Types of Students
the types of students that where discussed in this module are the same type of students that you would get in the classroom.I think it would be much harder to notice the different types of students of students with an online class at first. You really have to get to know your classroom online as well as in the classroom.
Roland,
Clear deadlines and a clear schedule of due dates helps with the procrastinators. You also need clear expectations and consequenses for late work. Online courses without clear scheduled deadlines encourage students to "put off" the online course work in favor of other responsibilities, and then when the end of the course arives, they have more work left to complete than can be completed in the time remaining. In discussions, encourage and reward participation - put deadlines on the discussions as well.
Herbert Brown III
You are certainly correct. Identifying the different learner personality types online is difficult especially in during short, 5 week terms. In my experience most students stick to the topic posted per the rubric and are very professional. I have not experienced any disruptive, noisy, or intimidative students but certainly have dealt with procrastinators galore. It seems that online learning is a petry dish for this type of behavior but only need a little positive personal persuation such as emails or phone calls as an incentive to participate in an appropriate and substantive manner.
Amy,
In almost 13 years of online instruction (freshmen through graduate classes) I have seen these issues come up almost exclusively in the diploma programs' first year students. I am also curious about others' experiences.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
As I read through this module I was surprised by how little this reflected my experience of students while I've taught online courses for the past 8 years. I've taught online classes for three different colleges (proprietary and non-profit) and have never come across an "intimidator" within my online classes. I have within traditional classroom instruction but not online. I've also only had one or two "noisy" students in 8 years.
I don't know if it's because I teach philosophy and religion or what? I've been puzzled at why this is the case. Does anyone else have a similar experience- where they really haven't had to deal with too many negative types of students online?
Mike,
Yes, I have noticed a few of those instances myself. Isn't that interesting!? ;-]
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I am finding online students to be a little braver with their responses towards instructors in an online environment.
Dale,
Thank you for your contributions to this class forum. Continue in your life-long learning.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I am finding that taking classes like this one helps me understand how my students feel and what they experience in the online class environment. This class is helping me to identify what type of learner that I am and therefore, I will be better equipped to identify and help my students in their particular learning styles.
Right, the various learning styles and personalities can show up in one class and be a huge challenge to control and retain students.
Karen,
Very good. The individualized attention is a key factor in online student success. Keep up the good work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I agree. I am realizing how many different types of students are in my class, and how I must deal with them individually and independently. Much harder online than in person, I believe. The lack of face to face really brings about a challenge for me. I'm up for the challenge!!
Ashley,
Very good point. These are all three principles to which excellent teachers (online and f2f) adhere. Keep up the great work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have had a great deal of experience in an online classroom and each type of student does exist. I think what a good Instructor does in those situations 1. not single out one individual. 2. Discuss behavior with the students in private. 3. Keeps a positive attitude with all students and is active in all aspects of the classroom.
Rebecca,
Very true. The engagement processes established in the online classrooms should be (and many are) designed to facilitate the 'getting to know' factor for both the student and instructor. Thanks for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
