Get Your Students Hired
Instructor interaction in an online learning environment is very different from the traditional learning environment. Traditionally, the major interaction that an instructor has with learners is through the transmission of content via lecture. In an online learning environment, the delivery of course content is not the instructor's primary activity, so you will need to be able to transition from being the "sage on the stage" to the "guide on the side." What do you feel will be your biggest challenge in transitioning to a "guide on the side"?
I agree that the lack of visual communication can be a drawback. In the tradition al f2f classroom, we can all observe body language, which can be very helpful. In a "virtual" classroom, this is not the case. So I think it is all the more critical to provide clarity for the students and to invite detailed comments and questions.
That is an amazing way to look at hit! That transition would call for a teacher to be humble and supportive of the students.
@michaelpry
Michael,
I agree with this statement. I have never taught online but I imagine the effort to connect with the student is greater than in a traditional setting. The examples listed in this module provide great options to projecting yourself, but it also requires a greater effort from the students.
As a guide on the side, I think my biggest challenge will be the inability to see the non-verbal cues of my students. I will need to be engaged and keep them engaged through constant monitoring and encouragement of classroom activities.
My biggest challenge will be in not being able to see my students' facial expressions, body language, etc.... It is these facets of face-to-face learning that I will miss in an online environment. Facial expressions, body language, etc... are critical to me in seeing if the students are indeed "getting" the content. Although they are not always true indicators of comprehension, it is more than you get in only being the "guide on the side"!
I have been teaching online for the last 5 1/2 years, and this particular issue was by far my biggest challenge in the beginning. I always considered myself a "people person" and my comfort zone was always in front of the classroom, so transitioning to the "guide on the side role" was a bit of an adjustment for me. I have to say, however, that if we remain adaptable and open to trying new strategies and conforming to the online learning environment, making that switch is not only possible, but can also be a great success!
I've found that student engagement is the greatest tool for success in terms of establishing my presence and making a connection with my students. Emails, posting announcements, phone calls, etc., are all excellent ways to continually remind students that you are not only there and available, but that you care about their success. Feeling as though they have an advocate who is on their side makes a huge impact on their level of engagement with the class, with me, and ultimately with the course content.
Tamer,
Communication is paramount with students. The better your communication and the more you communicate the better your presence with your students will be and be perceived.
Herbert Brown III
This is so true. To get around this I try to make sure my communication with learners is very clear and that there is no ambiguity whatsoever. This means I have to make sure communication is expressed in simple terms, perhaps have certain things in bold print or underlined. Of course, always letting learners know that they can contact me if there any questions I think is helpful as well.
Paul,
What have you found that works for you to ensure that you are able to assess students before they fall behind? Have you established a frequency for feedback in your course expectations for yourself that students can go by?
Herbert Brown III
I think my biggest challenge is the ability to assess the students with sufficient frequency to insure that none of them are needlessly falling behind.
LaToya,
The more you do online the more you can pick up some of these mannerisms in the students' written communication. The tone of their email messages, the wording they are using....these are just a few but it is hard sometimes and you get a little better at it over time but it is of course still not the same as in person.
Herbert Brown III
Dr. Ruby,
Do you do any synchronous sessions with your students? Sometimes students will connect to live synch. sessions and be more likely to say they do not understand and ask for additional examples. I can see where this would/could be problematic for your student population. All you can do is make yourself as available as possible and provide as many diverse examples as possible to help the students understand the material.
Herbert Brown III
Mr. Brown,
I think my biggest challenge would be not being able to see their mannerisms. You can tell if a student is confused or lost by looking at their facial expressions. Online I cannot see this.
Two of my primary content/subject areas are mathematics and statistics. Since these courses often require excessive critical thinking, some students are easily frustrated with content delivery in an online setting. That's been a challenge for me as far back as I can remember--translating what many consider difficult subject matter into digestible bytes in a virtual setting. Many students will simply say, "I don't know what to ask," or say, "I don't want to seem stupid (the students' word not mine)." I have found it exceptionally challenging to get the average student to warmup to math/statistics online.
:-) Ruby
Elizabeth,
Communication does always seem to be a challenge in online courses. I try to include discussions that require them to interact with one another any myself as the instructor. I also try to ask them follow up questions that they have to answer to obtain the credit for the assignment. Even then, it is still sometimes hard to do.
Herbert Brown III
I think my biggest challenge in being a guide on the side is that the online environment is very dependent on communicating via emails, chats and discussion boards. Some students communicate better than others, so my challenge is to effectively interact with each student and challenge them to do their best possible work. Thanks. Lisa Dunham
Lucille,
I would agree that any video element will help with addressing the lack of body language. However, I have also found that the longer I communicate online, the more I am able to pick up subtleties even in email and other communication. Still nothing is as good that face to face when you are relying on body language in your communications.
Herbert Brown III