Eyad,
Do you mean adapt or adopt in your first sentence? Please clarify. Thanks!
Kevin,
The presentation of the information and the content itself are both important. Connecting them to the learning objective is important as well. Thanks!
I believe the three most important things to consider when teaching online are as follows:
1. It's all about the student. Where they live (east coast, west coast), their individual situation, assessing each student as to what they do or do not know and responding to each of these appropriately.
2. Provide both summative and formative feedback but ensuring you praise them in every task they provide - even if it is a "small" praise. You need to make sure that you build on their self-esteem vs. destroying any that they may have.
3. As I require my students to communicate with me each session - instructors need to do this as well.
Out of these three points, I have to say that I see instructors or your bosses who "wait" that 24 - 48 hour window before responding to others. It doesn't matter who you are or your position - you should be checking emails once or twice daily and responding immediately to the person writing you that initial email.
Terry,
Focusing on the students and the content together help students achieve the learning outcomes. Meaningful feedback in a timely basis helps with this as well. Thanks!
I agree with many of the suggestions already posted. Additionally, I think that communicating clear expectations is key. Grading rubrics definitely help students see those expectations for each assignment.
Amy,
Communication itself is so necessary, but when it comes to communicating the expectations, then the communication has to be extra clear. Thanks for your input.
Student experience, knowledge retention, and learning objectives.
Heather,
Glad you put the learning objectives "in the mix." Good input.
The three most important things for me are:
Quality of student learning, quality of the student experience, and good communication between the student and instructor.
Michael,
Quality, Quality, Quality - in online learning that's like location, location, location in real estate. ;-)
Dr. Crews,
In teaching my online course, the three most important things to consider are:
1) the level of previous knowledge of my learners
2) making sure the objectives and content of my course are clear and concise using a dynamic syllabus
3) keeping my students engaged thru discussions, emails and other various tools such as web conferencing, recorded messages, etc.
It is important for the student to know that even though we are in a virtual platform, that I am "visible" throughout the course.
Thanks, Dianne
Dianne,
Knowing what the students are coming to you with (e.g., experience, knowledge, etc.) is a great thing to start with. Many times I just ask my students to complete a quick survey and ask a few key questions so I can learn more about them. Thanks!
I think that things need to be well organized, first and foremost. If students can't get around the online classroom and can't make heads or tails of how to use the virtual campus, they'll be frustrated and less likely to do well in the subject they are studying. If students are bogged down by technical issues, and if you as the instructor are spending inordinate amounts of time teaching students how to use the classroom, you won't get much done.
Once you have the course organized, excellent live chat lectures and demonstrations along with good support resources do a world of good.
And finally, feedback. Students only know what you see when you tell them, so assessing their work and then directing their progress through praise and criticism is important.
Katina,
Organization is key. Without that, other things will be lost "in the shuffle." I also like that you mentioned the feedback and technology. We need to stay current on both of those as well. Thanks!
The items that need to be considered the most important are communication, proper use of tools and scaffolding. Students need to know how to use online based tools like email or discussion boards to communicate with those in the class properly and the instructor can help with this by guiding the student in their learning.
Amanda,
Communication is always a key factor and it leads right into many other items that need to be considered. Thanks!
When teaching an online course, I believe the following things are important to consider:
1. creating a dynamic syllabus
2. encouraging effective communication
3. scaffolding content material
When teaching online courses, I believe the most important things to consider are:
1. The type of student. Their knowledge of not just the topic but also to mode in which they are learning. A student's understanding of technology can greatly impact their ability to learn in online courses
2. How to engage students within the course. Just like in face-to-face, or on ground courses, students need to be engaged in the topics of the course. Most of the time, this is done through the faculty members passion for the topic. At times, in online courses, it is hard to project that passion.
3. Communication within the course. It is important to open up the lines of communication with students and between students when teaching online courses. Interaction and communication are critical components of education, which can be forgotten in an online course.
Stephanie,
Good list! We have to build upon what the students know and learn in the course. They syllabus should be detailed and communication clear. Nice job.
Aleksandra,
Getting to know your students and getting them engaged is the first step. Communication carries you and the students through the course. Thanks for your input.
