When teaching my online courses, due to the subject matter I must consider the learning styles of each student, how to chunk and link each module, and to be able to relate complex concepts ( again due to the subject matter) into everyday terms my students can understand. This is a delicate juggling act at times.
John,
Effective communication is the key. Whether we communicate via email, discussion boards or in writing through our syllabus, they are all important.
Amy,
"Chunking" is essential. Thanks for bringing that term into this conversation. We have to make our content in chunks that are attainable for the students.
Dr. Crews.
The main things that I try to consider when instructing my online courses are monitoring the content carefully. You have to make sure that you stay on top of all things in the classroom. You also need to monitor involvement of all students inside the classroom to ensure active participation from everyone. Finally, you should keep encouraging students to work hard...yet be understanding when they have difficult times in the course and try to help them through them.
David Pittman
David,
Staying on top of things can be difficult, but it's essential - as you said. We have to try to understand our students the best we can and make sure the content is "live" and the navigation is appropriate. Thanks!
1. Are the students engaged and if not, identify the problem areas and make needed changes. Considering things like ease of navigation, is the material too difficult/easy? Is it reaching objectives?
2. Are there any changes that need to be made to make it a better experience for the instructor?
3. Consider students feedback on how things are going.
Gary,
I especially like your "if not" statement. The key is that if it is not happening we do have to try and figure out why. Good point.
The three most important things to consider are course outcomes, how to best reach students, and which assignments may be troubling for students.
Lisa,
Good info. I especially like the point you bring up about looking ahead and thinking about assignments that may be troubling for students. Being proactive like this is great. Thanks!
Hi Dr. Crews,
You're very welcome. Most definitely! The syllabus is where it all begins after the course has been developed. I appreciate your response.
Best...
Dr. Naomi
Hi Dr. Crews,
I add an extra discussion forum in week 1 and ask the students to introduce themselves. This allows for the students to share more about themselves, and I use this information to relate to them.
I also focus on being available and reachable in discussion forum, via email, IM, and phone. This provides the student with some added peace of mind.
Finally, I set expectations at the beginning of the term. I share my expectations of the students, and what they should expect of me as well. I believe that setting expectations paves for a smooth class, and avoids any misunderstanding.
On principle, a great syllabus, a great LMS and a great teacher will suffice for great teaching. Except, we are talking about learning, not teaching, so the main material of success is... great students. Well, in reality we don't always have great students, sometimes quite the opposite... Solution: the facilitator has to work even harder. I have given my students 24/7 access to me by email and tel. I tutor on the phone often because chats and emails are not efficient when confusion reigns. So, engagement is individual and continuous and that gets the most learning... At the same time, I make $3.60/hr but that's not why we teach, is it? (I'll tell my landlord and see what she says..) :-)
I believe the three most important things to consider in teaching an online course consist of the following:
Effective Communication
Course Framework
Dynamic Syllabus
Nizar,
Whenever you can help students feel comfortable and have a peace of mind, it's so helpful. Thanks for your input in this forum.
Elias,
Good point. There is a difference between teaching and learning. Thanks for bringing that up. BTW - maybe after you take these classes, you'll get a raise. ;-)
Darlene,
These are important as they all help "frame" the class, communication and expectations. Thanks!
Hi all, assuming the course is set up in a logical and interactive way, then the 3 things I consider important to teaching are:
1)Communication: students need to hear from me promptly and know that I am monitoring their progress. I can communicate through emails, discussion boards, class chats, and private chats.
2)Prompt feedback on assignments: Our classes move quickly and not only do students want their grades, but they also need feedback on what they are doing well and how to improve.
3)Understanding student needs: Getting to know sudent backgrounds and individual needs/ concerns will help me to individualize comments when communicating. Lyn H.
The three most important things to consider are:
1. How to get the students started
2. How to keep the students continuing
3. How to get the students to finish
1. We get the students started with a dynamic syllabus.
2. we keep the students going with effective communication so they don't stop.
3. We get the students to finish making sure they scaffold the material by building on what they learn to complete the material.
Lyn ,
Ah - your assumption is an important one to make. Getting to know the students and figuring out how help them achieve the learning outcomes is essential. Thanks!
Carl,
I like the way you noted helping students get started and help them continue to learn. That happens with the effective communication you discussed. Thanks!
