krystal,
Excellent. I like the term "course facts page." I have used Frequently Asked Questions, but the facts page makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing.
I have created a course facts page. I want them to know what I expect from them and the work they accomplish. It also gives them helpful advice for posts and assignments. Grading is always included in this page including what to do type questions.
Sarah,
Love it. Different ways to get to the same goal. Isn't that what life and work is all about. We all approach things differently. Thanks for sharing.
Miriam,
You have a valid point. If we just put resources out there for no apparent reason and there is no purpose for them, it is distracting. Thanks!
Miriam,
Many students need the details you are describing. We many times have to help them with their time management skills and this can be helpful. Thank you.
I am also an instructor that teaches math - specifically pharmacy calculations. Many students come into the course with preconceived notions about how they will do in the course based on their math experiences in grade school and high school. One of the things that I do in my first discussion to support their learning is to lead a discussion on the different "ways" to get to the same goal. I want my students to understand that there is ALWAYS more than one correct way to do the problems. For many, that is a very "freeing" concept and allows them to discard their previously held fears.
Too many resources may cause distractions. A few high quality and to the point resources are best.
I have created detailed documents on what steps to do to succeed assignments and assessments, as well as due dates and information on tutoring and technical assistance. This documents are posted as announcements. A synopsis is placed on the calendar with emphasis on dates.
stacey,
Good. The more resources you have for your students, the more they will excel in your class. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Theresa,
The "to do" list will help many students who do not have good time management skills or those procrastinators to stay on track. Good idea. Thanks for sharing.
I would have to agree with you about "start here" I think this is essential. I also point out that the syllabus is the agreement between me their instructors as well as the university and they the student. It is important that they review the syllabus in its entirety. I always provide a "to do" list for the students at the start of each week. So they know up front what to plan for. Including their discussion and assignment requirements. I also provide a what to study and or read to complete them..
Theresa
I create both text-based work aids for students as well as video tutorials.
I have learned to not assume that students will know how to post to a discussion board or where to upload assignments. I have found that posting these how-to tutorials reduces frustration and wasted time for both the student and myself as the instructor.
The little bit of time it takes upfront to produce these tutorials is well worth it in the long-run!
Molly,
Right on! I am in agreement that the FAQ is a great resource. This saves time and helps students. Thanks for your input.
One of the most important pieces of information I provide is a "Frequently Aske Questions - MUST READ" annoucnement at the beginning of each session. I have ten questions that I tend to get asked often. Some of them include: "When are my instructors Office Hours and Chats?", "Where can I find my Assignments?", "Do you accept Late work?", "How do I study for my assignments", etc. Students find this really helpful.
The other piece of information that I think is very beneficial is a resource file. I teach math and I have many students email me the first week of class about how nervous they are for the course or how they aren't good in math, so I alreayd have an email typed up and ready to go naming many of the resources available to them and what they can do throughout the session to be successful. It is very handy to have on hand!
Yvette,
Helpful hints are great. I usually have a link that says "Start Here!" and it is beneficial to the students to know where to begin. This section includes helpful hints. Nice job.
Geri,
Students tend to like the gamification of learning. These are two good examples. They are good for test reviews. Thanks for your input.
One of the technology support documents I have created to support my online students is an announcement I post in all of my classes at the beginning of the course called "HELPFUL HINTS!"
It is a fairly lengthy announcement in which I cover the following information: I tell them the important documents/pages to review prior to starting the course, I tell them where to go to get the foundational information they need to get started each week, I provide reminders on how to properly submit their work, contact information for myself and technical support and a reminder on when they can expect feedback and grades.
I also use email, chats and discussion boards to direct their attention to this announcement, since many of them probably try to avoid reading it due to it's length. But I redirect them to it throughout the course because of the wealth of information there.
I have created interactive games such as bingo and jeopardy.
