Cynthia Solari

Setting expectations within the online classroom from the very beginning sets the tone for what you as the instructor expect from your students as well as informing your students of what they can expect from you. While encouraging our students to engage in classroom activities is paramount, maintaining classroom decorum is also key to creating a positive learning environment.

Paul Hoffman

These are some of the most important elements I believe should be in a faculty expectation statement

1) How often the instructor will read email / how fast the instructor will respond to student's emails
2) How quickly the faculty member will grade submitted work
3) Detailed list of live synchronous chats

Herbert Brown III

Paul,

I also include those expectations, but I have also included a policy that allows them 1-2 "forgot" policies that allow them late submissions without penalty as I realize that many of them are working adults and sometimes "life" gets in the way. But they need to use those sparingly since they only get a few!

Herbert Brown III

Paul Mehalchick

An important expectation to me for my student is punctuality of completion of assignments. I hear all sorts of excuses on why they are not done, but reply to my emails from their smart phones and other other devices.

Herbert Brown III

Tamer,

Quizzing them as least gives you some level of confidence that they read and understand the expectations. We know too many times they only read what they feel they absolutely must to get the work done.

Herbert Brown III

Tamer Bahloul

Herbert,

This is a very good idea. It is important to make sure students understand what they should expect regarding: office hours, turnaround time in response to emails/graded assignments, etc. Simply posting the expectations is probably not enough, but quizzing them on it would certainly be more effective.

Herbert Brown III

Valaire,

Student and course expectations are very important; however, we need to have expectations for the instructors (ourselves) as well to establish the clearest online classroom.

Herbert Brown III

Valaire Casto

I agree with this statement! I think giving them feedback in a fast manner helps them establish trust also answering the emails promptly helps them feel the connection

Valaire Casto

I think hitting on the positive aspect is what motivates the students way more than only having contact when there is an issue.

Valaire Casto

I think setting very clear guidelines in the expectation statement will help the students know what is expected and not have to assume. Also giving them the clear process of the course and where to go for support is important

Herbert Brown III

Wyshondia,

I like how you included elements in your expectations that might be considered "instructor" expectations. I believe we need to clearly articulate the expectations for both the students and the instructors. You are also correct that they are specific to each instructor. I evaluate mine every semester and tweak them as needed for each class. I try to identify the common questions and issues that students had during the semester and include those on the "front end" of the course for later semesters. It makes for a smoother online course experience for everyone.

Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Paul,

I would agree that grading should be included in course expectations, but what about behavior, communications, etc. I also believe there should be some clear expectations for the faculty member regarding their role in the course and timeliness of grading, communication, etc. Clear expectations at the beginning of a course help to establish an effective online learning environment.

Herbert Brown III

wyshondia jones

Faculty Expectations are going to be different for each online instructor. I do believe that each instructor should notify the student of what they can expect from them; the first being when assignments are due and if you will allow late assignments. Next would be when grades will be available once assignments have been submitted. Also when will you be available as an instructor is also an important factor. The students will have more confidence in the course and you if they know when they can reach out to you if a problem arises.

Paul Nussbaum

Important elements of a faculty expectation statement might be things the faculty expects from the students, the way the course final grade will be calculated, and other course grading aspects that the faculty will use in calculating the student's final grade.

Herbert Brown III

LaToya,

So are you suggesting that you don't have to give students any written expectations in a course and everything will be fine? Is it ok for students to expect you to respond to their emails at 2am? Is it ok for students to expect you as the instructor to give them immediate feedback on assignments (within 1 hour)? What about your expectations for your students and their effort in the course?

Herbert Brown III

LaToya Jones-Manigo

Mr. Brown,

I feel students must adapt to change. This is something they will experience in the real world. Although, your expectations are different as long as the student knows that you are available to assist them with any concerns or questions they should be fine.

Dr. Ruby Evans

Important elements of a faculty expectations statement that can help set the appropriate expectations for learners in your online course include the following:

*Instructor availability (office hours, synchronous chats)
*Late policy
*Formatting requirements on assignment (APA, word-processed or scanned)
*Grading feedback
*Instructor response time
*Student Participation
*Student preferred contact method (email, phone, etc.)

:-) Ruby

Herbert Brown III

Elizabeth,

I personally find that I have to include a lot more course detail and written expectations at the beginning of the online course than I normally have to for a traditional course. If I do not, then it become problematic later in the semester with communications and other expectations. I also find that it is important to list not only student expectations, but also expectations the students should have for me (instructor expectations). These elements help to "define" the course.

Herbert Brown III

Elizabeth Dunham

Hi Herbert and All,

I believe it is important to let the students know that taking a course on line is very different from the traditional classroom since it is very self directed. I also stress that keeping up with the course assignments and communicating with me and/or their adviser is essential. Thanks. Lisa Dunham