Technology
In the online arena it is difficult to determine how much students are absorbing. Sometimes it feels like we are too technical and are not as in tune. What are some tips I can use to ensure I am getting my message across to my students using the latest technology?
Karen,
You can do the "muddiest point" on a discussion board. That works for me. Or instill "pop" quizzes in your course, but let them do the quizzes over and over again until they get the score they desire. I have a test bank of about 150 questions per chapter and do a quiz every two chapters. So, there are 300 questions and they get 15 at a time when they take the quiz. The LMS pulls the 15 out randomly from the 300 so every time they take the quiz, they'll get different questions. If they learn all 300 - they really are learning. Test and retest is a learning tool. Just some suggestions. Thanks for your question.
In the online environment, technology is so important. Bridgeing the gap between online education and the traditional class room can be incredibly difficult. Through technology, this connection can be built. This day in age brings the perfect opportunity to create innovative solutions. What solutions have you already began to implement in your courses?
Richard,
One of the most useful technologies I use to help bridge that gap is Adobe Connect Professional. It allows me to do so many different things like hold virtual office hours and if the student has a Web cam, we can meet "face-to-face" online. I can also provide synchronous lectures with students and then hold discussions and I can record those lectures/discussions for review at a later time. I can also ask students to present either synchronously or record their presentation so that I can evaluate it and/or their peers can review the presentations and provide feedback or learn from them. Hope this is helpful.
I also find Adobe Connect very useful tool in conducting online chats. It has features like whiteboard, votes, sharing screen or presentations which makes the interaction seamless.
Meghana,
I too love Adobe Connect. It can be used in so many ways to enhance a class synchronously or asynchronously. Thanks.
I find that discussion boards are a great tool to communicate with students, if you check them at least every other day. A prompt response keeps the conversation going.
Blanka,
Me too. I actually use the discussion board FAQ section more than emailing or anything else. But, I have over 200 students in the course, so I do my best not to have email overload.
