Emry,
I think you have articulated this well. I do find that I have to provide much more detail in my online course expectations than in my traditional on-ground classes. The physical disconnect seems to establish this need for more detail as early in the course as possible to establish the proper learning environment.
Herbert Brown III
Mr. Brown,
There are many important elements of faculty expectations, and these are important due to the variety of learners in the online environment. I find in my courses, which range from Generation X to millennials, they have different expectations from the instructor.
As facilitators, we must establish visible, consistent and responsive presence in the classroom. Another part of the statement would be to communicate appropriately and respectfully to encourage student engagement. These words will help students across all generations know what to expect from the course and the instructor facilitating the course content.
Cheers,
Emry
Samantha,
Your response is well articulated. There do need to be expectations for both the students and instructors and then each party needs to live up to those expectations during the course. Without the daily face to face interaction, these expectations are that much more important so you don't get 100's of emails with the same questions or concerns throughout the course.
Herbert Brown III
LaKeisha,
I agree with you that much of what we do in a traditional classroom is replicated in the online classroom. There are some differences in how we do it, as you mentioned, that do make it a bit more difficult at times. However, the online learning tools are so strong that even traditional classroom instructors are beginning to teach in a hybrid mode to optimize the best of both environments.
Herbert Brown III
I think giving students an instructor overview of the class that includes what is expected in terms of assignments submitted and rules governing the class are important. Also, I think it is important to let students know that we are available for questions about the curriculum, classroom structure, etc. I also think that it is important to have a directory of information that directs students to the appropriate areas for different types of support, i.e., where to go if the student does not have a book, has website issues, needs a writing tutor, etc.
With clear understanding of learning expectations, classroom rules and helpful sources we have some key elements that I find students access on a reoccurring basis.
Samantha Eaddy
Interacting with an online learner is the same as the classroom. You have to establish rapport, set clear expectations and allow express the importance of participation.
This is no easy task. It will be more dificult in an online enviroment because you are limited in your ways to communicate.
Brian,
I agree with you. I believe we need to give clear examples of high quality work that clearly demonstrates our expectations for that level of work. How do students know what you are expecting and what will result in the highest grades possible without some clear blueprint to get there.
Herbert Brown III
I think in addition to expectations you need to outline what the keys to success in your course are. I teach students online who are spread out all over the globe and find that there are different cultural expectations for students depending upon where they live. Providing them with the keys to success can serve as a sort of proxy for expectations that helps them understand how they can do well in the course.
Matthew,
What do you feel needs to be in them specifically? There should of course be some expectations for students, but what about expectations for you the instructor?
Herbert Brown III
I feel that the expectations need to be clear, concise and have validity that is understandable to the learner. The expectation statements should not be jovial, questionable or difficult to understand. To me the expectations are third only after the syllabus and the lesson plans.
Nicole,
I like the Q&A idea. I assume that you update it each semester to include new questions that students have brought up that semester or previous ones. It is like building a knowledgebase. You could continue to add new questions and answers that arise in each course.
Herbert Brown III
Fonzette,
I like how you included the instructor expectations as well to ensure that students know what to expect from their instructor. Online students can get very confused, especially if they don't have much experience with online. The more details we can provide to establish the course norms and expectations the more likely we will head off a lot of issues in the future.
Herbert Brown III
Angela,
Your description is exactly why we have to provide students in online classes with a lot more detail about the expectations for the course. We need to provide them with detailed outlines of assignments and due dates, detailed grading practices, where to go for help, when and how to communicate with the professor and more as well as what they should expect from the instructor in the course (such as when and how grading will be done). The more detail you can provide them up front the more you can alleviate some of their nervousness.
Herbert Brown III
I believe that the standard from the class should be set on day one. I’ve noticed over the past year that students will ask the same questions. The questions and answer should be clear and provide specific information. On day one of the course, I post a Q & A. This includes things like how to download programs, time frames for discussion questions, assignments and tests, assistance with paper formatting, policy and procedures, etc. This gives them a clear understanding of what’s expected during the course. I notice that I don’t have as many emails as when I first started teaching the course because of the Q & A. In addition, I want the student to trust me and know that I am here for them. On every correspondence, I ask them to text, call or email me with concerns or questions they may have.
First and foremost faculty should welcome their students to the course via announcement, emails and to be more personal, call the students on the phone. A standard practice would be to post expectations in the course room so that students know what to expect. Also faculty should establish and communicate to students, early in the course, a regular schedule for when you will be logging in to the course. This can be where the faculty establishes office hours and or question answer times that they are available. And last, to provide feedback to student inquiries within 24 hours.
Fonzette Smith-Leavell
Communication is a big component of how a student views an online course. Since there is no direct face-to-face contact, many students feel lost and confused about the weekly assignments, due dates, and understanding the material. I teach introduction courses and many of my students are first-time online students. They are a little nervous about the expecations and how well they will perform in the course. I ensure these students and reinforce their decision about going back to school,how they veiw an online classroom, and ensure that I am always here to help.
George,
I agree that establishing the relationship is similar to the traditional classroom. However, I would say that you have to be a little more specific on communications norms and boundaries for students and faculty to ensure students are not expecting that you respond to them at 3 am. Without the students seeing you in a physical class on a regular basis a little more detail typically has to be included in an online environment to set the initial tone and structure of the course and online interaction
Herbert Brown III
Darlene,
I like how you follow up to ensure they reviewed the materials by giving them a quiz. Then at least you have documentation that they did know the expectations. Is this common for all courses or do you get to set your own expectations for your specific course?
Herbert Brown III
I think setting the tone in an online course should also be similar to that of a traditional classroom. It is important for students to feel that the instructor is present and available for any questions they may have. I think one important element is "relationship" there needs to be some type of relationship between the student and the instructor. I also beleive that when you build a strong relationship with students they tend to trust you. This helps online learners become successful!
Before students begin their online classes they have to complete orientation for online students. Orientation includes class expectation(time expected for students to log-in) and instructor availability. Students complete a quiz at the end of orientation.
