Get Your Students Hired
Mike,
I can see where your approach is very time consuming; however, I also know that it is likely VERY effective. I provide a lot of videos for my students as well and they always comment on the importance of those videos on their learning. Video is a very powerful tool in online courses (asynch or synch.)
Herbert Brown III
I feel the the biggest challenge in teaching online is the interaction with the students. Most of the time any interaction is asynchronous. One of the tools I use to work within that framework is video. I create individual video reviews for every student. Every week. This is time consuming, but the students really find it useful. Why? Because a student can hear and see my meaning. Sometimes our written words can come across as demanding and discouraging because there is a lack of voice inflection. Video's reduce the negatives.
Jason,
I find that video interactions are effective with my student populations. I do a lot of videos and the students always comment that the videos are some of the most helpful materials in the course.
Herbert Brown III
I feel I squeeze content delivery in anyway. They are not required to watch it but I make it fun to watch with the idea that it is being watched. One of my favorite venues is Youtube.
Rakisha,
You can still use synchronous learning tools to have live sessions with your students if you feel that is needed for the students' learning. I use them very regularly and I record the entire interaction in case students can't attend live. Then at least they can go back and be a part of the discussion asynchronously.
Herbert Brown III
As I think about a challenge with transitioning to a "guide on the side" one thing stands out and that is interacting with students as I lecture. Being able to transfer an engaging environment for written content can be done through a video embedded into the written content or welcome video in Module Overviews will be helpful with transitioning.
Eyad,
You can work to establish a presence as an instructor by using regular communications with the students and very quick feedback. If you are interacting with the students regularly and providing prompt feedback they will feel connected with you and feel like you are present in the course.
Herbert Brown III
I feel because you are facing a computer and not the students you have a bit of a disadvantage not being able to see their facial expressions to questions you are all discussing. The traditional learning environment allows you an advantage in delivering the course content without having to wait a period of time like you would have to in an online setting. So the challenge in "guide on the side" is leading them to find a happy medium in an online course without the face to face communication aspect.
Katessa,
I have also found that the more you can relate the course content to your students and allow them to engage the course content relative to their goals and life experiences the more motivated they will be throughout the course including discussion forums.
Herbert Brown III
The biggest challenge would be to engage students in a way that they would want to continue with the discussion post. Vague answers or answers that are exactly like previous students post would prove as a problem. Actively relating course information, discussion post, and everyday situations would be beneficial towards engaging the online learners.
KIM,
Can you elaborate on your statement a little more? Are you not the content creator and therefore feel disconnected from the content you are asked to teach?
Herbert Brown III
I feel that my biggest challenge will be, not having the students in front of me to see their non-verbal cues if they are not understanding the lecture. When presenting the lecture I usually will walk around (as our classes are a bit smaller) and this enables me to watch the students and see if they are struggling with a concept. I like to get to the student who is struggling right away so that they aren't feeling overwhelmed.
Not being the instructor who delivers the lesson may make it more difficult to "get the point across" to students. I may feel as if I am not doing my job efficiently.
Tanya,
I would suggest that if we are worried about whether they understand the content or not, that is actually determined by the assignments in a well designed course. Success on those assignments should demonstrate that the students have the appropriate grasp and depth of knowledge related to the content.
Herbert Brown III
I think the biggest challenge in transitioning to a "guide on the side," would be to not be able to have the face to face interactions. I think face to face interactions enable observation of both verbal and non-verbal communication and affords the opportunity to build a social relationship,create social bonding, and foster a sense of belonging. Being a guide on the side doesn't allow the social interaction.
Hi,
I think the biggest challenge for delivering content and guiding students is getting students to respond back and read the material sent out. I email, call, and interact with students in the discussions forum but I find a percentage of students will not reply to me or call back or email back after I contact them. They have an ingrained fear of interacting with the instructor or don't want to interact with the instructor. In a classroom setting you have center stage with all eyes on you. In an online settings students have divided attention and you never really know if they looked over all the material or fully understand the material because many students will not ask for help even if they are lost. I have to find them and it is not always an easy task.
Greg,
I have also found that communicating in a timely manner is important. The timeliness of grading and responses to posts are also things my students have demonstrated that show my presence in a course.
Herbert Brown III
I've had 5 years of online teaching experience before this so it is a bit difficult to remember the transition. I would say that logging in and doing something each day in the classroom will show students that you are constantly present in the classroom.
Billie,
If your curriculum is set for you do you have an opportunity to contribute to the curriculum team and at least make those suggestions so that the course can be improved. Course design is a fluid process or should be.
Herbert Brown III
I find that my biggest challenge is not being able to provide as many interactive activities with the students. The online courses that I teach are very set in terms of assignments per week and although I try to be as active as possible, I do feel that there are some topics that students might be able to grasp better in person through interactive sessions (I teach legal classes and there are several assignments that in class would take weeks of practice to master, and the online students do not have the time luxury to master certain issues).