Asynchronous or Synchronous
In my online course I used both communication tools. The reason why because everyone learns differently and have both types of communication tools in your course can reach all students regardless of the differences.
Shundra Mosby
Christina,
Nice post! Students can be so intimidated so you have to help them learn to "use" them. You are the facilitator pointing out the interesting and important details!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Good insight. I use a variety of communication tools as well. This includes videos, conferencing, the DB, and chat.
The textbook is "thick" to a certain extent. I encourage the students to read the week's lecture before and after the textbook because it puts the philosophy into layman's terms so to speak. Then I encourage them to attend our weekly live chat where I go over the vital material. I am already seeing far better understanding of theory with this new version of the course than with others. And am really excited to see how the papers come out with the students having to pick a topic from their program of study. The course had always been a good one and well-designed, but I find it is so much more applicable to our students now.
Letrice,
I agree and you want to encourage students to stretch their learning skills. You want to make sure students understand how to learn. It may be something you need to address.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Everyone definitely learns differently. I often have to reteach information because some students just don't the one particular method that can be displayed online. The more teaching styles used, the better.
Shundra,
Great strategies. How many of your students use the synchronous communication tool?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
