Best Online Practices
I teach at least 20 sections of online courses throughout the year - what are some of the best practice used to keep student engaged, even if they aren't very active in the course space?
Although I appreciate the personal touch, I will say that I do not call any students.
I worked at one school where phone calls were required, and the number of times I was hung up on, rudely accused of being a telemarketer or even lied to was incredible. It would take hours to make it through even a short list of calls for so little payoff.
When a student asks for a call, I have them meet me in a chat room instead.
Recently a faculty member got into some sort of trouble when a student complained about what was said during a phonecall. Since there is no record for the content of the conversation, the faculty member has no evidence of what was said or the context of any comment made.
Frankly, it makes me nervous. I have even started copying the IM conversations I have with students just case an issue ever does arise.
As you say if there are 4 or 5 students -- how about 18! -- that need some encouragement, you could spend your week trying to get in touch with them all. Instead, I send an email once per week.
Earl,
Yes, giving the students hope by being there ally can make a huge difference for some.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I love the "plan of attack" idea. For various reasons my students are very reluctant to ask for help. Providing that outline to come back is a great idea!
Earl Barnett
Nagalakshmi ,
Very good strategies to enhance the discussion.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I also follow some of these practices:
a) Sometimes, I post useful scholarly articles/references that the students can read and share their opinion.
b) I also post thought- provoking responses, replies to students' posting to keep the DB engaging. For example, I like posting comments or responses like "you made an interesting point", or “Any ideas, opinion about….†This encourages the students. They will also know that they are on the right path and keeps the discussion engaging.
Sitara Peyyeti
I utilize this approach, as well, Alan. I also include a suggested "plan of attack" to help them see that all is not lost simply because they've fallen behind.
By offering a potential plan for completing the missing assignments, students can see that there is still hope for completing the course successfully and may renew their motivation to get engaged and stay engaged in the course.
Grace,
Very dynamic engagement on your part. Excellent.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Alan,
This is a solid follow-up systems. Nice work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Marshall,
Yes, you can only do what you can do. Create the criteria for who should be called and accomplish as best you can.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I agree with this practice and I do my best to adhere to it. I make it a daily practice of reading and replying to each student's post in the discussion board each day. I sometimes will add my own spin or tip on the discussion and will always offer feedback to the student with the objective to further expand upon the student's ideas and encourage them to provide references and academic support.
At the end of each week, if a student has not submitted his/her assignment(s) I send an email indicating assignments were due, but also asking if they have questions and/or need help.
If you have 1 or 2 courses this may be fine, but if you have 4 or 5 classes it may be very difficult to call each student that has not been engaged for a day or more.
Brian,
Some of the best practices are daily communications - meaning when you see a student has not been engaged for a day or more, you may need to call him/her. Also, "study buddies" to group students in pairs or trios for accountability to one another in specific study tasks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
