Edwin,
Ah - the syllabus. Many times it is the first point of communication and is so important. It serves many purposes as you pointed out. Thanks!
1. Developing effective communication
2. The delivery format
3. Understanding what my students need to know and closing the loop holes
Kimberly,
Good info. We do need to what the students know already to move them forward to meet the learning outcomes. This can only be done through a variety of delivery formats. Thanks!
Hi Tena and All!
I think the three most important things to consider when teaching an online course are:
1. The skill level of the student
2. Life experiences of the student
3. Previous learning experiences of the student.
By taking these factors into account, an instructor can provide the best possible online experience for the student. Such factors can also help instructors to understand the student better.
What are the best techniques to use in order to learn more about each student on an individual basis?
Thanks,
Jacinda
Jacinda,
Right on! You have highlighted the students experiences of different types and helping them succeed in the online experience. Thanks!
The three concepts that came to mind when reading this question were clarity, consistency and balance of variety. It is important that all aspects of the course (content, assessment, resources, etc.) are clearly communicated – which is where clarity should guide design. Everything must remained focused on the learning goals, which is where consistency comes into play. Consistency is also valuable in terms of course design and navigation. ‘Balance of variety’ took me a while to put into words. There needs to be adequate information to cover a wide variety of learning styles and experiences. But too much variety can become confusing or overwhelming. Different approaches to the material are required but they must be presented in a balanced and approachable manner to truly be useful to the students.
Nicole,
Good "C" words - clarity, consistency, communication, course design and not be confusing. These are all important to achieve that balanced approach. Thanks!
Consider the knowledge in the discipline that the students may come in with.
Consider that there will be varying levels of computer and technology understanding.
Aim to be very clear and the steps and tasks the students are to complete in being successful in the online course.
Marjorie,
Yes, the better we understand "where the students are coming from", the better we can develop content to meet their needs.
Thanks for your input.
Three most important things to consider are S2S, S2I, G2G, these lead to learner centered approaches. Use of Wikis, Blogs, Emails, and DB in synchronous or asynchronous sessions (by choice) becomes equally important.
The goal being how to produce big gains in student learning, helping students to accept that there is more than one right answer, and learning in the course should not end when the course ends. The goal being engaging students on the first day of the class and keeping them engaged as the course ends. The long term effect of student centered learning is that students develop lifelong Problem solving skills.
Vimlarani,
It is important to carefully consider synchronous vs. asynchronous sessions. They both should be designed to be student-centered and assist in the learning process. Thanks!
When teaching an online course i consider the following things to be most important:
1. Strong Preparation. Your classroom should be fully examined and prepared as far ahead of the star date as possible. All the course content should be reviewed for any errors or inconsistencies. Also, all initial course documents and materials should be prepared and uploaded.
2. Prompt Communication. You should communicate proactively with your students as frequently as possible with class announcements. Also, any discussions that occur should have your input as much as possible to generate further interest. Of course, any correspondence you receive form the student, via email, chat, etc. should be addressed in a timely fashion.
3. Prompt Feedback. I separate this from Point 2 because when it comes to grades and work feedback, I feel that those responses must be prompt, meaningful, and accurate. There is nothing more discouraging to a student than not receiving clear, timely feedback from an instructor concerning grades and comments on their work.
Craig,
It is important to be prepared to teach the content and be able to effectively use the technology you need to teach and communication at your best. Your list of things to consider will help you do this. Thank you.
Dr. Tena Crews,
When teaching your own online course, I believe the three most important things to consider are:
• Anticipate online issues and student’s needs
• Who are your students, what their backgrounds are and what the best way to scaffold the information being presented in the class.
• Make the discussions interesting enough that the students want to participate in the learning process.
Walter
Walter,
Your three things revolve around the students. It is important to consider the students fully. Then, consider the course content and how you will deliver that content. Nice job.
The three most important things to consider when teaching an online course are: 1) your students will take their cue from you - if you are active and enthusiastic, they will be; 2) when your students are LEAST interested, they require the MOST help and encouragement (see the first consideration); 3) communication in the online classroom is equivalent to PRESENCE in an f2f classroom.
John,
We, as online instructors, do need to be a good role model. We have to be present as we expect them to be present as well. Thanks!
Exactly! Especially "who is your student" where are they coming from? I teach a final marking period class regarding the job search and utilizing the skills obtained. Do I know the skills they have obtained? Am I knowledgeable in the information they have received? As a graduate of the school myself, for most of the curriculum I can say yes. For what I am not aware of, I can sit in on classes and take the initiative to know who my student is.
Heather,
Thanks for your input. We do have to know where are students are coming from and how to effectively help them reach the learning outcomes. Once the content has been provided to them, we need to assess them effectively.
Your suggestion is very helpful. However my concern is we get such a variety of students with very different learning abilities, patterns and so forth. That, and I only see them four hours a week in class...is a stumbling block to adjusting the curriculum. Some students who sit in my classes have issues with writing a simple sentence. Others write like it's the most natural thing in the world. Maybe there isn't a perfect solution, but my frustration lies in that I just don't know how to adequately service them. I do appreciate your help, and will give your idea a try with my next class. Thank you very much.
