Hi All,
I find it is key to recognize that every contact is an opportunity. In this regard, on line learning is like winning hearts-and-minds. A few years ago I realized I had to work extra hard at getting everyone in the class to realize that they were not alone, but rather were a part of something and that I was there if/when they needed. I started referring to the class as a TEAM, reminding them that “Together Everyone Achieves Moreâ€. I started ending every discussion post with, “Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas and for helping to expand our knowledge exchange on this topic.†I started ending each email with, “Do contact me with any question. I always am glad to help, and I’m only an email away.†I wanted to make students understand that I was there and so were all of their classmates, that we formed a “Learning TEAMâ€. We weren’t in a physical classroom, and they could hear t care and concern in my voice or gestures, but with every contact I wanted to sense belonging and support. It really has worked wonders.
James.
James,
Veryy good point. Online students sometimes need that frequent connection.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have found that the biggest challenge in the guide role is realzing the frequency of interaction some students may require. In the traditional classroom, there are office hours of course, but one mainly delivers and handful of lectures each week and then is there in the background as support only when needed. In the online environament, the student is not connecting with any one person through the course lectures and presentations and hence, the instructor may need to check in frequently with the students to help develop this connection more deeply.
Erin,
You are correct that the ambiguity is an ongoing issue. Students can sometimes find very valid alternative meanings to some of the instructions. Good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Perry ,
These are well defined communication objectives. Nicely done.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
CAROL,
This is very well delineated. The time management tasks are an excellent observation. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Samia,
It is challenging for some, but many find it refreshing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
For me, I have a pretty active online life outside of the classroom -- blogging, participating in forums, social media, and so forth. Although I am new to online learning as an instructor, my instincts have been to use those personal experiences in my teaching. In fact, they've probably been of more benefit than my years of face-to-face teaching, simply because they are so distinct.
If you've ever moderated the comments on a blog, for instance, you are a bit more aware of the issues that can arise in a virtual forum: rudeness, disruption, anger, miscommunication, and so forth. The strategies we apply in the classroom aren't always suitable for online, as so many people have noticed.
I often use a lot of verbal and visual cues to be as clear as possible from the outset to guide communication with students. The less ambiguity we have in assignments and forums, the better.
Joel, I believe that the Live Chat/Live Seminars and the new available technology is allowing us, online instructors to see, touch and feel engagement as well as assess understanding. As long as we are not tied to a time limit in a given session, the need to take a short cut or to rush our explanations/answers will disappear.
In my opinion, the biggest challenge is to move away from a one way communication 'lecturing' to a 2 way communication and multi-communication streams known as 'dialogue' and 'interactive discussions' i.e the change from telling to sharing information - community of learning.
Good day,
Stephanie, I concur with you based on some students' interests in being active in online courses in meaningful ways! I think students enjoy sharing a bit of information about themselves, and many students have biographies prepared for each class online, so the expectation is to have a forum that advocates sharing the information. I like having live chat sessions when students attend and offer feedback. I think the discussions are engaging and can differ from being in a class where students maybe apprehensive to participate based on nonverbal cues or contexts from other people or elements in the class environments. I like live chats and the positive outcomes the chats can have for students in online classes!
Thank you, Perry Spann
Good day,
I feel will be the biggest challenge in transitioning to a "guide on the side" is understanding that communication, often and professionally, will be necessary in discussion forums or via email. Interpersonal communication will change in its format since being in the same space, literally, is not a factor. As a result, being a communicator who is dedicated to helping students excel is important and not simply lecturing ideas. Facilitating ideals or concepts that are key in discussions will be required.
The mode of communication requires quality communication in an apt manner that is not intrusive but supportive. I think guiding students in online classes regards being personable, professional, and proficient, which relies on clear communication that references the value of reading and applying the course materials, well.
Thank you, Perry Spann
Carol Sagers – Response
The “Guide on the Side†is another job for the online instructor…..in addition to being the “sage on the stage.†An online instructor is required to provide the course content AND to take additional steps to engage, involve and connect with students. The online environment, as it exists today, requires instructors to “reach out and touch†students so that students may have positive and effective learning experiences.
The greatest challenge in transitioning toa "guide on the side" may well be TIME MANAGEMENT. In addition to the designated classroom time where course content is presented and reviewed……
+ Time needs to be set aside to identify students who may need extra attention and then to provide that attention (in the form of personal emails, discussion board comments, etc.).
+ Time needs to be added to ensure that students understand assignment requirements and then to provide actionable feedback to students.
+ Time needs to be added to review student participation in the virtual classroom on all of the interactive elements multiple days a week…..
I think that all good teachers CARE about students and want them to do well. However, an online instructor often has to seek out the students who need extra attention. In the online classroom, the student can easily disappear by not participating.
Robert,
Yes, many times the email, individualized assignment feedback and private chats are needed to accomplish that.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Rick,
Lead by example. Excellent philosophy and strategy.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
One of the biggest challenges is to have sufficient enough presence to break through the clutter of all of the other posts to develop a rapport and good relationship with each student.
I think the biggest challenge is to be able to replicate the "face to face" component of a traditional learning environment. To combat this issue, being a strong presence in the virtual classroom is a must. The modality of how and when and where we are teaching does not matter; what is important is for the educator to model being present and available to students. This falls into the expectation level that was discussed in forum 1. If I am a presence in the virtual classroom, I would hope my students will follow my lead and be a presence as well. Something that has worked well for me is to make sure I respond to each student in the discussion board thread(s). I also think it important to post something each day. As the course develops and I have established a strong presence, then my students will follow my lead.
Patrice,
The real-life examples are one of the most powerful tools to motivate students and provide them with an understanding of the application of the content they are learning. Very nice.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Shelley,
Yours is an interesting perspective. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
As an instructor, I enjoy being a storyteller (the sage on the stage), so being the guide on the side does take some effort. I try my best to engage the students in various ways. For example, in the discussion forum, I post responses to the students posts as required, but I also post a few 'hey class' questions in the discussion forum. I usually include personal experiences from my work experience in these questions. I feel that these guide the student to see how the topic can relate to 'real life situations', both personal and in a business environment. These questions approach the discussion board topic in different ways, to get the student to look at alternative ideas regarding the topic. Just an aside, these 'hey class' questions are optional questions regarding the subject matter, and students are not required to answer them.
