I have been teaching on line since 2001, so its not really a transition I am doing now. It is important to communicate with students in all venues they are given in any given course: email, db, IM, and live chat.
I think the biggest challenge in the transition from face to face to online courses would be assessing student motivation as it relates to the learning process. While there is a 24 hour turnaround to respond to students' questions, I feel this additional length of time could have a negative effect on student motivation when compared with the immediate responses given in face to face classes.
I find a challenge in how to encourage the students to be active learner by participating actively in the discussion forums and by attending the live chats sessions. Another challenge is an efficient time management to be able to response to the students’ emails within 24 hours especially if the number of the students enrolled in the course is large.
Elivett,
This is an ongoing challenge for instructors. We are need to share our strategies with others and continue to seek best practices that will encourage more student participation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
One of my challenges in teaching on line. I strive to respond within 24 hours yet days go by without any follow up from some students. In many cases I think they expect quick turn around but don't see themselves as having any requirement to do such.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Eleni,
You have explained this challenge very well. Being a "guide on the side" takes real effort and engagement and planning but when done well is a real joy to be a part of and participate in.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think the biggest challenge is encouraging participation and making sure the students feel visable.
The biggest challenge in transitioning from traditional classroom to an online environment is the change from synchronous to asynchronous communications. Keeping track of communication threads is difficult but having much of my business completed through email has helped. The difference and challenge is the time between emails with students, many students do not read and respond to emails and this can drag out a conversation that would only take a few moments f2f into a multi-day communication.
