Ashley Slaughter

Netiquette is my mian take away from this lesson. We learn about incivility in the classroom and I think we forget how easily it can be noted in the online environment as well, espeically since we lose out on the ability to analyze nonverbal communication. 

When teaching online, instructors tend to assume students have technological skills and this assumption is wrong. Instructors need to be clear and helpful when incorporating different methodologies for conveying information. Students need to be able to ask questions if they are unsure about these formats and instructors must give clear, concise instructions to help students. 

Many factors go into being a successful online instructor. Not only do you have to be great at communicating expectations, relaying important information, being readily available at set times, but you also have to be able to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning since you aren't right there with them in the classroom. 

The online learning environment is not for every student. It is important that the instructor help students identify their strengths and weakensses and help motivate them to be successful. Motivation is both intrinsic and extrinsic and not everyone is motivated enough for the online environment.

The online instructor must work to guide the responsiveness of students. Giving prompt, constructive feedback is essential to keeping the students engaged and to help prevent the simplistic response to discussion posts. 

Ensuring that the online environment is viewed as an open communication environment is important, but it is also important that the instructor enforces online civility and civil conversation between students and between students and instructor. Detailing guidelines from the beginning of the course for behavior and nettiqute is important. 

Communication is difficult when working in an online learning environment. Therefore, it is essential that the instructor stay on top of communication by setting clear standards for communication and following through with the detailed plan for communication efforts. 

When chooing the appropriate means to communicate with students, it is important to think about the group size you are working with and the effectiveness of the tool. It is of upmost importance that the tool be one that is easily navigated and user friendly, while also a good means for effective communication. 

It is important for the instructor to engage the student. Ensure there are different types of interactive assignments such as blogs, discussion posts, and other engaging assignments. The instructor needs to provide prompt feedback and have good communication. 

It is important for the instructor to facilitate learning. Constructive feedback is essential to ensure the students are able to take away the necessary information to meet objectives. Utilization of different feedback strategies helps engage the learner and help them master the content.