Meggan Hansen

Discussion Comment

Communication is key in any job-as an employer and employee, student and teachers, etc. It's been interesting to me how communication occurs in an online classroom environment. My experience has been that students tend to cut corners if possible. They don't read the weekly emails/announcements. They don't watch video recordings, or read extra material. This information would help answer their questions. It would definitely cut down on the emails I receive with questions about the topics I specifically covered. I will refer students back to those weekly emails or videos so they know I cover the information. I've also learned… >>>

Meggan Hansen

Discussion Comment

Assessments

This is an area that is always a 'work in progress' for me. Although it has been a wile since I wrote my own exam, I remember some of the difficulties I faced. I remember some of the tests I thought were the best measurement of learning the students struggled with. It seemed like I was always revising questions. I guess that's part of the process though. Even with some of the standard tests that are used in my courses now, I find that some students interpret some of the questions in different ways.

Meggan Hansen

Discussion Comment

Assessment

I currently teach a course that uses simulation software for some of the assignments and all of the quizzes/tests. In some ways it's good because it's hands on learning and evaluation. In other ways it's not a fair way to measure the student's learning. I have a lot of students who have software glitches with this program. If the software decides to act up, they miss the points. Also the software wants you to do things a certain way. If you don't do it that way, then it marks it wrong. I have a lot of students frustrated because they… >>>

Meggan Hansen

Discussion Comment

Questioning

I've had some courses where the students are inquisitive and ask great questions. They're involved and make the learning fun and interesting. On the other hand I've had some courses where they just stare at you. When you ask questions, they don't respond and the atmosphere is boring for them and me. I think that each class takes on a personality. I've tried a lot of the techniques that were listed in the content. It was a good reminder though of things to try to engage students in learning.

Meggan Hansen

Discussion Comment

Managing learning styles

I know from being both a student and teacher myself that it is important to teach to student's individual styles. In an online environment, this is quite a difficult task. Not only do you not meet your students, but you don't see them to get visual clues of learning. I know in some of the chapters there are PPT's that go along with the chapter that can help those students who need to see information. Other teachers are also incorporate other visual learning such as webcasts, etc. I think these will help a variety of learners.