Less Synchronous discussions and more asynchronous to allow all students to share without feeling uncomfortable.
I learned about the importance of asynchronous discussion in the online setting, as well as the importance of providing timely feedback that encourages and motivates.
Currently with COVID, we use ZOOM for live lectures and record then distribute to each student. THis allow reflection and further comprehension on each topic. I hadn't considered a weekly summary/update from students on the progress of the course as we do this verbally, but, considering not all can be in live lecture, this will be a positive way to keep tabs on students and myself as the educator. Non-verbal cues like emoticons haven't been implemented mainly due to course content is already exhaustive, however, it will allow some more reclusive learners to participate without verbal needs.
This module provided a road map on how to manage and engage with students via asynchronous and synchronous. It was interesting to note that there are minor differences on how to utilize each for maximum student benefit. This module was very instructive.
I will defintelly use multiple strategies to engage students and appreciated the guidance on best practices for synchronous and asynchronous meetings.
What I learned was the information presented for (a)synchronous discussions. Participation is important.
I always thought that synchronous was a better way to go. I can see how that is not accurate with a text based course. Using synchronous teaching is better with fewer students and with a video conferencing set up. I need to use the students preferred name when responding to the discussion and bring everything together and keep everyone on track.
If you are going to use synchronous it is best to have a video enabled chat, keep the session to 30 minutes or less, and have approximatley six students participating at a time.
Again these fostered ideas of synchronous/asynchronous discussions are generalities, and well meaning. The fact of the matter is, I believe, that we are at a distinct disadvantage using an asynchronous learning style teaching our particular trade. This is highly technical information, needing to be disseminated in a relatively short period of time, compared to some other technical schools, where the same information is disseminated over almost twice the period of time. Also this module does not mention the overall time/input necessities required to implement such procedures. Having the type of schedules colleges or technical schools would certainly make things easier. We at PCI are not afforded the luxury of time to do the necessary course devolpments and course setups that other institutions may have significantly longer, and with designated department heads to acccomplish. At greater salaries I might add.
It's hard to stay focused on the concept that we're trying to put qualified electrical apprentices out the door. As one of my Navy Commanders once said, "When you're up to your butts in alligators, it's hard to remember your primary objective was to drain the swamp."
Interestingly, the section I just finished is on postings. There isn't really interaction with other posters here. So, to me, its not real, except it gets me thinking about it a little more (i.e. cause its not actually working here). Also, what up with the small print? It makes me feel unimportant ;)
Very interesting to see the different learning styles online are the ones I see in the classroom. Discussion boards are a great way to keep students engaged and seeing other points of view.
asynchronous is good to keep the group engaged and synchronous discussions are helpful with individual clarifications
Be prepared be ready be available listen to your students make sure they know you're not ignoring them Don't single track ! respond as soon as you can to their questions and let them know that you really are interested in their success
I am learning the difference between asynchronous and synchronous instruction. I plan to apply the asynchronous modes of participation of students and how to get students involved. I also will give immediate feedback to students.
Asynchronous discussions have been a standard mode of interaction for all of the online courses I've taught. In some cases, optional synchronous chats have been offered, but these usually have exceptionally low participation. Working synchronously in an online environment is very difficult because of time zones and work/family schedules.
Matt Wilkerson
I like the idea of asking students, if they are getting what they need in the course?
The discussion board is a great way to keep students engaged in the online environment. In addition, the discussion thread is a great way to establish a consistent "presence".
The information regarding online learning styles was great! I can see how to address those styles most effectively
Synchronous teaching online keeps everyone on pace with the course in real time, where asynchronous lag a little. I can see this for diffrent situations.
In my particular case my students will participate in daily, sycronous video-enhanced lectures with more of a fact-finding discussion to post afterwards. Since we do have lab time everyday for 4.5 hours I plan to actively address any learning/participation issued in person. I'm planning on having a fun discussion topic that is more of a "DID YOU KNOW? where students research the history behind a given preparation or cooking technique. I believe this method may spur curiosity among the dependent learners and move them into a more participatory catagory.
