Coleen Poitinger

I enjoyed learning about the student self assessment using the rubric.  I do advise students to see the rubric to see how their assignments will be graded. Some take this very seriously and submit wonderful work.  Others however, no matter how many ways or times I convey information to help with improving their work, do not read, take phone calls, and do not take suggestions for revisions to resubmit for a better grade. 

I also agree that consistency within the modules is key! As a previous online student I would have been very upset if every class I took had… >>>

I think it is a great idea for students to be able to use the rubric to self-assess themselves before they submit to their instructor for grading. As learned in this module, it teaches them the importance of "owning" of their individual learning/work.  While I think more advanced online students would be willing and thrilled with the opportunity to do this, some students, no matter how many times or ways they are advised in and how to improve, still do not take advantage of the suggestions, or even additional attempts allowed for improvement. Yet, the ones who do, are always… >>>

I find that when I share course expectations the 1st day of class and reiterate expectations in numerous forms, for example, class announcements and the live sessions, students are less apprehensive about the course. I also like to promote collaboration and critical thinking in class discussions amongst peers. I ask them to share for example their real world experience in regards to a topic, and if no real world experience, what they might do if confronted with the situation. After several contribute their thoughts, I like to say "great discussion between one another here" and praise them for sharing with… >>>

I really enjoyed this course which was chock full of great information to enhance online learners experience and retain them as students. As we are instructing "online" our tone may not be reflected in virtual messages we are sending. Therefore, I really appreciated the examples of "positive language" we can use to address student issues, and concerns, including the use of emoticons which further express our feelings that cannot be seen in a virtual message. As noted in the presentation, "The words we use reveal much about our attitudes and intentions. It is important to be thoughtful with language and… >>>