Hi Dr. Vaillancourt,
I like the idea of the expectation statement. I have found that a well informed student is a student that can make a well informed decision.
If the students expectations of the are course are different then what the course is offering it is best that they know up front. This will give them the opportunity to choose a course that fits their needs.
Joe
Shana,
Yes, timeline expectations are very important to smooth operations for both parties. I usually just require a return email where the student indicates they agree to the timelines and other classroom expectations. It has worked fairly well for me as I have sometimes (very seldom) had to refer back to it. Have you implemented anything like this in your online classes?
Thanks for your feedback.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think it is important to establish at the beginning of the term how you will provide timely feedback, how often or when they should check for updates and announcements and if there will be timed material. I also think there should also be some sort of contractual agreement the student signs saying that he or she understands what is expected during their online class experience.
Ginny,
This is a well placed emphasis. I use the phrase "acheive an education" in my institutional welcome letter to the students in contrast to the more familiar "get an education." Your combination of interactive, student-to-student and hands-on instructional strategies like an ideal recipe. Well stated. Thanks for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Dr. V,
After reading, and agreeing with, the many posts to your question, I would like to emphasize that in a faculty expectations statement we should let the students know what we expect of them as well as what they can expect of us. I like to tell my students that I will be making every attempt to make them feel comfortable in my classroom. Additionally, they need to realize that I can only guide them down the path of learning, they have to drink the water, so to speak. Since I teach in the communications field, I tend to utilize several hands on activities that enhance the lecture and textbook material. I also strive to create an environment in which students feel comfortable sharing their opinions as well as their feelings. With this combination, I find that students actually enjoy coming to class and because they enjoy it, they tend to be successful.
Thank you,
Ginny Anderson-Klasen
Ervin,
This is a popular approach by good online instructors. Very good recommendation. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I feel a good welcoming letter, clearly explained class expectations, and the grading rubrics be presented prior to the class opening.
Also, I like to create in the discusison board a general comment thread where students can ask each other questions and I allow them to answer or I may answer.
Miguel,
Building in flexibility is usually good policy. With well thoughtout constraints, this allows human reason to 'pull the plug' when the rule doesn't make sense. Very good reminder.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Letting students know what e=is expected of them and of you is a good start. Going onto mention that there is room for flexibility can help in most situations.
we structure some classes to be flexible in this regard. Thankfully all of them have received positive student reviews.
Charles,
Excellent point. The fundamentals - let's not foget them. Rubrics are refining tool for both the instructor and the student in the educational process.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
This is were the importance of an integrated calender is highlighted. The students having an outline or syllabus is standard practice, but including descriptions for the assignments will definitively layout expectations. This is the grading rubrics time to shine.
Earl,
This is a very good list, especially the finale. Following Vygotsky and Piaget, the social connection can have a significant positive effect on learning. Nice job.
I believe that these are some vital elements of a faculty expectations ststement:encourage students to check announcement regularly; contact instructors (email or designated section); encourage regularly post in the discussion area; complete assignments by the due date; have fun!
Sandra,
Your enthusiasm for the socially interactive and fun aspect of learning is the trademark of so many great teachers. It reflects Vygotsky's (and others') focus on the critical place the collaborative, interactive human connections have in learning. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hello
I feel that the following expectations are needed for an online environment. I have expanded on each topic.
Learn
Even though students are expected to read the textbook, complete and submit assignments, take tests and participate in discussion, there should always be the expectation that the student learns the subject. This can be demonstrated by asking the student to journal each week about their key learnings.
Share
I have been teachin for several years and my delight is that I get to share my life experiences and subject matter expertise to my classes. I find that the discussion forums allow studetns to share their expertise and life experience as well. This collaborative effort increases our learning.
Grow
A student should expect to grow each class. The growth includes learning more about the overall degree program but growing as adults to be professionals.
Have Fun
My mantra is if we need to expand energy on a task, we should at least have fun. Learning should be interactive and fun.
Sandra Kirkland
Patricia,
You have not underestimated the importance of this aspect of the transition for many learners. Your stated approach establishes one component of a strong foundation to overcome the learner's challenge of transitioning from f2f into the online classroom. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Making the transition to online learning can be confusing and vague for some students. When expectations are clearly set, it gives the student a clearer picture of the ins and outs of the course. In a traditional classroom, feedback from the professor is immediate because you have a live person in front of you. Not having that can possibly be one of the more frustrating aspects of online learning. However, if the professor provides clear expectations, the student will become less frustrated and understand the value of online learning. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of due dates, feedback, learning outcomes, etc.
The Boy Scout motto seems to apply here, too. ;-]
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Thanks Doc,
Always being prepared makes even some challenges more easier.
Nick,
Agreed. This is a very sound approach. Providing full detail for the new framework allows the student the maximum opportunity to take required responsibility for his/her success.
