I think the faculty expectations should be clear and concise. Mine include basic (contact) information, computer and internet issues, virtual tools, basic course materials introduction, basic interactive learning information, research information, detailed Discussion Board requirements, group and individual project requirements, assignment policies, incomplete requirements, initial rubrics (I post detailed rubrics as an Instructor file), and code of conduct information.
The expectations should be geared to the course and student level. For example, my expectations of a graduate level student with respect to an APA formatted paper vary significantly from my expectations of a student enrolled in a freshman level. The expectations should also be in agreement and should incorporate to a reasonable extent the university policies, in some instances even citing the specific university policy. For example, quoting the specific university policy with respect to the Discussion Board requirements became a major issue when the requirements were changed by the university; I included the policy verbatim in subsequent course expectations posts. I am handling similarly the recent incomplete policy requirement change. I also think it is a good idea to inform the learner of some of the expectations s/he should have of me, e.g., Chat hours, office hours, etc. I think this helps to set up almost a contractual situation with the learners that clearly outline what each should expect and how those expectations will be fulfilled.
One of my concerns relates to the length of the expectations. I find many learners don’t bother reading the expectations until I point out specific requirements after the evaluation is questioned. I haven’t quite figured out how to address this yet.
I also have a concern with the learner who expects an “A†or whatever grade, simply because s/he is paying for the class. I also haven’t quite figured out how to address this learner expectation and would particularly like to see some feedback on this issue.
James,
It is not uncommon for the institution to set the minimum threshold for the course expectations. Most give a great deal of flexibility to the instructor once the minimum items are covered.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James,
You posed some good recommendations and questions. Some LMSs are begining to have audiovisual contact capabilities that may be recorded. This is one of my preferences. Thank you for your contribution to this forum. Welcome.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Although I am not sure of the rules and regs everywhere, I am curious to know if it is common for a school to specifically say what HAS to be included in the "course expectations" statement. Is this a common situation or is it more likely that instructors write their own statements?
Hello. I'm happy to be submitting for the first time and joining this conversation.
I think it would be good for an instructor to indicate to students what the schedule of grading and commenting will be. That is...if there is a specific time frame involved. Students should not think they will receive detailed responses just minutes after they post a comment. On the other hand, they should be able to expect an instructor to respond fairly quickly. In my own case, I try to have all posts "turned around" on the same day they were posted,or, if posted late at night, then the next day. Students should know what to expect, I believe.
Additionally, students should be able to make contact with instructors and to ask questions. So there should be a clear pathway for that to happen...in my case, it is via email and i find this to be very effective. It provides a written record of the conversation and I can respond quickly because I check email several times each day.
These are a few preliminary thoughts and I'd be interested in reading the comments of others. I am sure there are items I have not yet thought about. Any suggestions? I'd like to know what else could be helpful. Thank you.
James,
Very good. The human exchange is what the endeavor is all about.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think one of the keys of successful online instruction, and this is much more than a typical classroom situation, is the instructor demonstrating they understand the student's needs and sincerely are there to help them--one of the major fears of online students is they are at the end of some distant logical pipeline between them their school and no one knows them or cares--we must do all we can to prevent that from happening--Jim Young
ROBERT,
You are so right. Consistency and repetition can go a long way toward student success.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Aron,
Very true. I was once informed by one of my better bosses that, "my management position would be unnecessary if all of my subordinates did their jobs perfectly." That's about the best consolation I can provide.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Robert,
Excellent and very comprehensive. I believe you hit the nail on the head with, "Most important for my students is my assuring them of my availability and support." Thank you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Elizabeth,
This is an excellent multi-pronged approach. Consistency from many directions can be very helpful for student success.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It is very important for faculty to statement and restatement their expectations in the outline, course expectations, first live chat, and in email to students. Students cannot hear the expectations too many times.
I personally believe that establishing online course expectations help establish the tone of the course and classroom environment. The hard part is making sure that faculty follows the expectations that s/he has set.
Dr. Aron
Hi James,
I agree with you, providing a detail expectation helps establish the tone of the course.
