Tena Crews

Francis ,

It takes time to become a great facilitator of learning instead of a "dumper" of content. Keep learning.

Karen Maiorano

I do and will continue to as long as I am doing this! :-)

Francis Jones

That is a great point. When I first started doing this, I had a hard time letting the students drive the conversation. I found that it actually hindered the learning process. It was a really important lesson for me to learn.

Tena Crews

Karen,

There is a learning curve on how to learn online. Anything you can do during the first few weeks to shorten that curve, the better. Keep trying!

Karen Maiorano

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

Tena Crews

Karen,

If you have them do any type of group work, you would put a group in charge of facilitating a discussion board post, or simply group students for this purpose. BTW - why are many student gone within the first few weeks? Thanks!

Karen Maiorano

Thanks for that insight Dr. Tena! It is tough to have a student leader in a 5 week first term class though. Any suggestions as to how to use this concept with a first term class where many students are gone within the first few weeks of a short course?

Thanks!
kam

Tena Crews

Karen,

You are so right in noting that the instructor should not take over the conversation. We want the students to take the lead on the conversation. I many times assign a student leader who has to keep the conversation going and everyone engaged. That works for me. Thanks!