Get Your Students Hired
There are several good things to contemplate when considering the learners, to include their previous experience, along with the most efficient way to present the information to be disseminated.
In my opinion, ensuring that the presentation is as informative as possible with a syllabus is also important.
Michael,
I agree with the continual communication - the best that you can. I do tell the students there is ONE of me and over 200 of them (that's my load), so they tend to understand if the communication is not constant. Thanks!
Dr. Crews,
I find this to be a great question, I think three important things to consider are: continual communication, does every student understand (the assignment and what is expected) and reaching out (showing you care). I realize that this could become a bit difficult when you have 30 students or more students in a class as I have and teach two or more classes but in the end, the personal attention assists them to appreciate the topic/course and the instructor or at least they understand what they need to do (because you can't reach everyone) to get better, which i think goes a long way.
Dr. Stone
Tom,
Good point. If we use technology just for the sake of using it and don't use it properly, the learning may even diminish instead of improve. Thanks again.
The online learning environment requires different means of engaging with students. Using a learning management system that you are familiar with and the one that supports the course learning objectives is a plus. Technology can hamper learning if it is not used properly. The content should be designed with the student in mind. The syllabus should be dynamic and rubrics should be used for assessment with formative feedback from the professor. Instructions must be clear and detailed enough. I include a policy of responding to student emails withing 24 hours. Thanks, Tom
College-level language is an expanded use of vocabulary. There is an obviously a difference when reading an elementary textbook and a college-textbook. Once a student starts to read college textbooks, they should incorporate new words in their speaking and writing.
Cynthia,
What would you consider college language and supporting arguments? Thanks for the clarification.
Teaching conceptually
Encouraging the use of college-level language
Supporting arguments
Jeanice,
The syllabus many times is the first communication point with all students. A clear syllabus with learning objectives included is essential. Thanks for your input.
That your syllabus is clear to the students.
That you communicate with the students in a timely manner.
That you, as in instructor, know your material and can articulate this in an online format.
James,
These are great questions. We can relate all of these back to how do we help the students achieve the learning outcomes. Thanks!
1. The current knowledge state of the audience. What are the gaps that must be addressed in the course?
2. Individual differences - how will I need to address, either through direct discussion or reference to resources, particular individual weaknesses and learning needs?
3. Morale and participation - How enthusiastic is the student about the course or topic? How committed is the student, and how participative is the student?
Janet,
Right on! And so much of what you are discussing is about communication - typically the most important thing in any situation.
Thanks!
Hi, Everyone,
The three most important things to consider are 1) that the course syllabus is clear and specifies all requirements, 2) the the discussion questions are designed to provide students the opportunity to discover their own level of knowledge of the subject and to be able to expand their knowledge, and, 3)my input into the classroom supports and encourages student learning.
Janet
Janet,
The syllabus is typically the first thing we think about because many times it is the first bit of communication we provide to our students. Combining this information with the learning objectives and scaffolding new learning is essential. Nice job.
Hi, Everyone,
The three most important items in teaching an online course include first, providing a clear, specific, and dynamic syllabus; second, providing discussion questions that allow the students an opportunity to discover what they know and to expand that knowledge; and third, to provide an environment and learning sequence that allows students to build on what they already know as well as constructing their learning scaffold with new information and understanding.
Janet
Francis ,
Experience brings us knowledge and helps develop our skills. Thanks for sharing your top tips with others.