Get Your Students Hired
I see the role of the instructor in the onl;ine course as a teacher, coach, and mentor. The teacher and coach acts to impart the learning and te sense of where to use the learning to the highest effectiveness. The mentor role works with the student to guide the student over the "rough" parts not only within the course materials but also with the student to stiudent interactions; to participate in a team environment. So the instructor needs to pay attention to the postings and sense which "hat" he/she needs to wear in response to the students postings (initial and later). With regard to the "Ratio", I sense there is an optimum depending on the course materials, the number of synchronous students, and the interaction between those students. Student to student learning is powerful and in some instances can be stronger and quicker than instructor led discussions.
I have tried a number of approaches. I have responded to each students initial post; responded to a set number of posts and found that some students did not like that I had responded to every student. It took them more time to go through all the discussions. Others seem to not respond at all. What I do prefer is that if I see a student(s) that has no one responding to their posts, I will definitely not leave their post without commenting. I think this helps them feel like someone is noticing and cares about what they say.
Erin,
I personally see the role of the instructor to participate (to a point) in discussions. This shows the students that you are active in the course as the instructor. More importantly it give you a way to keep the discussions on track and help "guide" the students in the discussion process, hopefully helping them to reflect "deeper" on the content.
Herbert Brown III
This is an interesting idea, William, and one that would absolutely work in a perfect world in which the instructor is not spread too thin. I sometimes take the time to respond to each and every student post when they introduce themselves at the beginning of the semester, but I don't see any pay-off for my time (I get the same amount of students dropping my course and the same spread of grades when I reply to posts and when I don't). Because responding is so time-consuming, I explain to my students that I want them to use the discussion forums to interact with each other, not with me, so that they learn that getting information and textual readings from each other is just as important, and as valid, as getting them from their instructor. But I always wonder if their learning would be vastly helped if I did take more time to interact in posts. What are your thoughts on this practice? Do you see greater learning, more positive feedback, and/or more students successfully completing your course, when you take the time to respond to posts?
William,
As much interaction as you can have with your students is very important. At least by replying to their initial post you have made that connection and the students do see you as a part of the overall course interaction. Depending on the discussion I often find that I need to come back and respond more to help move the students thought process along. Oftentimes the first couple of posts are minimal and I need to lead them a little more toward my expectation. As the course progresses the students get a better understanding of expectations and they need a little less help.
Herbert Brown III