Get Your Students Hired
Being primarily an online instructor I wanted to express the importance of retention in that environment as well. Being online we are sometimes disconnected from the campus and the students. We don't get to see them on a daily or weekly basis - so we rely on monitoring their participation and assignment submissions.
Further it is harder to identify students whom are struggling or having a hard time if they don't express it. Because just because they are handing in their work, etc. doesn't mean they are having a positive and enriched experience.
As an online instructor it is very important to keep your students interactive and get to know them a little bit. Make yourself feel inviting and encourage students to ask you questions or express their concerns. Further you should monitor student activity and message quickly students whom are not active.
You don't want to reach the student before it is too late!
As online instructors, would it be useful to have information about the students' personality, communication style, etc. such as a Myers-Briggs profile?
Loren Kroh
Andrew,
I agree with you 100%. I can speak on this from both point of views (as a student and instructor). To be honest, online classes are rewarding and can be as fun as in-seat. It all depends on the interaction with the instructor.
I have had some instructors myself, that released the work on Monday and gave us a grade the following day. No interactions, instead of responding in 24 hours it took weeks; which left the students to fin for them self.
I love teaching online because it shows me how great of an instructor that I am, if my students can come out on top and have learned valuable information.
Letting the students know you care, will always help with overall retention.
Hi Andrew,
I agree wholeheartedly. What are some of the things that you have done to assure that your students are engaged beyond messaging?
I know that I keep in touch through discussion boards, emails, and announcements. However, sometimes I do not get any responses. As an instructor of a gateway course, it can be difficult to ascertain if the student understands how to access the course content or if they are logging in just enough to be counted as an active student.
Thank you for your posting,
Phyllis