This is a key point--feeling connected. I have found that picking up the phone and calling students as well as making myself available to have students call me breaks down some of the depersonalized computer screen. This is important if only used occasionally.
Linking to other support services--online libraries, videos, and resources on the campus are also important.
I stay in close communication with the guidance counselors to ensure the students at risk are receiving help they need.
Gwendolyn,
I am completely in sych with you. This educational segment is still in its infancy. The next 20 years will find it as far beyond today's online classroom as the 2013 luxury cars are beyond the Model-T.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think this is the next wave of Education. Its convenient, you can reach more students withthe same interests. I love teaching on ground but there are so many new possibilities with "Teaching Online"
Claudia,
Tina's statement is true. These are critical in today's, text-based, online classes. Thank you for your response.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
thank you for the input on reading and writing. I currently have students in the classroom who are weak readers. this poses its own challenges. However, reading and writing are essential to online courses. I did not give that much thought until reading your post.
Jenny,
Well stated. This is one of the fundamental components of excellence in teaching.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
True but it all depends on the standards you set as an instructor. Just because face-to-face interaction is not present, doesn't mean you minimize its potential. Be clear, firm and direct in your communication with the students and good outcomes can be achieved.
Karlen,
I congratulate you on the transition. There are many dynamics within the online environment that do not exist in the face-to-face classroom, and vice versa. It sounds like your experience is like many good teachers who care about their students and adjust their ability to continue that care as they gain expertise with the online tools and processes. Your participation in classes like this and online forms with other instructors will continue to increase the rewarding experience you have expressed. Keep up the great work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
This too is my first experience with teaching online. I've been teaching the same class for almost two years now. I'm comfortable with the content but wish I'd encountered this class before I started teaching. I think my previous students would have profited from it!
Recently our organization was strongly encouraged to have more forums. We had a few but we were urged to have one for every week. I at first resented having to write more questions, applications of what the students were learning in the weekly lesson. As I've been reading the forum questions (the students are required to respond to three other students' original responses as well as give one original response of their own), I have gained so much insight into what the students are facing in their personal lives. I've gained more of an appreciation for the unique experiences each student brings to the class.
The forum responses allow the students to get to know each other in at least a small way; they also give me a sense for whether the student is really understanding concepts that are often new and foreign to them.
Kimberly,
One particular tool that seems to work well for me is to provide an individual e-mail requesting the student for three alternative times and dates, and the best number, that I may call for a phone conference. I have heard others indicate that texting is becoming the tool of choice. However, my son gymnastics are not quite up to speed for that – yet.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I also agree that successful students have that outside support however, in an asynchronous environment, it is difficult to plan.
Therefore, I think it is important to implement places a student can go to reach out within the online classroom. Sometimes including a general question thread, or a chat room will reconnect the student.
I am curious how others manage mulitiple classrooms and still provide that individual attention when necessary for those students who require more.
Thanks,
Kim
John,
Agreed, both ARE education. So the similarities are numerous. Very good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
While there may be many differences between online and on-ground teaching, there are many similarities, as well. For instance, both the online and the on-ground instructor must be prepared to deliver an effective and efficient course learning system that includes, but is not limited to, the course content, course objectives, student learning modalities that are designed to enhance the learning retention of students and necessary grading system that the learner will understand.
While the online learning environment may be considerably different from the on-ground learning environment, both must engage the student learner's desire to be successful while providing a highly active and interactive learning experience both for the student and instructor.
manuel,
You are right on target there's a lot of learning for the teachers to do in the online development as well. And experience is one of the better teachers out there. Very good point. Thank you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Vaillancourt,
As you mention,it is true, sometimes seems to be restrictive, I think specially when the instructor does not have enough experience.
Implementing a well developed plan, policies and resources could help to have a better outcome with the e-class.
manuel,
Very good point. While the online environment sometimes seems to be more restrictive it can be implemented to provide higher levels of consistency. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Teaching face to face has pros and cons too, the online teaching may require more time to interact with what the student is doing and to help students to reach the level of knowledge we are looking for, but I think that following a well developed methodology in regular basis help students and instructor to be on the same page for most of the circumstances.
Renee,
Like many newcomers to the online classroom, you'll find as you develop your style and the tools to which you gravitate that you will find ways to maximize student participation. However, I have not yet found a way to consistently involve everyone in the discussion. It sounds like you have been introduced to the majority of the best practices can now you should just practice the art of implementing them as you see fit.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
This is my first encounter at online teaching so I am definitely trying to learn without making drastic errors. The challenge of engaging students to interact and participate in discussion boards in a timely manner has been a mind twister for me. I ask questions, encourage involvement and offer support as mentor and advisor and still do not receive 100% participation. Is there other strategies I can utilize to involve everyone in the discussion?
Yvonne,
Many veteran instructors agree with you about the importance of nonverbal communications in an instructional setting. It does take extra effort in the online classroom to make up for the missing nonverbal cues that are available in the traditional classroom. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
