Intervention in an On-line School
Working in both in-seat and on-line schools, I have found that intervention can be very difficult in the virtual world. When you’re in an in-seat school, you can go get your student in a class or see them in the hall to have a conversation with them. In the virtual school, you have to try to initiate a conversation by trying to reach them by phone or email. When you do get them on the phone, in can be difficult to find out if there is anything going on.
What kind of intervention strategies has worked for you in the on-line environment?
I haven't thought of that, but I think it is a great idea. Students must respond to weekly check-ups with Instructors in order to receive full participation credit.
Unfortunately, the delete button can be a big problem. Unlike a chance meeting in the hall, online students have the power to ignore attempts to connect with them.
Has anyone tied an element of classroom performance review to participation - specifically, response to inquiries from school personnel?
Steve, your background in both in seat and on-line is very valuable. Perhaps some of the in-seat startegies can be modified for the on-line format. Maybe rather than meeting in the hall, the online student may be open to the idea of a virtual chat with their support person or advisor. Persistance in contacting the student seems to be the key to helping many online students we deal with at our school.
