Communication is the most important thing in online learning.
The use of rubrics as an evaluation instrument allows us to see the progress of the student, they will feel more confident in doing the work because, they will know with what criteria they are going to be evaluated progressively. A rubric can be presented from the beginning of the learning to the end.
Suggested reading to deepen the subject of rubrics:
Mustaffa, F. Y., Salam, A. R., Muhammad, F., Bunari, G., & Asary, L. H. (2016). Literature review of educational app evaluation rubrics. Intervention in School and Clinic, 51(4), 244-252.
The use of a Rubric for concise communication is helpful in setting the standards for the students. It is the standards that maintain consistency within the online educational setting.
The aspect of this section that has given me the most to ponder is being a "guide on the side" versus a "sage on the stage." I think I am a guide or facilitator in discussions, but I do post a lot. I was trained to respond to every single student and that's not required where I work now and I've been encouraged not to consider that a requirement. I wonder now if it would enhance discussions. One reason I am hesitant is because my habit of responding to everyone is one of the things students tend to post positively about in course evaluations.
NancyTosh
Rubics are a great tool to guide the student in what content is needed to cover the answer or respond to what the professor is looking for.
Seth Soronnadi.
I have been reminded that; "A rubric provides instructors with the opportunity to assess students' work consistently and more easily, as well as to think through the outcomes/objectives of an assignment to ensure that each is being measured completely and consistently."
I learned the importance of personalizing communications to students. This will assist in developing the online community.
Rubrics provide a clear and consise outline of expectations not only for assignments, but for learning outcomes. Collaborative communication sets stanards for substansive posts from students. This prevents low quality posstings with little revelence or a regergatation of information while provoking critical thinking.
I have learned it is important to provide feedback, however allow students to respond to each other and then guide them on the side.
Cheryl
I was aware of the importance of good communication between students and instructors, I had never thought of it in terms of building a community.
Instructors of online courses need to develop techniques that promote a feeling of community through effective communication and opportunities for collaboration. Use of rubrics can help provde a formal, fair, and consistent way of grading online communication.
Falling back onto the keyword of "communication." Students want to know that what they are saying is heard, and if we as instructors are not consistently checking and providing feedback students can feel like it is pointless to work in a discussion board. In regards to grading, following the rubric consistently will yield the best results.
Online Courses, just like F2F Courses will require Instructors to have conflict resolution skills to deal with issues that arise between students and, students and the instructor. Having a well thought Rubric and a Code of Conduct can allow the Instructor to refer the students back to when conflict arises and will help take the emotion out of the response.
Communication with students and between students is important to learning. Setting guidelines from the beginning will help the learning process and create a sense of community and engagement among the students.
The importance of finding a balance when posting for students, being sure provide enough direction and feed back, but not too much information.
It is important to utilize a rubric to provide consistent feedback to students.
A rubric provides fair and consistent assessment criteria. I intend to try Rubistar.
Providing an opportunity for communication and collaboration among students is important in an online learning platform. As an instructor is important to have clear Rubrics in place.
It is important to establish guidelines for participation to encourage students to participate in an online environment. Also useful to use a rubric when grading student responses to online discussions. It is also important to encourage a sense of community among the students.
Use a rubric with commuincation so there is no questions as to what is expected out of the sfudens. Have the students review the conduct code so they also know what they should be following.
