Get Your Students Hired
Looking into a suvey for students so they can access their skills and readiness, most of our students are not college bound or ready, they are heading into a hands on career, this is a big leap for them, many are having trouble adjusting and many drop out due to the switch to blended learning.
Ive learned that student svurveys are very important, for making the student feel as part of the class but also to get feed back from the student as to how they are progressing.
As online instructors it is more challenging to be able to identify the students strengths and weaknesses. Instructors need to be able to communicate clearly in writing and be detailed so that students may better understand instruction. Another important issue is time management to keep them engaged and motivated.
A few things I learned from the reading was the emphasis of time management. That is, I will plan on creating a detailed syllabus and post assignments, deadlines, and expectations for every course taught. Doing so will allow me to effectively answer student's questions about the topics as I will be aware of them as the terms progresses. The course content will be presented when scheduled online and I can allow students to review the content in advance, if needed.
To encourage students to become successful an instructor can assist students to identify their weaknesses and strengths in order to meet their learning goals.
Explaining what is due, taking time to help students realize the importance of time management, and giving reasonable deadlines helps prepare the student.
Online instuctors should provide a well-articulated syllabus, specify the requirements for succeeding in the course. Clear instructions should be provided for submitting assignments. In general, students have different approaches to online learning and instructors should be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each student. Time management is extremely important in online learning and students should be made aware of it. The instructor should provide adequate resources for students having learning disabilities.
It's important for student to understand the time commitment of an online course and also to see if they are a good fit for online courses. For some students need the accountbaility of being with peers and their professor. This also touched on the need for accomidations for students who may need addtional time or need aditory assistance.
That is is important to have a plan to work with special ed students when working in an online environment.
What I learned from this module is that I'm heading down the right track. i have used these techniques for my collegue students. This I believe has helped the students stay on track with there assignments. class room participation, Attendance, grades and mastery to the subject. I just haven't had the students answer a survey due to the fact the students understand from the beginning what we offer for instruction and if they have all the right tools to help them along the way. I do believe that Instructor's should take a self assesment survey. That way they can see if in fact are ready to teach online. Also do they have the resources availiable and readyfor them to use as needed for teaching online.
The orientation to online learning format and introduction of new concepts such as how to organize their time like a closet and communication with the instructor and other students are all equally as important as the normal introductions to the class itself. Connecting with each student 1:1 at the beginning of the course helps them feel connected and gives opportunity to answer questions, address their specific needs, and iron out any wrinkles in their confidence about online learning.
Motivation is needed to be successful in the online environment. Instructors can keep students motivated with positive feedback. Time management is critical, online courses require as much time and committment as face to face courses. Be aware of students with special needs.
Time management seems to be the big issue these days along with a lack of self-motivation. Students see this, especially in the summer, as a large block of free time and may tend to take more leisurely activities instead of schoolwork. Granted, not all, but some. It was asked many times of me that if they just do the discussions does that count as attendance. I had to tell them that I require attendance to the online sessions because we discuss a wide variety of topics related to the material that may not show up in discussions. I have had students ask for extra time and sessions because they couldn't make scheduled sessions which is something I do when needed.
Instructors and students need to understand that online learning requires as much if not more time than F2F instruction. Time management and an understanding of our strengths and weaknesses are essential. An appropriate work space is critical. As an instructor, I need to design the course to keep the students on tack. Have assignments due at regualer intervals. Make certain all directions are clear.