Instructor Presence
Instructor presence in the online environment is very important. Telling students your typical routine of when you will check in daily or when you might be away helps them manage their expectations. Responding to emails in a timely manner makes them feel like you care about them. It takes more time to nurture students in the online environment. Once good practice is to make sure you respond to everyone in the discussion, not just the first student to post each week. You may not keep track, but the students do!
In what ways do you make your presence known?
Angie
Sheena,
It depends on a lot of factors. I can tell you that the longer a student waits the more unhappy they become and the more likely they would suggest that you are "not responsive" if asked on an evaluation. Response is an interesting term. Response to me is not always an in-depth answer to a student. There are times when I cannot respond in-depth to their specific question within a short time frame; however, I can send them a message letting them know I got their question and when I can respond. That quick note is usually enough that the students feel your "presence" and connectedness to the class even if you can't always meet the 24-time.
Herbert Brown III
This feedback time of 24 hours seems a little short to me. I would for sure feel glued to my iPad if that was my time frame. Is 48 hours not sufficient enough?
Aside from the suggestions made in the initial post, timely assignment feedback is critical to ensuring that students are aware of your classroom presence. Depending on the nature of the course, feedback may occur throughout the week and it not only establishes your presence but it encourages communication with students because those that are doing well will sometimes send an email to confirm their success and learning and those that are struggling on assignments will email or attend a chat to ask questions about how they can improve their performance.
Joseph,
What would you consider timely? I agree reality is important.
Herbert Brown III
Joseph,
I believe 24 hours is very reasonable and i use a similar timeframe. There are times that I can give more immediate "short" feedback and other times for more complex responses it might take longer. I would say that regardless of whether you are full time or adjunct we are not at the beck and call; however, we still have employment and performance expectations as instructors. If we don't have time to provide reason feedback in an online course, then we should probably reconsider teaching that course. I know the feeling, I have certainly taken on more than I could handle in one semester and deeply regretted it.
Herbert Brown III
I agree that timely responses are necessary, but the expectation needs to be tempered with reality.
I agree that an active instructor presence is necessary for a good student experience, however many instructors work full time in their industry and are not "sitting on their laptops" just waiting for a student to email them.
I tell my classes that will try to answer all emails within 24 hours, but that I work and do not always have access to the classroom, so to expect some delay. This is simple expectation setting. As an adjunct, we are not at the beck and call of students - although seem to think so.
Lori,
There is a directly correlation between the amount of time it takes for you to respond to students and their interpretation of your level of "activity" in the course. The shorter the time the better; however, it is very important to articulate clear expectations at the beginning of the course and help students understand that a 30 minute response time is not likely.
Herbert Brown III
It is very important to be present in the class and by communicating to the students by email. Many students want an immediate response from the instructor and although a school might allow a 48 hour response, it's still best to respond within 24 hours so they know that you are present.
Angie,
You are absolutely right. The timely manner of your responses to the students is critical. Regardless whether it is an assignment, a forum post, or just a question students feel more "connected" when you respond to them quickly. Giving students meaningful and detailed feedback on assignments is also important. It does take more time to nuture online students and to give them the feedback the need in a timely manner. These are vital points to make when discussing online course expectations with administration as well.
Herbert Brown III
