonstrations, etc.)
Kurt
Amie,
Yes, if the course doesn't work properly or is not easy to navigate, the students are not going to get the content. Communication and understanding your audience and how to present information is essential. Thanks for sharing.
My first consideration is the functionality of the course. If it is not easy to navigate, confusing, or disorganized, I will loose the students before they even begin the course content. Secondly, communication is important. Setting perameters for how and when to communicate and keeping it resonable but responsive is critical. My third consideration is the course content/objectives. In order to ensure student learning, how does the content need to be presented? This impacts the tools that I will use when developing the course.
Raouf ,
Yes, communication up front. Be proactive, instead of reactive, in your communication. When student know when you are availble and how to get in touch with you, things go more smoothly. Thanks!
Dawn,
You hit the nail on the head. When students understand the expectations, they are more likely to be motivated. The communication is key to keeping them on task and providing feedback so they can improve. Thanks!
In teaching my own online class, there are at least three most important factors to be considered:
1. It is very important to get in touch with the my students at the beginning of the class and communicate to them my list of expectations. This will put my students on the correct path way of the class. I use the announcement board to do so and also the e-mail.
2- My students must know in advance my chats and office hours. It is also important for my students to know my direct line and they can call me at any time. My policy is to return their calls within 24 hours or less.
3- Last but not least, it is important to give good feedback on the discussion board and on individual projects. Providing a Rubric on each graded individual projects let the students know where they need to improve and also in where points were deducted if any. It it also important for me to give detail feedback to the students within these areas.
