Three things to consider are:
Communication: Giving students constructive feedback is a key part to learning.
Structure: How would you structure a course that would build upon past lessons towards more complex topics?
Resources: Where can students go to get help? Things such as office hours and prompt responses are very important.
Alfred,
I love that you list these considerations in the form of questions so others can think about questions they need to ask. Thanks!
I currently teach completely online and I have new students every 5 weeks. That is a short amount of time to get to know my students and build rapport. I have to keep them focused and get them to participate in the class room.
I feel it is important to have a Dynamic Syllabus to give the students direction and keep them on track. It helps them clearly understand what is expected and may help with time management.
It is important for me that the students feel my presence in the classroom. Participation in discussions, responding to emails in a timely fashion, giving assignment feedback for good and poor attempts, and holding weekly live labs to work together as a class. Hearing a voice helps me to connect to the students as well as the student to connect to me. I had a student write to me at the end of her class "I know I did not contact you for help but I always knew you were there if I needed you."
I use a lot of supplemental scaffolding. I am continuously posting weekly announcements and weekly materials into the classroom.
I believe the three most important things to consider are:
1. What level of prior knowledge the students have on the subject
2. How to get all the students engaged in communication
3. How can I give the highest level of support to the students and keep them engaged.
Christine,
You are right that this is a short amount of time. Your syllabus, as you noted, must give them clear direction. The synchronous meetings are definitely helpful to you and your students in building that relationship. Thanks!
Thomas,
Thanks for asking good questions. We do have to think carefully about our audience, the students, and how to get them engaged in the content, communication and learning process.
I agree that the quality of the education experience can make the difference for students and instructors.
Brian,
To me, quality always wins over quantity. We have to keep striving for a quality experience for all students. Thanks!
How to best deliver (method) the subject material to the student population (factors of the student body) that is being taught; as well as the way to assess how the student learned (testing method.)
There are various methods to use with online education. Finding the best approach is an appropriate mix of several methods.
Jacqueline Bloink
How to best deliver (method) the subject material to the student population (factors of the student body) that is being taught; as well as the way to assess how the student learned (testing method.)
There are various methods to use with online education. Finding the best approach is an appropriate mix of several methods.
Jacqueline Bloink
Jacqueline,
Right - it's getting to know your students and how to deliver that subject matter so that all students can learn. I like that you mentioned it's done through a mix of several methods. Thanks!
Jacqueline,
Yes, it does take a variety of methods to find the best approach. We have to think carefully about how we help students learn the content and achieve the learning outcomes. Thanks!
The three most important things to consider when teaching an online course are: the level of interest the material will create, what makes the presented content motivating, how clear is are the learning objectives and class guidelines.
Herlaine,
Interesting that you discuss how the interest will be created through the material. We definitely have to keep those objectives in mind as we to through the process. Thanks!
When teaching your own online course, what do you believe are the three most important things to consider?
1) Who are my students and what is their knowledge level?
2) What tools I’m going to use to teach and motivate them?
3) How am I going to assess their knowledge?
Julie,
And, what about "what are the course objectives?" But, I think that goes without saying. That's probably why you didn't say it. Ha! Thanks for your input.
Communication is the most important key in online teaching. Communication is a two way street, so sending messages to your students does not consititue communication. Are they responding? Did they understand the message? Make sure information is flowing both ways.
Secondly, it is important to consider where the student is technologically speaking. We can't assume that the student understands blogs, forums and webinars just because they signed up for an online class. Get to know the student and make sure they are comfortable with the technology you have included in the class.
Thirdly, we must evaluate our student learning styles. It's not enough to provide online reading. We need to address all learning styles just as we would in the face to face classroom. We need to have components that reach verbal, visual, and kinesthetic learners alike.
Melissa
Melissa,
You got that right. Without effective communication and asking the questions you noted, the learning will not move forward. Thanks for your input.
1. Presentation of course for understanding for students.
2. Ease of presentation for student comprehension.
3. Interest for student to elaborate and like so their discussions have "meat" and interest other students participation.
It has to be "catchy" and "interesting to want to write".
Maureen,
You have used this information for a few posts. Thanks for your continued input.
Take care.
