Monica,
You are so right. When the instructor has a "hand" in the development of the course, there is a better understanding on how the facilitation of learning will occur. We don't want the instructional design component to be void of an instructor. They should work together.
Monica,
My students also struggle with APA style requirements. I provide example, give them feedback and so use Websites too with examples. As we continue to do this, they will improve. Keep up the good work.
Monica,
Breaking down the elements can very well help students more clearly understand all components of the assignment. The better they understand, the better they can perform. Nice job.
I agree that when there is collaboration between the instructional designers, curriculum team, tech support and the instructors the on-line course is easier to manage and facilitate as an instructor. Each department works together supporting not only each other but also the student’s academic needs
The on-line environment that I teach in is very structured. The assignments and test are already created therefore; all that is needed is for me to provide the students with feedback that is not only motivated and encouraging but with content to help them gain a better understanding of the weekly objectives and competencies.
I agree that most students do not fully understand the requirements regarding writing in the APA format. Our students tend to struggle with it therefore, we incorporated a ‘Writing Lab†that we direct the students to. This has been very helpful because it allows the instructor to spend more time facilitating content related to the subject matter. This method is especially effective since our main focus is on allied health. However, I have found that I still provide the students with tips and websites to help them gain a better understanding of the APA format.
I created an assignment rubric which simplifies the embedded rubric in the course. Often times the students are not sure or do not fully understand the instructions. Therefore, when I provide a breakdown of the key elements and include points for each element used the students are more apt to perform well. This method clarifies what is needed to receive the full points for the assignment.
Sloan,
Keeping that relationship with technology support can serve you and your students. You bring up a very good point. Thanks!
You must develop a good relationship with tech support in order to adequately help students.
Saudat,
How wonderful. I wish we could upload documents to this forum so you could share the document. I bet it is very helpful to the students.
In order to assist students during the first week of class, I have developed a presentation known as "Strategies for Success." I provide this presentation as a downloadable document for all students and it gives students a review of expectations and various tips for getting through the course and mastering time management. It is a good reference that hopefully equips students with the information they need to get started off on the right foot and for the remainder of the course duration.
Michael,
Anything we can provide to students to help them understand how to navigate the learning process is great. Thanks for your input.
With regards to technology support documents, I have created several very nice MS Word documents with print screen images and arrows showing the student how to navigate through the software applications and where they should enter their information. This has helped the students have a more visual method of learning the technology and has helped to reduce help desk calls.
Katrina,
If the instructor doesn't have to be the technology support person as well as the facilitator of the learning process, they can spend more time providing content in a variety of ways. Thanks!
Katrina,
For sure. When we allow late work over and over again, we are not teaching students important lessons such as time management and being prompt in their work. I simply don't allow late work. Thanks for your input.
Tomi,
You got that right. Adult learners want information up front and want to know why they are doing what they are doing. We need to communicate this clearly. Thanks!
Tomi,
Students have to understand when and where to submit their completed assignments. The more consistent we can make this through an LMS, the better. Thanks!
Katrina,
Excellent. The more we can provide to help students produce higher quality documents, the better. Thanks!
Tomi,
Excellent. I think providing students with examples of proper formatting and tips for time management are very helpful. Thanks!
Yes, remaining students about the Tech Support can save a lot of time for us as instructors.
Late work policy is a very important component, I agree. This is a time management strategy as postponing work can easily became of a time management issue.
