I think that online students underestimate the amount of time needed to complete a course. Then they begin to panic and catch up in the end.

During my tenure in online teaching, I have found that there are various reasons why a combination of communication tools should be used in a class. E-mail is "king", particularly in a asynchronous setting. However, other tools are needful in general, but not effective for the student. For example, I may have a single mother of 3 who works full-time while taking 2 classes online. The use of teleconference may not work well due to the massive amount of responsibility she must shoulder alone while advancing her career. However, she may be an avid e-mailer based on her schedule. I've also had a student wherein English was not their first or most fluent language. This particular student had difficulty typing, and only preferred to do so if necessary. However, the student frequently used our VoIP site with me to discuss issues in the class. We must be flexible and consider the needs of the students first, and how it works together in the class to meet the course objectives.

Is there a place for both discussion boards and blogs in an online class? Seems to me that one cancels the other out. I use discussion boards in my online classes and require students to post an initial thread, then respond in a meaningful way to at least two other students' posts. These postings are graded. Since I can attach videos, links and other ancillary material to discussion board postings, what's the value of a blog? Is it the world-wide exposure? Or something else?

I find that students underestimate the importance of engaging with me as well as the other students in the course. They will not respond to calls or emails... maybe as a way to avoid the truth. Being able to get them on the phone or engaged through email is really important and the students need to realize it's just as important for them to engage as it is for the instructor to engage with them.

Assuming Blogs are free is kind of naive. First of all there is the cost of a computer and internet access. Obviously this course is geared toward online classes but what if a student is using a public computer like in a library. Making ones own blog might not be allowed.

Unless a school allows me to officially use twitter am I able to actually use it to update students? Isn't that limiting my updates to only those who are able to afford devices that can access Twitter?

The definition proposed by this course of what social commentary is in correct. Social commentary is the act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in a society. This is often done with the idea of implementing or promoting change by informing the general populace about a given problem and appealing to people's sense of justice. What you have described is the ability to comment on or about social media posts. Not social commentary.

The end of school networks and systems like MaxKnowledge is coming. New programs should embrace already large social networks. Rather than make their own lounge and such it should be using something like facebook as its lounge.

As I continue to learn what it means to truly be the best online instructor, I am also learning what it takes for the students as well. These are some of the things that I will take back to my class. If I put this message out in the beginning I think it will encourage my students to greatness. In the end isn't that what I want.

I have found that when using technology you must know your audience. I have so many students that respond well to emails. But there are some students who I believe do better in group forum and are more eager to participate with open group lines of communication.

I know that we talk about time management with our students. This is imperative to the success of our students however time management with the instructors is just as important. I notice that it is very important to stay organize with the management of the courses that I teach. I can not be productive without this and this is what I teach my students

An effective learning can happen only if the content is up to the mark and meets the end user requirements. The learners must be able to satisfy their question ‘What’s in it for me?’ A positive answer to this question will ensure an acceptance of the content and an intended learning from it. The content must not be too long, the best practice is to break it into small chunks and present it along with relevant media assets.

When you speak to a crowd, communicating effectively means that your delivery is positive and confident so that your message comes across effectively. Use the tips in the following list to convey your points: Speak up so others can easily hear you, especially in group situations. Make your message as concise as possible; wordiness is not needed or wanted. Use language in the best way possible to make your points.

Communicating effectively involves not only speaking well, but listening well, too. Active-listening tools, such as those in the following list, help you hold up your end of a successful conversation or discussion. Concentrate on what the speaker has to say. Listen for content and emotion to understand the entire message. Maintain steady eye contact so speakers know your attention is with them. Reflect back with verbal feedback to confirm your understanding of the message.

No matter your age, background, or experience, effective communication is a skill you can learn. The greatest leaders of all time are also fantastic communicators and orators. In fact, communications is one of the most popular college degrees today; people recognize the value of a truly efficient communicator. With a little self-confidence and knowledge of the basics, you'll be able to get your point across in no time.

For the past few years, my college required instructors to create their own rubrics. This was helpful as instructors have different requirements within their courses. Recently, we were required to work with others who teach identical courses to create a standard rubric for each course. Although, I was hesitant, this process proved to be very helpful. It allowed me to see what other instructors valued in the course and to refine the course objectives for the course. I'd love to hear from some of you about the process you use to create rubrics.

I use rubrics a lot. The let my students know what to expect and they let me know where to put the emphasis in grading the students.

Not all baby boomers are technology challenged. Some are very technical. I do find ( and I am 1 ) that baby boomers are not as flexible as the later 2 generations.

My students have to respond to the postings of other students. They tend to reply good post or great job. I try to break them of this habit by contacting them privately and giving them a 0- for the post.

I am an older instructor and do not like texting. However I find I can get student to respond better when I text them as opposed to calling them.