You have to foster feedback by providing feedback regularly. Beecause you can;t see the individual like in a regular classroom setting to make sure that students understand.
Asynchronous discussion is the preferred method of discussion when delivering important course information.
Learning about the different learning styles was helpful, especially the first three and how this can inhibit learning in an online environment. Also the importance of asynchronous learning and the challenges on synchronous learning
The differnece between using asynchronus and synchronous discussions is important. It is not recommended to have synchronous disucssions with more than 5 to 6 students at a time. It is also important to hold multiple synchronous sessions so that learners in different time zones have the opportunity to participate.
Asynchronous discussions requre the instructor to be an active particpant to keep the learning going. It is important that students have a rubric of how the discussion is being graded and the rules of netiquete pertaning to online discussions. One way to do this is to post objectives and rules of class discussions in a rubric for students to read and have handy as they are creating their online discussion posts.
Students have different learning styles. Much more so only. I now understand asynchronous and synchronous learning as it relates to online courses. I feel I can reach more students in different ways with this learning.
In this module I learned more about the value of asynchronous vs. synchronous interactions with a class of students. Aynchronous is strongly suggested over synchronous. It also became clear that asynchronous writen responses by students will be a primary way for students to engage with the course material and each other. This allows the instructor to assess understanding and respond to effectively. In classes that are too small or too large (above 40) it will be more difficult to elicit student engagement in either way, asynchronous or synchronous due to the variety of student learning styles and the need for student interaction. Breaking into small groups will assist with learning within a larger class environment.
Module 3 gave great information on asynchronous and synchronous discussions that I will use in my online teaching. I could see how a synchronous session going over course material would not be a good idea, as it would move fast, and wouldn't really allow time to absorb the information. I think it would be good for a questions and answer session, but limited to this sort of interaction. Asynchronous sessions give great opportunities for learning opportunities and to give constructive feedback about relevant discussions. There are some very good points about leading and maintaining the discussion threads, and I will utilize these ideas in the discussion threads in my class. Discussions are a great way to allow all students to equally express and convey their thoughts, feelings and understanding of a topic.
I've been trying to build synchronous foundations for our students but it's crazy learning all the tools and platforms.
I now have a much better understanding of asynchronous and synchronous discussions. The fact that acynchronous are set to help ot imporove group involvement and particpation of all. Knowing and identifing early those that may not or have difficult participating is also important for the instructor. I can now expland my use of discussion and have better results.
The instrustructor plays a crucial role in creating the culture of the online environment, engages every student equitably and will need to provide consistent feedack since students want to knowhow they are progressing.
Asynchonous teaching allows everyone to participate but you need to make sure you are engaging all participates.
Online Teaching Techniques --> Engaging Learners
Letting my students know in advance a "Chat" session will be required, giving them an opportunity before chat, for any preparations. Make it clear that their will be allotted time at the begining for socializing, but we must adhere to the Core Chat session time rules. But inform them they will also have asynchronous sessions.
There is a clear distinction between asynchronous and synchronous methods to online teaching and learning. Students must know the difference so they can be successful distance learners.
Asynchronous discussion posts are useful for students with various schedules or living in different time zones. However reluctant learners may need more direct contact to participate in the course
Synchronous discussions can be beneficial to students and is even encouraged. That being said, it should be utilized more for individual questions and feedback rather than for learning purposes.
I thought this unit was good in explaining the difference between synchronis and Asnchronis discussions and the need and use for both. But the explainanation on why to use Asnchronisis to teach content was extremely helpful.
Body language is an important aspect of how we communicate, we have to compensate for body language not being part of how we are "talking" to the students.
Roger
In this module, I have learned the difference between asynchronous and syncrhonous discussions. I have learned how to implement asynchronous discussions in an onlne learning platform.
I intended to establish some form of an asynchronous discussion in my online course.
The Engaging Learners Module reiterated the need for me to continue providing my students with timely feedback and to strategically reach out to the students that are often hesitant to participate in group learning activities. In order to address to the first item stated above, I plan on using one (1) specific day of the week as my grading and commentary day which will allow me an opportunity to review students’ work, assess it, and provide them with explicit details about their performance on the given task as it correlates to the expectations stated on the rubric. With regard to the second item stated above, I intend to have breakout sessions with identified students as needed, maintain consistent email correspondence with them, and provide tutoring or help sessions via phone communication.
The most important aspect of online learning is the same as classroom learning. An instructor has to determine what category a student is in for their learning/participation style and adapt to that student in order to efficiently deliver the content. Some students thrive on synchronous 'chats' while others will wait patiently for asynchronous feedback. Both styles work quite well and a good online instructor will quickly determine how and when to use each.
