Hello All,
Good evening! This is a very good question. I believe one important item to consider for this question is the position of the online instructor. Most online instructors are adjunct and typically work other jobs. This does not mean that instructors with day jobs cannot excel with their students, but it is a variable to consider in terms of availability to students. For me, this meant evenings during the week and mornings on the weekends when I was teaching full time on-ground. My situation now is that I am working fully online for several schools. As such, I have more flexibility as to when I can be available to students.
To continue answering the question, letting students office hours, time frame to return calls and emails, when to expect feedback, and offer various modes of learning for the students. If students know this information up front, this will help in the learning process.
Have a great night!
Al
Hi Susan,
Eliminating those "gotcha" surprises is an important benefit of setting the expectations up front. Clear and concise are also very helpful attributes. Well said.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Crystal,
As you pointed out, it may be even more important for the setting of expectations to be most explicit in the online classroom. The recovery period for misunderstanding can be much quicker in a face-to-face setting.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Dr. Vaillancourt,
I think that it is very important to go over the expectations at the beginning of the course. By doing so, there will not be any surprises for the student. If the expectations are clear, concise and not open to interpretation the student should know what is expected from them.
I do feel it is important that faculty expectations are set at the beginning of a course. Just as in a traditional classroom, if you do not tell your students what to expect, timelines, grading polices, etc they will not be able to accomplish the goals without jumping through hoops. In an online class, students are not there to ask you in real time a question, therefore it is very important that the expectations are very explicate so the there are no questions or confusion (and the course will run much smoother).
Breezy,
These are all excellent expectations to set at the beginning of class. Especially drawing the students attention to the reason for your high expectations. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
When it comes to my expectation dealing with an online class I stress the very importance of the schools policies and procedures and how certain issues are handle through out the course. I usually tell my students that I have very high expectations for them because I want them to succeed and to do there best at achieving their goal. I also tell them that even though this is an online class that they need to treat the class as if he or she was within a live setting. I encourage my students to ask questions and to interact with me and other students
Jennifer,
These are all very good components for setting expectations in the online classroom. The access to supplemental material is often overlooked. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Joel,
The asynchronous environment of most online courses usually requires the adjustment of first-time students to a 24-48 hour turnaround basis. Your three expectations for the introductory announcement would be especially helpful for students who are new to the online instructional environment. Very good. Thank you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Sandi,
Very good. These items are foundational to student success in any classroom, traditional or virtual. Thank you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think it is important to set class expectations for a class so that the student knows exactly what is expected and so the student knows how earn the grade that they want. I think assignments and deadlines need to be posted as well as any supplemental material that will help the student be successful.
I think it is important for e-learners to recognize that instuctors are not constantly online waiting for their students' assignments...they have lives too!
Realistic expectations should be a part of the introductory announcement and should include:
1. timeline for feedback and grading (24 -48 hrs)
2. additional contact info for support
3. an estimated amount of time students should expect to devote to the course
The important elements of faculty expectation statement should include explanations of all academic policies in that environment. It should also include statements of your academic support and course expectations.
Sandy ,
This is a very thorough approach. Thank you for sharing your expertise and insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I post the full list on the announcements page at the beginning of class, review in the first chat session, and re-iterate throughout the class.
Tonia,
You are right. It is essential to establish an instructional environment that is conducive for student-centered learning by clearly defining classroom process, procedures and boundaries.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I agree. Setting the expectation early in the course is essential to setting the atmosphere of the classroom.
Raymond,
Each instructor should implement communication about expectations in the manner that best follows their classroom demeanor. It sounds like your general approach sets a very good context for more specific discussions as the class unfolds. I know many very successful instructors who use this approach. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Sandy,
This seems to be a very thorough list. Are these provided at the beginning of class, only, or are they really iterated at certain points? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I typically follow the outline below:
1. Welcome
2. Contact Information
3. Communication channels
4. Computer and Internet Issues
5. Time Management
6. Virtual Tools
7. Course Overview
8. Course Materials - Syllabus, Assignemnt List, Multi-media, Text/e-book
9. Interactive Learning - Chats, Office Hours
10. Research and Citation
11. Discussion Boards
12. Assignment Deadlines and Late Submission Policy
13. Grading Rubric
