Hi Jeff, do you use a variety of technology applications to support different learning styles? Tina
I am constrained to the tools offered in the CMS. But, luckily, there are a varied of applications that can be used. First, the main application is a lecture delivered by a webex using powerpoint slides. Secondly, there is a white board for ad hoc discussions and explanations. Thirdly, the school provides some canned videos on various topics. I would like to use the videos more, but they are not available with the lecture, thus, I do recomend that students seach youtube or google videos should they need another point of view. I also post my slides so they can have them if they want.
I wonder if they are there during online lectures also. I implore them to ask questuions. Interacting with the class is much more enjoyable for me and I am sure it is better for the students to. But, I can't make them ask questions.
Dr. Stavredes,
My biggest challenge in transitioning to a "guide on the side" is two fold:
First - the lack of body language. As an onground instructor, I see and react to my students' body language. The result for me is that I am not giving a lecture as much as interacting with the students about the content. I can stop and ask a question to stimulate discussion or back track and explain something a different way when I see quizical looks on student faces. Online it is difficult to gage the student's mood, tone, or reaction even if you get a response, since many are unaware of the impact of their words.
Second - the written language. I find that most of my students can't seem to forget their texting language and use correct English grammar which makes communication so much easier. I have to constantly remind myself not to correct the grammar and concentrate on the content. The students lack of facility with the written language limits their ability to communicate, which gives rise to frustation.
Kate
I have to agree with you regarding the biggest challenge. It is hard to maintain the close interaction with students when they do not participate in the live chat discussions. I also find that they do not understand some of the assignments because they do not always view the entire live chat archive.
Hello Dr. Stavredes,
I believe the biggest challenge in this transition is the fact the you do not know your students as well as you would in traditional classroom situations. Online classrooms can have students (and instructors) from all over the world. You do not have the face-to-face interaction to understand the needs of the students.
For example, a student in California could be involved in a earthquake but for those of use in other parts of the country, we could continue as usual. If that same student were attending a local class in California, the entire classroom would be aware of the situation.
This is just one example but illustrates how a student can be somewhat alienated by his or her own personal situation. I have had students not participate in class for days and have limited resources in contacting them. I can use the classroom system, email, and telephone to contact students but may not know what is happening in the local area.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen W. Volz
Hi Stephen, I appreciate your point of view. On the other side, online learners offers an opportunity for more individualized attention, so it can afford opportunities for more dialog and communication between the student and the instructor. Tina
These are great ways to support your students! Tina
Hi Kate, I think over time, you will begin to develop a sense of your learners tone and mood. It is interesting the little nuances that I pick up in their writing. Tina
Yes, I agree Catherine. It appears that one of the biggest challenges is getting learners to go through the learning materials prior to engaging in the course activities! Tina
My biggest challenge is being the guide on the side vs the sage on the stage would be the telephone. I am not much of a phone person. In this transition I had to not only be on the phone, but 80% of the time I had to be the one to initiate the call. When you are face to face it is much easier to assist the student because you know when they need the help. They don't always ask for help when they need it when it is an online class.
I find this to be one of the most difficult things in the online classroom; participation in online chats. I even went as far to ask students what the best time for them was to ensure attendance. Any suggestions on how to increase participation in weekly chats?
Hi Linda, we are using web conferencing to hold office hours, so learners can call in and get help or ask questions. It has reduced the time faculty spend individually answering questions. Tina
Instructor interaction in an online learning environment is very different from the traditional learning environment. Traditionally, the major interaction that an instructor has with learners is through the transmission of content via lecture. In an online learning environment, the delivery of course content is not the instructor’s primary activity, so you will need to be able to transition from being the “sage on the stage†to the “guide on the side.†What do you feel will be your biggest challenge in transitioning to a "guide on the side"?