Dr. Aron
Sandy,
As you'll see from my reply to the thread topic, I use a similar outline for conveying expectations prior to the first week of class. It is also important to have students introduce themselves to the class in a separate DB forum. This posting serves a couple of purposes. It familiarizes students with the DB posting process. It provides me and others with the extent of their experience in the field of study. And, mediates students' anxiety with comments to their comfortable backgrounds.
I’ve found it helpful for students to begin courses with a specific list of expectations as a first Announcement prior to the course beginning. Although this can be lengthy it frequently ameliorates student anxiety and answers questions students have regarding the course. The ‘welcome’ introduction is also sent as an email to every student in the course.
Welcome to the Course:
Welcome to our AIU Online course!
My name is Dr. Bob Rodriguez and I will be your Instructor for this course on the Healthcare Policy, an exciting and dynamic subject deeply affecting everyone.
How healthcare is delivered in the United States, who has access to it, is it an entitlement, are there times when it should be denied, who are the beneficiaries of healthcare policies, and what are the economic and political forces that influence our healthcare status are only some of the fascinating topics we will be studying and discussing.
By this time, each of you should have received access and password information to participate in the class. Using these, I hope you’ve taken the opportunity of exploring the support features and resources of our classroom. Also, please read the first assigned chapters in your text before the first week of actual class and discussion.
A good way to begin this course is with the “end in mind (Covey, 1989).†This means taking early advantage of learning the technology of the virtual classroom environment and setting personal goals for the course. From the beginning, I would like you to visualize yourself as bright, enthusiastic, and successful. See yourself submitting assignments in a timely fashion, contributing actively, professionally, and thoughtfully to our class discussions, and satisfying your interest in our course subject. Beginning with this picture creates a natural, open attitude to learning and will build confidence in you as a top learner.
Throughout our course, please feel free to contact me at any time. Also note that moving forward I will be communicating with you through your AIU email account as well as in the classroom; so make a habit to check this email regularly.
So welcome aboard the wonderful adventure of learning.
Dr. Bob Rodriguez
This is followed by a general statement of expectations:
The following information provides “expectations†we share for having you be successful in the course – and throughout your education. Please read through this material carefully and contact me with any questions.
My Faculty Office contains my contact information whenever you need it. Just click on the Faculty Office Course Option. There you will find my “autobiographyâ€. During office hours, you can visit me real-time for a one-on-one chat or even a group gathering. Click on the Faculty Office - Chat Room button. If you would like to talk with me outside my office hours, feel free to send me an email message at any time, day or night, with your questions or to set up a meeting. You should expect a response from me fairly quickly, within 24 hours most of the time, but no later than 48 hours. Of course, you can also contact me via telephone. If I am unavailable, feel free to leave voicemail. Follow up your voicemail with a quick email message to let me know it is there since I review my email throughout the day.
Often, students have technical issues during the first week of class. Examples might include software failing to install and an inability to connect to the virtual campus. All technical questions should be directed to Technical Support at 877-221-5800, option 2. Review the course materials contained in the syllabus and compare the items that you’ve received. If you have not received all of the materials listed, contact the bookstore immediately at 877-221-5800, ext. 15353.
The sections that follow are,
Description of the Virtual Tools
Course Overview
List of Course Materials
Description of the Interaction Tools
Description of assignment Submission Specifics
Statement of Grading Expectations and Rubrics
A Reminder of Assignment Deadlines
Statement of the Student Code of Conduct
This is followed by a description of my background and information about our first chat.
Most important for my students is my assuring them of my availability and support.
Very true. I suggest that my students check their emails at least every other day and the announcements twice a week. I have noticed that as the course progresses, I often need to create a new announcement which contains an "excerpt" of my expectations, such as for information on plagiarism or class policies on late assignments. I also email the information to the students.
Elizabeth Keohane-Burbridge
Darakshan,
Agreed. These are some of the fundamental components.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The faculty expectations statement should at least contain information on faculty contact , assignments ,grading criteria, course and the student code of conduct.
Brandon,
Again, good points. The modeling aspect to provide examples is very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
