Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

How to know work with different generations

Yes, but I am not looking forward to the required webcam work some schools are now moving towards. I believe that online students generally want to work at their pace and not have to be in a class or feel as though they have "missed" class (when schools say it is "not required, but recommended"). Online, should be what it began as, on a students time...allowing instructors to work with students rather than be caught up in the busywork. jmho (Just my humble opinion) kam

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Too Much Availability, with Little Attendance?

Unfortunately, I keep turning back into a 24/7 instructor and it is unfortunate because after 5 years exclusively online I am looking elsewhere for employment. I love what I do, but certainly am not paid enough to work the 20+ hours a day I usually work. I take classes and work towards less, but here I am New Years day...after working all day yesterday as well. It is quite overwhelming as many schools no longer understand what "adjunct" means. I do use a "Questions Go Here" forum with weekly threads, where I answer all general questions and yes that has… >>>

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Creating Specifics

I WISH! Unfortunately, at this school I am not only unable to create my own deadlines, but unable to institute deadlines - which I think are critical in online, as students can easily become "backed up" and then regardless of how much work is done, will not earn enough points to pass....a lose-lose situation. I appreciate all your insights, THANKS Tena! kam

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Student Evaluations for Course Modification

As indicated in a previous response, the challenge with first term is not everyone remains in class so even though I promote doing evals like crazy (its in my weekly chat, posted in announcements and I send an email to remind the students) first term is tough. My math courses, which are students who have been around for a while, have a much better eval rate. kam

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

The Importance of Discussion in Online Classes

I teach first term and there is a huge attrition during the first 3 weeks (don't stay/ don't pay) so it is tough as you make connections and then they are gone. :-( There is also no group work in first term. kam

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Using the Discussion Board Properly

Always up for trying new things. If they work AWESOME! If not, scrap it and try something else. Its all about finding what works for the students, which will change from class to class. Thanks for your well wishes! HAPPY NEW YEAR! :-) kam

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Creating an Feedback that Students Read

I agree, but it is a trap many fall into when they first start teaching online - well, at least I did. I "let them go" more in face to face than when I first started online, however now (7 years later) I believe my balance is better. Thanks for your response. :-) kam

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Student Evaluations for Course Modification

I wish I knew. I think some of it has to do with new students still not being comfortable, I have had others tell me "but I enjoyed the class, so I did not need to fill out the eval" beyond these two reasons I do not know. I post about evals and their importance, as well as share insights in my weekly chat. I do not have as much of an issue with my math students, who have been in the schools longer. Any insights or tips are appreciated. Thanks! kam

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Creating an Feedback that Students Read

I do the same thing now, as I mentioned in one response. I felt that I was doing too much "hand holding" even for a first term class, as I was not setting them up for success and to be able to utilize the resources (including weekly and assignment feedback) properly. I also have my weekly chats recorded, however this has caused some push back as well, with some students complaining that I am not willing to help when they ask a question.....unfortunately this is not mentioned until end of term surveys, not giving me the ability to share with… >>>

Karen Maiorano

Discussion Comment

Using the Discussion Board Properly

Thanks Dr. Tena, I will consider using this method in future classes. kam