Dr. Crews,
One aspect that I hadn't given much thought to, and one that several posts make reference to, is knowing your student. While I feel that it's a valid element, I'm interested in exploring how I can more effectively gain that knowledge in a relatively short time. My other two most important considerations are developing a dynamic syllabus, and enhancing communication; I2S and I2G.
Dr. Crews,
One aspect that I hadn't given much thought to, and one that several posts make reference to, is knowing your student. While I feel that it's a valid element, I'm interested in exploring how I can more effectively gain that knowledge in a relatively short time. My other two most important considerations are developing a dynamic syllabus, and enhancing communication; I2S and I2G.
Karen,
Fun is a word I like to hear associated with teaching. I love it and am thrilled to call it my occupation! Thanks for sharing.
Robert,
Many times I just have a quick student survey that students complete week one. It asks questions about hobbies, interest in course, what do they hope to learn, age, and sometimes I do a pre-test too that deals with the course content so I know what they already know. Then, if I get a class that already knows the basics, I can quickly move through that and move on to higher content areas. Hope this helps.
Robert,
Yes, getting to know our students is so important. We need to know where they are "coming from" and what they already know so we can move forward from there. Thanks for your input.
Student engagement is key. When the instructor knows a student's background, he/she can often leverage that into solid buy in from the students. Second is emotional safety. Showing respect develops trust and builds participation. Finally, understand your students' learning styles, and vary the assignments enough to hit their areas of strength and areas where they will grow and develop.
Donna,
Engagement is the key. We have to think (and be creative) about the many ways we can engage our students. Providing content in a variety of ways to students helps "hit" the learning styles. Thanks!
Dr. Crews: The three most important things to consider for a online course is the student first, the learning objectives and the final outcome.
William,
Yes, and when you refer to the final outcome are you talking about the grades and whether students achieved the learning outcomes or not?
Just wanted to make sure. Thanks.
Hello
An affective syllabus is critical. The students must know everything that is expected. I like the idea of a syllabus that is interactive as well.
Communication with your students on a timely and frequent basis allows for students who may feel lost or confused to be able to step back into the main stream before they are lost.
An instructor must take the lead also with the Discussion Boards. I have found that making one or two postings a day by the instructor encourages students to do the dame.
Bill Becker
William,
Continue to serve as a good role model.
When teaching my own online course the 3 most important things to consider are;
1) Syllabus, whether it is written in a dynamic and collaborative way
2)Providing avenues for communication with students
3) Providing good materials by way of scaffolding content materials
Dr. Shirley Chuo
Shirley,
Thanks for adding that the syllabus can be accomplished through different methods. Communication many times starts first with the syllabus. Thanks for your input.
The three important things to consider when teaching an online course is to first understand the type of students you have , secondly, have great communication with students with a dynamic syllabus and lastly, keep the student attention by keeping them interactive with you and classmate.
Kim Colston
Kim,
Yes, we have to understand our audience and make sure they understand the expectations and the course learning outcomes. Keep it up!
Who the students are, what they want to learn, what the desired outcome of the course is.
Scaffolding the students’ learning in dynamic and varied venues through the use of all the technologies afforded by online environments is achieved by developing an appropriate syllabus, fostering communication among all stakeholders in the class, and developing a community conducive to learning using all synchronous and asynchronous tools available; wikis, discussion boards, chats, blogs, social media pages, and others that may be appropriate to specific disciplines. To do this effectively, you must develop a dynamic and interactive syllabus, establish avenues and rules for effective communication, and provide “structure for student learning and focus for student activities.â€
First the syllabus and course navigation should be such that the student knows where to start with the course, the sequence and location of the study materials etc.
Second that the students know the methods of communication that will be used and how to use them in the learning process. I find the hardest thing is to get students to communicate when they don't understand the subject matter or how to do assignments.
Third it is important that the students know why they are taking the course and how it applies their field of study. I like to place the students in the role of employee and myself the employer where I expect assignments to be accomplished in a professional manner as if their status in the company depended on it.
Laurie,
Yes, these revolve around the students. Who they are, what they want to learn and what they need to achieve. Thanks!
Dr. Cecil,
You have a great list of things that impact the scaffolding of learning. Thanks for bringing them all to our attention.
