What is best way of starting a search related to subject being taught

Where were rubrics when I was in school? Rubrics not only provide guidance for the students to follow, but they also set guidelines. When a student questions a grade, the rubric helps provide the direction. I have recently implemented a rubric for my research paper, and what a difference in the papers this semester. I question why we didn't use rubrics in the past.

Yes, having read about the three generations in this past module, I can totally relate to this. We are told the average age of our college students is 26 years of age, at least at the state college I teach full-time. But, online varies, and we are not aware of the age of our students, unless they outright tell us, or it slips into the conversation that is posted. Due to this, being aware of the different generations and their communication skills is vital! The Generation Y's seem to stand out in my online classes, and they have no problem talking to me, or letting me know how they feel. It takes some curbing and directing at times. It has been a learning platform for me, too, in learning how to communicate with my students. Online is very different from F2F communications.

Having been teaching in the online environment for over fourteen years, I have learned that the management of communication in the class is vital. This module simply reinforced what I have been doing. I set up the guidelines from day one, and then enforce them. I tell my students it is like a dress code. Some outfits are appropriate in certain environments. Think of communicating in the same way. Would you wear a bathing suit to church?

I have found that the various tech tools are so valuable for communicating. I also teach F2F, and still rely on the tools. So, not only do online classes use them, but so do the F2F and hybrid courses. I find communicating through email is valuable for more personal reasons. Quite often I have student that don't understand the concept that there are things you do not post on the discussion boards. My welcoming intro goes over what the various tech tools are used for during the class. This saves a lot of time later. At the moment, I have an online class that is using the discussion board for personal comments! So, my explanations don't always work!

Rubrics quantify subjective activities. They also present activities in a clearly defined manner so that there is little question about expectations or evaluation.

Just the tools have! Understanding generational differences is just a part of understanding the students you are working with. How they interact, are motivated, and skills depend on their past experiences. Those experiences are influenced by when they were born and the environment (time period) they grew up in.

The two most important aspects to creating a positive pattern of communication are timely responses and modeling. Communication must be timely to be effective. Students and instructors get frustrated when communication is delayed. Modeling is an effective way to show students what the expected behavior is, rather than a list of rules.

1. What are you trying to achieve? Synchronous or Asynchronous tools will provide different results. The first question to ask is what goals/outcomes are you trying to meet with the tool. 2. Evaluate the tool after a short time for effectiveness. Did the tool meet the goal? If not, why? 3.Ask your audience. Survey students and discuss what they liked, disliked, and any limitations of the tool

How can games and simulations reward the brain? Also, how can a game or simulation provoke positive emotions?

What have been your personal drawbacks with using a blog in a class

What will follow twitter with regards to microblogging

List them

When does one become over entrenched in using social media with regards to the learning environment?

I will share two of my best practices. My first best practice has been to develop check lists. I commonly use a checklist at the beginning of the week in the initial weekly announcement to outline (and remind) what assignments are due that week. Secondly, on the more involved assignments I will include a checklist with reminders they should complete before they submit their final assignment. My second best practice is to post additional announcements and reminders on the discussion board about common mistakes or confusions that week. The things that I post generally come from my past experience in the course. Perhaps students historically demonstrate difficulty with a certain type of problem on their homework. Then I will post some additional resources and clarifications on this. They can then look at the material at their own speed and leisure. Best, Brian Stout

Rubrics are wonderful for various reasons. Not only does the rubric help the students to focus on what is needed in their written responses, it helps the instructor focus on how to help the students learn and develop. This helps the instructor focus on problem areas, and work with each student in those problem areas so that the student can communicate in a more efficient manner. Rubrics allow for consistency and equity in grading, which again, helps the instructor to have focus. This will also help the students remain on task. Finally, this helps the instructor manage time in the grading process so that tight deadlines are met in the class. Most institutions need grades to be posted within a certain time frame, and students are normally eager to know sooner than later how well they performed.

I honestly did not notice such a gap in the communication skills (input and output) until I began the journey of teaching online. Since the online environment consists primarily of written communication, I quickly learned that every student does not respond well to same method of communication. While this is true, I cannot bend to ineffective or "inappropriate" communication (i.e. "texting" language in an essay question). Every instructor must reach a happy medium wherein class announcements (e-mails or postings) are communicated effectively (i.e. appropriate and acceptable grammar, clear, and concise); however, the instructor can also cover any potential communication issues in private e-mails so that specific issues can be addressed without embarrassing any student while keeping everyone on the same page.

In what ways does your institution promote strong working alliances between students and institutional personnel?

How would you characterize the campus climate at your institution and what impact does this have on students and institutional personnel?

How can one’s understanding of the unique demographic characteristics of online students help with improving service to these students?