Albert,
I see your point. We have to be willing to help student get to the right answer, but not necessarily tell them the answers. Keep working with your students. Thanks for your input.
My three most important things to consider when teaching my own online course are:
(1)Different learning styles - it is important for me as the instructor to implement a variety of learning techniques for the various student learning styles (i.e., visual, audio, hands-on, interactive)to ensure that I am tailoring to each student.
(2)Faculty-student interactions - it is important to make the student feel welcomed and to personalize my interaction with each student and interact with the students frequently--especially since it is an online learning environment where the student can quickly feel lost.
(3)Visibility - it is important that I show my presence in the classroom early on in the course and as often as possible to show the students that I am involved and that I care about their learning. One of the best ways to encourage students to participate and be active in the online environment is to be a role model--"showing by doing."
Onyema Anene
An issue arise when a student's expectation is beyond what is expected from the facilitator.. that is, after reading my expectations a student will insist that I meet with them to "go over" their work.
Even though I make my expectations explicit, some students will insist that I am not "helpful. I usually call in my supervisor when a student insists that I should explain the correct answer before the assignment is submitted.
Albert,
Excellent. Thank you for you input. Take care.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Albert,
It is good to understand where the students are coming from and what they know. When this is done and then the expectations are clearly explained to the students, everyone can move on and learn.
Angie,
Yes, these are important. When the students clearly understand the expectations, they are more likely to be able to achieve the learning outcomes. That syllabus is a great communication tool. Thanks!
I agree with your list but I responded differently I responded as an instructor of the course and the course topics. Your list is absolutely important for all instructors.
I continuously try to improve on all three areas especially in the traditional class room where I use email and chats.
My first priority is to establish the list of skills or content that students are expected to learn, to determine the level of knowledge and skills of the students, and finally the available technology or software that is available to my students and me.
The nature and characterisitcs of the materials that students are expected to learn limit and constrain the technology and learning activities that I can employ.
I consider the 3 most important things in the syllabus to be:
1) Clarity of Expectations-The goal is that the instructor and student are on the same page.
2) Grading scale-Students need to know how they will be graded
3) Consistency-It is important to have the same due dates (for example) in the syllabus as they are listed elsewhere in the course.
Angie
robert,
Communication, expectations and content play a significant role in the online classroom. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
Josh,
Many online instructors need to consider quality over quantity. Thanks for making us think about that.
Lisa,
The course content and learning outcomes influence how we deliver information to our students. Thanks for your input.
The three things I think are most important to consider would be:
1) Communication. It is imperative to quickly respond to students questions in the online environment. Students can easily get discouraged if they don’t get their questions answered in a timely manner.
2) Expectations. Students must always be clear about course expectations and policies. The informal nature of the online environment promotes putting the work off until there is not enough time to finish the requirements.
3) Relating subject matter to real live examples. Students need to be able to apply theoretical concepts to personal and work environments.
When teaching an online course I think it is very important for the instructor to establish a quality environment where the students feel comfortable learning. I think in part this can be done through the type of language used by the instructor. It should be a happy medium between sounding knowledgeable while not sounding like a computer.
Along those lines, I think another very important consideration is the instructor's involvement. Students feel more comfortable and connected to the course when it is obvious that there is someone in charge actually reading their assignments and giving meaningful help.
Finally, I think it is important to set clear objectives for all assignments and class expectations. So much is lost in translation when teaching online, so we just need to be as clear as possible from the outset.
Byron ,
Your students learning and communication needs are very important to consider.
Keep it up.
Gauri ,
The key word is tools. You mention tools in each of your three considerations. Make sure the tools are the right ones for the job.
Sunil,
Thank you for the lengthy discussion. This provides Excellent "food for thought" for the rest of us. Keep providing such excellent input.
I think it is important to consider the course content, the learner types and the objectives. I want to bring the course content alive as much as possible by utilizing technology and collaboration in order to keep the learners interested. I also am interested in knowing who my learners are so I can adapt my course accordingly, and I want to be sure to keep the objectives at the forefront so we can accomplish what needs to be completed for the course.
Teaching online you must consider the different learning styles of the students, their 24/7 ability for communication and technology.
(1) Effective teaching tools
(2) Effective communication tools
(3) Effective grading and assessment tools and guidelines
