My biggest challenge is recognizing that for many online sutdents, the material presented in the course is not the biggest challenge that they face. I have been astounded at times at the effectiveness of basic "cheerleading" for motivating students. I never received any of this kind of feedback past the third grade when I was in school, and I got to where I no longer sought out that sort of positive interaction very shortly thereafter. But this is a vital part of community building, and a vital link to new generations of adult workers who do not accept authority figures with whom they have not built a relationship (my generation began this transition!)
Augustine,
I like the alternate assignment approach to ameliorate the negative impact of the missed information. Also, for the students who did not attend to be required to review an archived copy of the entire session within the week. Very good. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The greatest problem I have with being the "guide on the side" is that majority of the students doesn't attend the live chat sessions. In most of the courses I have had, out of each class of about 35 students, only about 4 or 5 students show up for the live chats.
May be one or two of the students who show up in the live chat sessions are familiar with the contents covered in the module; therefore, attempting to "guide on the side" would make the entire live chat sessions boring and less interesting.
Here at the institution, students are not required to attend live chat; therefore, there is no incentive for them to do so. In another institution that I am familiar with, students are required to attend live chat or do alternate assignments. Students receive grades for attending and participating in the live chat sessions.
Karen,
You are so right. Sometimes providing a 3 - 5 minute video (Youtube, or whatever) for students to preview and 'stir the pot' can create a very dynamic online session.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
One of my biggest challenges to transitioning to a "guide on the slide" would be to provide information that immediately engages the student. Instructors, when in person generally get the student's attention by presenting the information in a way that is interesting and catches the student's attention. This element is missing in the online environment, so it is important to present information in various formats, such as videos, power point presentations and interactive activities, seeking to appeal to the various learning styles of the students.
Perry,
Very good. This is one of several ways to engage you students - catch them in class. Also, establishing 3 or 4 online times during the week when they know you will be there (if your schedule permits) could be a way to get them to interact more with you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I believe instructor presents is shown through the discussion board questions, and instant messaging in my case. Getting the student to interact is a big problem. I am online a lot, and if I happen to see any of my students on line, I always try to engage them, and just ask if they need any help.
Perry
Lawrence,
Yes, helping them become self-directed learners is a big challenge for many online instructors...with a big payoff for the student when the effort is successful. Excellent point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The biggest challenge will be helping students learn for themselves. Also, it will be important that students learn to read instructions and follow directions in announcements. Since education is moving online, and that trend will not stop, these skills are going to be essential. Once students can navigate and get into the routine of the course, facilitation becomes much easier.
I agree with Tim, but the transition from being an on ground to an on-line instructor is tough: the lack of face-to-face interaction with the students.
Gene Parker
Russell,
Student confidence in the capability and availability of the instructor is critical to success. Thanks for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It is important for instructors to be clear and concise in every aspect of communication in the classroom. What I find to be my greatest challenge, as the “guide on the side†is making sure that students fully comprehend each assignment. Since the university provides the assignments for the classroom, I obviously don’t have control over how they are written. This situation can be problematic sometimes with students understanding what each assignment calls for. In order to alleviate that situation as much as possible, I use “Project Overviews†to help clarify the assignment instructions by emphasizing those parts that are important and should be addressed by the student. I also use these overviews as part of my chat sessions, and they are readily accessible in my Instructor Files. I find that maintaining expertise of the subject matter also helps to curtail confusion among students. When students feel the instructor knows what they are talking about (hopefully most of the time) the “guiding†process is much smoother, although, I certainly encourage students to ask questions and to do further research on any subject they might disagree with.
My biggest challenge is to make sure I let students aware that I truly want to help them complete this course and learn form it. It is always my goal to have the students understand that I am there to help them and be their guide through the entire course. Sometimes this can be a challenge but the more you attempt to do it the better you become.
I think one of the biggest adjustments is in mindset. Being a guide on the side means becoming a facilitator of discovery and this puts the learner in the driver's seat in a sense. The learner has to decide how to become more in control of their own learning as opposed to counting on what an instructor tells them is the "gospel truth" about the subject in the course. This is a fine line, because learners are individuals, and while some may be at a point where they are willing to take what they feel is important to them from a course others are still floundering a bit more, so instructors have to be sensitive to the varying "neediness levels" of the people in their courses.
Heidi,
If you have been successful in the traditional classroom and are willing to put in the time and effort to 'learn the ropes of online,' then you will do fine.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
My challenge will be that this is my first time with online learning/instructing, and I may struggle with the no face to face situation. I am optimistic as to the end result though and am hoping to gain more insight into this arena!
Most of my students are not prepared for the online class and learning, because mos t of them are returning to the school after many years so this is a challenge to many of them, so it is very important for me as an instructor to be present, be responsive, and encouraging.
Sunshine,
Very good. Thank you for sharing your experience and insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Laura,
These are very helpful insights. Thank you for sharing your experience and insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The biggest challenge I have found in the online environment is maintaining student motivation throughout the course. We all see students who begin to fall behind and without that face-to-face interaction, it can be a challenge to encourage them to get back on track.
Phone calls may be effective for those students who are willing to take the call. However, I have found that many seem to avoid my calls. An encouraging email letting them know that it's not too late to get back on track has been the most helpful method I have found to re-engage the lost students.
