Marco,
I have also found the more I am actively engaged in the course, the more students see me as present in the course. Beyond the minimum expectation I believe we should have high expectations for the promptness and thoroughness of our presence in the course. Prompt grading and feedback are very important in the course. The quicker you respond, the more students feel your presence in the course.
Herbert Brown III
Learners expect a leader from our presence. that means we need to ensure that we are there the minimum time, yet try to exceed that one expectation. My experience has demonstrated higher retention numbers given this practice.
Alan,
I am sure it does :-) That topic should get all students motivated to connect...at least to the first chat.
Herbert Brown III
Alan,
I like how you included expectations for you and for your students. Sometimes we focus more on what the students are expected to do and not do, but we forget to establish expectations for ourselves to help ensure you are doing our part in the course as well. Such as prompt feedback on work, etc.
Herbert Brown III
Lauree,
I agree completely. I have found that I have to give my online students many more specifics than my on campus students. This is the nature of online. The more detail you can provide, the less likely something will be misinterpreted. I sent a couple of hours in a meeting today just defusing issues between a student and a faculty member because communications between then were misinterpreted. The more specific you can be not only with expectations but also assignments and grading the less problems you will encounter.
Herbert Brown III
One thing I have done that has worked very well is in my first live chat of a course I always make part of the topic (that is announced as early as possible) "how to earn an A in my course".
It not only covers expectations, but also gets pretty good attendance at the first session.
When and how I, as the instructor will be available for the student
How I will respond
When can the student expect to see grades posted
Expectations of how the students will perform and when.
Example: If students must post to a discussion board 2 days and 3 times a week with the first posting by Wednesday I want to be sure the student is aware of that posting the information in multiple locations (email, announcement, and in the discussion board itself)
Herbert,
Posting expectations, especially regarding communication and deadlines, are critical for the students success.
Some students not only have not had online experience, but sometimes they are also climbing the mountain of "gaining technical computer skills" as well.
Simple straight forward guidance to give students structure will make them feel safe thereby relaxing their minds for learning. Laureelee
When I post my expectations, I do so in an email and as an announcement on the mail page. I include all the usual things that everyone else has mentioned, like office hours, due date. Since I teach sociology, I also tell the students something about me, professionally and personally. I hope that my self disclosure right at the beginning of the course will allow the students to feel more comfortable doing so themselves as the course goes on.
Something that frustrates me is when it is obvious that a student has not read these emails or listened to my live chats. I have yet to find a polite way to answer the student's question, but also kind of call them on the fact that I explained this issue already. I'm not looking to say "gotcha!", but rather let them know that they could have avoided a situation if they had paid attention. Any suggestions are welcome!
When I begin a new online class, I post an extensive Student Expectations announcement that provides students with specific expectations I have for their engagement in the course. I cover the following:
-Office hours and contact information
-How to submit documents for grading (APA or MLA format, MS Word, where to submit)
-Late policy
-Technical support contact information
-Plagiarism policy and consequences for violating it
-Discussion thread expectations
-Student ethics policy
In addition to providing my own expectations, I ask students to share with me their expectations for the course. That provides me with a baseline of what they may already know and what they need to know to be successful.
Rebecca Coleman
I completely agree with your statement Terry. I have found with my students, when I give them the same respect I wish, we gain a better connection as student and instructor and this always leads to students being more engaged!
I feel it is important to make sure every student has read the expectations statement. I ask my students to email me after they have read the statement. It is also important to follow the expectations throughout the entire term.
Hi Tina
This is hard and sometimes frustrating because the student/s doesn't recognize his/her mistakes. I keep replying with a positive recommendation then clearly list the areas where he/she is continuing to have difficulty.
I also copy their advisors when I do this.
Aida
Tina,
I also experience this; however, I continue to point the students to the clear course expectations that inform them up front that they will not get immediate feedback and I will do everything possible to get back with them as soon as possible - up to 24 hours.
Herbert Brown III
Tina,
That depends on your situation. In my situation I have complete control over the design, content, and management of the course. I know not everyone has that freedom. You can only do what you can within the confines of your situation.
Herbert Brown III
Tina,
You can tie an initial course assessment to the syllabus and course expectations. It might be a simple participation grade if they read and respond to a simple quiz on the syllabus and expectations or integrate it in to a simple first assignment. Something like a discussion where the students are asked to respond and reflect on the syllabus and course expectations. This ensures they have to read it to be successful.
Herbert Brown III
Hi Julie,
My experience on-ground generally provided more visibility and interaction with students. They also had a number to reach me (up to a certain time in the evening). I have found that student become frustrated online, because they expect the instructor to be available 24/7 to address their needs as soon as possible (even when the information is right at their fingertips...online)
Hi Herbert,
What exactly are you "tweaking?" The course materials are pretty standard. I thought that there was only "so much" academic freedom that an online instructor could exert.
Hi Herbert,
Great idea! I have to check with the Dean to see if this can be implemented! Thanks
Hi Aida,
I Actually review the expectations prior to each chat during the five weeks. Some students appear to improve, others are still making the same errors each week. How do you combat what appears to be an apathetic posture with students who do not seem to have an interest in improving upon their work, and yet continue to complain to me and their advisors, that I am not being fair to them?
