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?
James,
These are great questions. We can relate all of these back to how do we help the students achieve the learning outcomes. Thanks!
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.
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.
Teaching conceptually
Encouraging the use of college-level language
Supporting arguments
Cynthia,
What would you consider college language and supporting arguments? Thanks for the clarification.
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,
Thanks for the explanation. I like the use of that term.
Take care.
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
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.
Thanks for your comments, Tom
Tom,
As we continue to learn from each other, the comments are what counts! ;-).
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
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!
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.
Ed,
Right on! The more we know about our students and their background knowledge, the more we can "meet them where they are" and help them excel. Thanks for your input.
When teaching an online course, the three most important things to consider are:
1. course objectives
2. students' needs
3. ability to evaluate student performance
Shenita,
Now you are bringing in the assessment piece. This is something we have to carefully consider especially in light of the objectives. Thanks!
I believe the three most important things are scaffolding, communicating, and being able to be flexible to teach the various learners. Organizing the important content of the course will allow learners to understand the "big idea" behind important topics. Also, in an online environment, the routes of communication are many and being able to utilize majority of the communication routes will only build a more effective learning environment. Being able to teach various learners using different techniques , what ever works for the students, makes an ideal learning environment which cater to the needs of all students.
Ra'kia,
Right on! Being flexible and being able to connect with students is so important. This all helps in making that ideal learning environment. Thanks!
