Expectations from online classroom
Should it be a mandatory to have students submit a certain number of respones or replies to their classmates' views on a certain topic.
Nancy,
I utilize quality as more important than quantity. If you are only counting quantity, make sure you're assessing quality as well. Thanks!
Some schools do set a minimum number of responses each week. Mine specifies one initial and two follow-up posts each week. I like the follow-up post idea because it encourages students to look at other students' posts and reinforces their learning. I make it a point to respond to all initial posts early in the week so there is feedback.
As important as a minimum number of posts is setting the example for students. I always praise something in the post. I add information, and I try to add a motivational statement. And I ask clarifying questions.
This sounds like a lot, but it pays off. I find many student make more than the minimum required posts and they tend to mimic the patterns I have set. So perhaps a byproduct of this is teaching better communication skills.
Nancy
Carolyn,
Minimums may be necessary, but you have to assess the quality of the posts too. Just assessing quantity may result in a lot of "I agree with Lindsay" or "Good job" posts that have no quality. Something to think about.
I do think in an online class in order to facilitate communication I think a minimum is important to have. I know for example at our school the students have to have a minimum of 2 responses to the classmates postings.
Jeanelisse,
So, how do you assess whether the post is sufficient and quality?
Please share. Thanks!
I dont think that it should be mandatory, they should just have a sufficient quality post.
Akilah,
To me, the quality of the post, not the quantity is important. That is what I judge the posts on.
