I agree Daniel, it is not the same teaching online as in person. Body language, being able to look at the student's expression, lets the instructor know if the student is understanding the assignments or not. Online you have no idea, not unless they express it on an email or discussion. Plus teaching online, you have to make sure that you have the student's attention at all times, blindly.
Trude,
Your position on the CMS, student/interaction, tough questions and rewarding students is well-founded. As the regulatory climate continues to increase evidential indications for authentic learning in the online alignment, these components and others will become increasingly essential. The robust learning activities within an online class and the subsequent reporting of student mastery levels require more sophistication within the learning management systems. Many of these issues are being addressed in the newer versions older platforms and the newcomers to the industry. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think that having a robust course management system is essential. A faculty member can only do so much if the software does not permit the necessary interaction between students and between faculty and students. Then, it is up to the faculty member to encourage interaction, much like it is in a face-to-face class. Ask the tough questions. Get the dialogue going and reward students for participation.
Dr. Trude Fawson
Chad,
I agree, these two components of the institutional support system are very helpful in the online learning environment. The main benefit I have found is the assistance with accomplishing secondary and tertiary policy, logistical and regulatory requirements serve the instructor and student may focus together on accomplishing the course objectives. Very good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Vaillancourt,
I believe an important need of instructors in an online environment is actually support outside of the classroom. This would would be in the form of an effective faculty management team. There should be a contact that the instructor has an established, mentor-like relationship with.
For the student, this is equally important and should exist in the form of an adviser.
In both these cases, the online environment is personalized so that both instructors and students feel a personal connection to the course and the university as a whole.
Dr. Chad Faries
Tina,
This is a terrific technique for the master teacher. Guiding the students and assisting them along their path of inquiry, the master teacher will know the questions the student should be asking. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Reading and writing carefully are key abilities. Having had the opportunity to teach similar content in the live environment, and working in the field is a huge bonus.
Similar to the live environment, it is frequently the question that is not asked that is the give-away that the students do not understand the concept.
Daniel,
By not having the luxury of the nonverbal components of face-to-face interaction, what needs and abilities do you think are most important for both students and instructors in the online class?
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
