Chat Online
I have had a difficult time having student attend my chats on a weekly basis. And when they do come it usually is to ask for an extension for an assignment. I wonder if having a specific topic to talk about each week would help. However, I don't want students to think they can't talk about anything else in the forum. What do you think? Thanks, Denise
Denise, we have all been there - good point.
However,I actually spend time reviewing the assignments and even provide web links / articles that might help them with their homework.
I always say at the end of the chat session, "Are you not glad you attended - we really started your homework assignment for this week here, did we not?" - all students in attendance are so pleased and glad that they attended the chat!
Then I advertise in an Announcement - thank you for those that attended chat, if you were unable to join us, do not miss reviewing the archive - it will help you with your homework this week!
Janis
Nichoe,
There are so many perspectives and strategies for using chats, I would say that many need to change. Additionally, the technology for audiovisual chats is so much better now - I have defaulted to that as my preference. The 'old style' chat rooms are just too constraining.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Since the chats are not recommended to teach content nor for large number of students, should schools using chats change their strategy?
Hi Denise - Generally I discuss the assignment for the week. I can download a PPT on the topic by searching on the topic folled by filetype:PPT. I teach computer networking classes so I might illustrate networking with virtual machines, and give demos of the topics. If I get six students out of twenty something students to participate, I'm pretty happy. Every now and then the student might have some question such as when am I going to grade his paper, or can he have an extension. I might have missed his grading, so I handle it immediately. Students can't have an extension on the weekly discussion board, but I'll cut them some slack on their assignments as some are on military deployment or have been in the hospital or had a serious computer problem.. On the other hand, you don't want to allow them to get too far behind or they will never catch up. Also when the course is over, it is over.
Denise, I have had the same problem. It is even a bigger problem when you are teaching a class that comes at the end of their program.
LATOYA,
This is an excellent approach. Your built-in flexibility is balanced by specific guidelines where the student has the opportunity to prioritize "life" and "school" activities with an understanding of the consequences. Thank you so much for sharing your helpful insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hello Dr. Vaillancourt-
Thank you for the response. I believe that teachers should prepare their lesson plans before teaching the course. This will allow for them to create solid syllabi with expectations and requirements, assignments with due dates and timelines.
For instance, I provide my students with a list of their assignments at the beginning of the semester. Within that list, I include the due dates as well as the last day that I am willing to accept their late assignments. Just so that I am fair, I also have a makeup work deadline, where students can turn in any work up until that day. Although the original full points for the assignment will not be awarded, the students will receive a grade for their completed work.
Students can turn in all other work for a lower grade. Each week the grade value of the assignment is lowered. This usually cause students to turn their assignments in earlier rather than later; and I am not stuck grading lots of makeup work at the end of the semester.
There are some assignments that must be turned in by specific due dates and I will not accept as a late assignment (NO EXCEPTIONS); these assignments are usually time sensitive and a critical part of the students grade. These are the projects that the students cannot (or at least should not attempt to) complete within one night.
I am very understanding when students have family crisis and emergencies. I will excuse certain excuses within reason (i.e. death in the family, health issues, unexpected emergencies and etc.) Most of the time teachers know when students didn't plan, prepare or give much thought towards an assignment. Teachers also usually have compassion, are understanding and are flexible to help meet the needs and success of their students. I am committed to the learning success of my students but would like for them to be committed to their education and work.
Thanks for your time, this course and your comment.
LATOYA,
In general, I agree. Maintaining high standards of quality and requiring student performance is essential. Do you have some general parameters for the "no exceptions for late assignments" policy to identify things that are 'within reason' for the students? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
As a professor, I would make it part of the requirement to participate and hope that the students would care enough their success in the class to actively participate.
I would also create a syllabus with all of the assignment deadlines in advance. I would let the students know that there are no exceptions for late assignments (within reason).
Having a specific topic helps because it give you control of the discussion and when students get off topic you can use thought provoking questions to engage and bring the discussion back in.
Tonia,
Yes, the open-ended conversation forums can allow instructor insight that would not otherwise have been obtained.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
This is true, and I agree whole hardheartedly.
Miguel,
Clear, concise and comprehensive communications make a solid foundation for efficient instruction. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Clearly communicating what is needed is particularly the key. Providing as much pertinent information about my point keeps questions to a minimum and inspires confidence in those asking the questions in the chat session.
Miguel,
Excellent method. Are there any particular components of the outline that are especially successful?
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Planning is essential, I have to structure all my chats to have a defined outline that communicates what I need to get across and allows enough flexibility for just about anything that comes up.
Krystal,
This is a great balanced approach. Have a contingent topic prepared and open the chat for the best learning opportunity between what the students (may) bring or your contigent plan. Nice work!
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
In one of my online classes, we have 2 hour-long weekly live chats. I generally present on the material in the book, but I am open to whatever the students bring to the chat. This is, honestly, my favorite part of the class, and I think that the students who participate enjoy it as well. I think it's good to have a set of things you decide to talk about (including information that isn't found in the textbook), but be flexible for whatever the students want to talk about.
Ward,
Good point. Change-up the approach to include different student personalities.
Planning a topic can be a great idea to show focus and importance of the chat feature. However, having a free topic might lure some in as well that are sitting on the sidelines.
