Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

As instructors we should never stop evaluating our courses. Our courses must continue to improve and change as information and technology changes. We also need to make changes based on our student population as well as making sure to include the most up to date industry information within our course.

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

Using a rubric

I find the use of rubrics critically important to my students' success. When I am able to provide clear, concise, and consistent feedback to all of my students their level of understanding improves. It also allows them to correct their mistakes and hopefully resubmit for a higher grade.

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

Communicating with students

Communication is key in an online course. I make sure my students know I am available via email, phone, and text. This gives them multiple ways to reach me and allows them to utilize whichever method they are most comfortable with. Many students seem to utilize texting more than any other method. I believe this is so because it allows them a quick individualized answer without phone communication.

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

Keeping your course personal

Hello I think it is important that each of my courses shows my personality as an instructor. I want my students to feel as if there are no barriers to their learning. It can be so difficult to create that personal connection when teaching an online course. Thankfully we now have so many tools which allow us to do so.

Traci Klein

Blog Comment

ED-101 Effective Teaching Strategies

Even though I've been teacching online for three years now I enjoyed the course and look forward to implementing some of the strategies in my current courses.

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

How much technology is necessary in an online course?

As an online instructor I often wonder if we can include too much technology within our online course. We want to make sure that we are including information that will enhance the students' experience, but make sure they remain focused on the learning objectives of the course. In my experience, I have seen students lose focus when I include too much animation or too many YouTube videos within my course.

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

The importance of including a complete and comprehensive syllabus

I feel it is critically important that students are given a clear, complete, and comprehensive syllabus for each online course. Online students are often busy with families, jobs, and other personal obligations. The more prepared they are as to the expectations of the course the more likely they are to succeed. Feedback should also always be encourage regarding the syllabus or any issues that arise during the duration of the course.

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

Keeping discussions on topic

As an online instructor I often find it difficult to keep the discussion on the appropriate topic. I also often find myself having to diffuse a tense conversation between two or more students. In both of these cases I will often privately email the students involve and remind them of their netiquette along with the importance of adding relevant information to the discussion boards. It usually does not take more than one email to convey the importance of staying on point as well as respecting others who are participating within the discussion board.

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

Keeping students engaged

As an online instructor I believe it is critical to my students' success that they remain engaged in the course for the duration of the course. It is very easy to lose interest in a course or find reasons not to "attend" when the course is virtual and attendance is not required in a physical classroom. I try to keep my students engaged by posting announcements regularly with catchy phrases and interesting information regarding the topic we are currently discussing. I also make sure my students know I am available for questions and encourage them to reach out often so… >>>

Traci Klein

Discussion Comment

Criticism of other students work

I have encountered at least one student in every course who feels it is his or her responsibility to let a fellow student know how terrible their discussion post was. How would you recommend dealing with these types of students?