is it true to say that it takes less effort to manage students in an e-learning environment than it is in a traditional classroom environment?
I was an on-line student and an on-line pseudo tutor so I can see things from both perspectives and I would say that trying to keep up with the students´demands is quite a task in both scenarios. Often times, students are very demanding and expect feedback and reflections on their assigments not only from their instructor but from their fellow students.
Rodolfo
LaTunya:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on "Managing Discussion Topics". Please share your thoughts with us on the Question from which this Discussion thread originated:
In most online courses, students have the freedom to study whenever they want as long as they adhere to established deadlines for completing learning activities, assignments, and assessment measures. As such, is it true to say that it takes less effort to manage students in an e-learning environment than it is in a traditional classroom environment? Justify your answer.
Thank you.
Satrohan
Making a student actively responsible for his/her grade through online participation is paramount to the e-learning environment. In more ways than one, the student, regardless of type, is learning whether he/she knows it or not. FOr instance, as part of class discussion, not only are students required to respond to the instructor questions, he/she must respond to two other student responses as well. This means he/she must know actively particiapte if he/she expects to receive a decent grade. First, he/she has to take the time to read the response from someone else (processing the information written by another). Then, he/she must turn around to think of a good response with something other than "Yes", "No" , or "I agree".
I agree. I do not feel that this method is restictive either. My experience with this method has only been a positive one. Participation is required, but is good.
No. In fact, I think this style is preferred by students. They can communicate their ideas and get a good grasp of their classmates' ideas without feeling forced to say or respond in a specific manner. I do not disagree with timed meetings, however when students can take time to read and prepare their responses they will put forth greater efforts and receive more positive responses. I completely agree with this concept.
Paula:
I do not feel that this method is restrictive for students with avoidant learning styles. What has been your observation with student groups with whom you have applied ths method? Was participation at a satisfactory level?
Satrohan
