Teaching Online
This can be a real sea change from teaching in the classroom. The needs and abilities of both the students and the instructor have to be different than teaching in the classroom. You almost have to reach another level to be successful in guiding the students through the material. You don't have the luxury of face to face interaction in this instance to help determine their level of understanding.
Racquel ,
I concur that the content may be the same but the delivery changes. Some of the stratgies we use to engage the students are the same as well, we just use different "tools" to engage them. I agree student support is important. Can you explain a little more about the importance of the "support system" for students?
Herbert Brown III
I agree. We assume that they have honed their reading and writing skills, by the time they get to our class. In an instance that a student needs assistance in this skill, I’ll guide them to the writing lab where we have some amazing instructors who are facilitating the Writing across the curriculum program.
That’s similar issue we encounter in an art and design program. This type of program is more “hands-on†and often requires a student to work in a studio /lab. In an occasion when a student gets stuck, I set up a time where I can walk the student through the project. Make sure they have access to the class chat (video) so they can see what they are supposed to do in the assignment.
There are common objectives in any classroom, and that is to deliver knowledge and skill to the student. To do this one (faculty) must engage a student to the topic at hand. The delivery might be somewhat different on an online environment but accessibility of the communication is still the key. I think the second part that’s equally important is the support system to the students. AIU being a student center university place emphases on these key points.
Jesse,
Many of the newer online classes are providing the 'f2f' audiovisual conferencing. I use it for office hours with students and it is almost as good as being in the same room. We see one another and discuss in normal conversation the academic challenges. Once you get used to the technology it really is very good for enhancing the online experience.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I agree, with this topic that not all students are able to do online training due to the fact there is no face-face questions you can ask if your your really unsure of something.
Christopher,
You counld'be more correct. Just like in e-mails, the perspective and mood of the receiver of the message can sometimes contribute to a total misunderstanding of the intended meaning. In addition, as you point out, the terminology used must be appropriate to the audience.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Christopher,
These student characteristics are integral components of the quality of the online learning experience. Excellent point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Just as an online environment requires a certain set of skills for an instructor; it also requires a special type of student. Students must be proactive, self-directed, and able to manage their time effectively.
I have found that wording is even more important in an online setting than a traditional brick and mortar environment. In an online setting, we lack the facial and bodily cues that add meaning to our words so it is often much easier to offend someone if you are not careful.
We also need to be aware of the level of language we are using in an online setting to allow students to best understand the material and our own expectations.
Kathy,
Yes, it is very challenging for all the reasons you identified, and more. I like your alternating interactivity strategy to keep them on the alert. Good work. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Teaching online can be a real challenge to keep students engage and not become distracted, especially if they are taking the course from home where many distractions can come up. I have found that you really need to add a mixture of course content to keep the students challenged and motivated to stay with you online. Another extreme challenge is to make sure your students are actually participating with you online and not just logging in and wandering off. Consequently, I am continually interacting will all of them so they never know when they may be called upon to answer questions.
Melissa,
The individualized attention has been demonstrated to be a key component for many students' success in the online classroom. Keep up the good work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Melissa,
You have identified a good set focal points and of strategies. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
John
I agree very much. Students are taking online classes for various reasons. Perhaps they do not have the support needed at home or feel stuck. I have office hours for my students every week. This way they get one on one attention from me. I also send weekly emails to my students and follow up on any grade they receive that is less than what I think they are capable of.
I absolutely agree. I have taught both on ground and online for many years. I teach medical studies so teaching this type of course online can be a challenge. If a student looks "stuck" in class I see that and can act on that. When lecturing online, if a student does not have their webcam on for example it is more difficult so I dig deeper by giving quizzes in my online lectures and try to make them more interactive with the students. Based on their answers that will allow me to get a better idea where and how to direct the remainder of the lecture.
John,
My pleasure. It has been useful.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have never thought to use Skype--that's a good idea.
John,
I have used the same avenue and experienced the similar advantages. Also, skyping has helped in much the same way.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
