Ensure that you take control over the class by leading in the way that you will hold the attention of the students. Short and to the point, rely to the students when they ask questions in a timely manner.
When posting a discussion question, "seed the discussion with an opinion" or ask for a critique, as opposted to just posting a general question. I like this idea to get the kids to discuss right off the bat to try to avoid canned responses like "Me, too" or "that is interesting". I struggle with teaching high schoolers on how to peer evaluate, so that is something I will have to look into further.
Keep groups small
Group members need to interact frequently; this is best accomplished if groups have fewer than six members.
Collabration is an excellnt way of learning in the online environment because it affords the students have peer and group evalutions. This lets the students have a hand on the wheel when ti comes to the course workload and allowing interdepence to take place among each other by keeping groups small.
Support and feedback should be offered quickly. Communication is key to success in the online platform. Keep student feedback private.
Feedback is key to the online learning environment.
Feedback is key to the online learning environment.
Students need to know their status in the class and feel they have an active stake in what is being shared. Multiple feedback avenues can be used to achieve this.
Students need feedback from their online instructor at least 5 times weekly. Responses should be clear, concise, and offer constructive feeback.
One of the things I learned from this module is that it isn't good to reply to every message in an online discussions. Students need the space among themselves without the teacher contributing. Feedback is essential and expected within 7-10 days. Instructors must establish, communicate, and enforce communication boundaries. Students should know when an instructor is available. Instructors must make time within those boundaries to meet, even face to face, if necessary with students.
Stay in touch with every student individually not just in a group setting. Communication with youur students is one of the most important aspects of online instruction
I like the idea of giving consistent feedback to online assignments. It's more important in the online world because you cannot give praise or comments face to face.
I see now where group interactions are critical for online learning. I plan on incorporating more personal messages as well as more opportunities for students to interact in groups.
Instructors should be present in class at least 5 days to show students their presence and provide feedback to show the student that their effort is being recognized.
As the instructor I should provide private feedback on grades and constructive criticism, as well as public feedback in discussion boards to get conversations flowing in the appropriate direction. It will be my job to monitor discussion boards and keep them safe, positive and productive.
Setting standards for communication helps streamline. Provide information to students explaining how and when to contact the teacher for various needs.
I really thought the tips ofr communicating with students via email, chat, and message baords was informative and vital
The more we involve students in the online learning process, the more likely success is accomplished. Develop policies and procedures that make mandatory student to student communication, student to teacher communication and student to classroom communication and this will alleviate social presence and lack of social interaction issues.
My favorite section of this module is the last, "The Collaborative Online Instructor". The information is practical and valuable.
Some highlights:
1) Build strong group interdependence - building the "one for all and all for one" camaraderie.
2) Keep groups to fewer than 6 members.
3) Establish peer evaluation - peer evaluations are great learning tools for students.
4) Give students control - great way for student buy-in and high level learning
Efficient communication in the virtual classroom is vital. Communication does not just involve sending messages but correcting and responding to students in timely fashion will enhance the learning environment. There is nothing like an instructor that communicates with their students daily. Keeping the line of communication open will help students gain control over their learning enviroment.
