Terry,
If you go to the "About" link on their site it is still listed as free. If you go to the Apps link you can download the App free. Like many companies they are "hiding" the free portion and emphasizing the free "trial" of their Pro version. You can't blame them they are just trying to make money. I also use Skype, but the screen share part gets a little crazy sometimes on some computers.
Herbert Brown III
In my experience teaching online, I too have found learners have different expections for the online course and instructor.
In my online classes, I too have an announcement that not only addresses my expectations of the students, but the expectations that the students should hold me too as well. This is a good way for both instructor and students to know the role they play within the classroom.
Hi Herbert,
I have also used several of these such as GoToMeeting (and still use), Join.Me which is no longer free (or is it and I'm missing something). I used Join.Me for quite some time but then... it stated it was no longer free. As a result, I use Skype for my desktop sharing with my students. I also use Snagit for my video critiques that I download to my desktop and then upload to either the student's post or to youtube! Also... another one I used to use was VoiceThread, but you could only use "one" image vs. interactive movement within the classroom. Thank you for your feedback and I will double-check on the join.me as I truly loved that program.
Dr. Powell
Terry,
We were using Wimba until it was bought out by Blackboard. We had to move to collaborate because Wimba was not well support after the buyout. We used Elluminate a number of years ago until the same thing happened. We also have an installation of Panapto that our IT folks decided we needed. I have also used Connect Professional - which I liked but I didn't like the server-only hosting of the recordings. I prefer a system that allows me to download recordings in a standard format such as MP4 (H.264). I have also used GoToMeeting. I have found most of these to be very similar in functionality. I prefer a system that is reliable and well supported!! Keep in mind that since all of these are server based and many are hosted on off-campus server systems, YOUR network infrastructure plays a huge role in the quality of the experience. I have also used Join.ME which I LOVE for just quick help sessions with students. It is FREE and a very small install for the students. They share their screen and with microphones use VOIP to discuss their issues and walk them through problems.
Herbert Brown III
Good Morning Herbert,
For one of the schools where I teach, I too, provide synchronous sessions. May I ask what program you use for this please? I despise the program we use and would love to hear about alternative solutions.
Thank you,
Dr. Powell
Terry,
I am not Jared, but I would agree with you. Even if you don't ask students what they expect from you, there are clearly expectations for the instructor such as responsiveness in communication and grading. Clear expectations and fair grading...and others.
Herbert Brown III
Terry,
Wonderful. I am sure your students feel very "connected" with you! I use some webinars/synchronous sessions as well and find the students feel very connected. I have also found that they respond very well to recorded video/audio sessions as well. Maybe not as much, but they do feel more connected with the material through video and audio presentation of the material.
Herbert Brown III
Jared,
I agree with the points you made, but along with my expectations - I also ask the students for their expectations of me and what they expect to gain from their course. I do this because respect is a two-way street and this places the students in charge of their own learning processes. What are your thoughts on this?
Terry
I have been teaching online for six years and have found that during my webinars - the ability for my students to see and hear me does wonder for bridging that gap between student and instructor. My expectations are simple...
1. Turn your work in on time
2. Be in constant communication with me when something goes awry
3. Be professional within the classroom at all times.
I call my students before classes begin to introduce myself to them and to make sure they have everything they need for their classes. When a student doesn't turn in their work, I call my students to see if they need extra assistance, and I also am available virtually everyday for them should they require assistance either by IM or by phone.
Taryn,
Go list of expectations. I find that I have to be much more detailed in my expectations than I was in my traditional classes. That difference comes from the direct interaction every couple of days with the students that makes it easier for an instructor to "clarify" the information provided in the original syllabus.
Herbert Brown III
Excellent question! I beleive that several elements are important to the faculty expectations statements. These include the following: when and how communication should occur between the facilitator and students; when and how communication should occur between classmates; what are minimum standards for passing; what is appropriate conduct; what is timely turnaround for grades; that students review the tutorials regarding navigation the system; that the course lectures and ebooks are read; and all student learning outcomes and how they would be achieved. Just to name a few...
Jamilya,
I agree with your statements. How do you articulate those requirements to the students and ensure they read and comprehend the expectations?
Herbert Brown III
Providing expectations for assignments in a clear concise way will enable students to have a better understanding of their responsibilities as a learner along with class and instructor expectations for the course.
GENIEVE,
Should all of the requirements be the same for all courses or just all of the "same" course. Each course can be very different in the best way to design and deliver the content in that course. However, there is something to be said for consistent within the same courses at an institution.
Herbert Brown III
I feel if the instructor is available to the students via email, webinar, and phone calls, then the students feel very comfortable. We all want one on one attention, and that is possible with an online course.
Hello Herbert,
As an online instructor I too have experienced students telling me how their previous instructor did things in regards to assignments. I believe the institution should make sure that the requirements for instructors should all be the same so that we remain on one accord.
Genieve
Patricia,
Expectations are very important to set the tone of the course. I do, however, find that I revise them as I teach the course each semester. It may take a couple of semester of revising the expectations before I get them pretty much where I want them. Even then I may tweak a little each semester as things change in the course or student interactions warrant a change.
Herbert Brown III
Hello Betsy,
I appreciate all of the information that you have posted, since this is my first time teaching an on line course. I agree that it is very important to establish direction of course and availability to all students. I believe that this will help to build rapport with learners.
:-)
Andrea,
I like that your expectations reflect some student and instructor expectations, such as how and when an instructor should be expected to provide feedback. I believe it is important that we, as instructors, have clear expectations for our own behavior as well as student behaviors.
Herbert Brown III
Professor Brown: Ensuring you are providing students timely feedback is paramount to your "presence" in the online classroom.
Andrea: Hi Professor Brown! Agreed! Students need to feel as though the instructor is there to lead the course and to include valuable feedback for student success.
