I believe that all of the forums for communication with students should be “maxed out.” I especially like posting announcements twice daily that become part of the classroom “wall.” The announcements deal with course content, rules, policies and procedures, professional development material and relevant news items particularly that related to the “subject matter.” Next comes the chats. I have two hour sessions per week and cover about 30 minutes of course material via a multimedia presentation and allow the students to discuss issues and material for about 20-25 minutes. (I allow 5-10 minutes for wrap-up and closure.) The attendance varies depending upon who has issues with course material that they would like to discuss, but there are also the stalwart regulars. I also have an hour online reserved for private chats (via Instant Messaging) where I also have a dialogue with students on issues pertaining to succeeding in the course. I, too, respond to every student on the Discussion Board, and believe that is where we make our money using that forum of contact and instruction. Students feel involved (directly) with the teacher and the other students. I create two forums for voluntary participation as well which I check daily. One is “Meet and Greet” where students post something about themselves and respond to other students short “bios.” It is a form of introduction and allows them to catch up with old acquaintances. The other forum is the lounge, or what I call the “Coffee Shoppe” where students can post questions, concerns, information and what have you for me and for the other students. I do emphasize e-mail contact which I answer immediately and post several direct phone numbers where I can be reached to discuss and resolve assignment or other issues.
As a new instructor to the online environment, I am still stuggeling with this.
Many respondents have said that they use the discussion board to engage the students. What do you do to engage your learners if you don't like to rely on the discussion board forums?
I agree with you Lakithia. I reply to every student's discussion forum every week. Sometimes it is with a follow up question, other times it is to make a comment about their discussion. It is just one way to engage the online learner.
As an IT instructor I am not a fan of the discussion board forums in my courses. The questions tend to be close ended and don’t lend themselves to a true discussion. Also.. with 35 students it’s very difficult to reply to each and every post. I do read the posts and when I see the subject is off course, I ask questions to steer it back.
I also believe that the instructor should reply to each student in the discussion forum. The instructor can use the forum to keep students engaged in the topic. I also like to post examples, other materials, and web links in the discussion. I have found that providing additional resources help students expound on the subject matter.
Lakithia Hogens
Terrific! Asking follow up questions in a discussion is a great way to engage your students.
Lisa
As an online instructor for less than two terms, I was suprised to find that I had so much interaction with my students from the beginning. The discussions help me to get to know my students on a more personal basis than I had at first thought possible. I was suprised also that I interact with every student about once a week without making an effort to do so.
Rebecca
One thing I do is ask question to further the discussion; in this case the interest of the student remains high.
I agree that the discussion postings can be a great way to encourage participation among the students. This also helps you determine if students understand the material. But more importantly it shows the student that you think what they are saying is important when you respond back.
Thanks for your comments Lisa!
