Discussion Comment

I just completed this training and it was interesting. I really enjoyed the opportunity to review assessments, evaluations and designing a course. I would recommend this training to anyone, especially those who are developing a course.

Naomi Sanderovsky

Discussion Comment

A quick self-assessment

I just completed EL102 and quite enjoyed it.

What have you learned? I learned about the different kinds of students; Noisy, Intimidator... and how they will respond differently to the discussion board. I also learned about the key role an instructor plays in an online course. I already knew this, but the training really drove it home by providing specific examples of how instructors contribute to online retention, etc.
How can you apply it? I currently teach online, so I will specifically use these methods of active engagement and visual aids to better enhance the classroom experience for my students.… >>>

Naomi Sanderovsky

Discussion Comment

The Value of Enthusiasm

As an online instructor, I have found one of the most important methods of supporting students and helping to keep them engaged is to be warm and enthusiastic in my responses. When I post a friendly bio, respond thoughtfully to each student bio, and also engage students with warm and inviting responses, I find that students respond very well. Indeed, one of the more common comments I hear about my classes is how friendly and inviting the atmosphere is. Students feel supported and therefore comfortable to approach me when they have challenges.

Naomi Sanderovsky

Discussion Comment

Successfully Engaging Student Learners

Greetings! Students learn best when the instructor employs a variety of methods for engagement. If the instructor has the opportunity to employ both the synchronistic and asynchronistic formats, she will be able to reach a lot of students and appeal to their different styles of learning. I have had the opportunity to use both in my classroom, and I appreciate the chance to engage with students through powerpoints and live discussions. I also realize that this style of teaching does not appeal to the more independent student, and I enjoy actively engaging on the discussion board and posting additional materials… >>>

Naomi Sanderovsky

Discussion Comment

Optimal Student Ratio

I have taught online for almost seven years, and I believe the optimal online student-instructor ratio is 15-20 students. Less is great, too, of course. When we have a range of students, though, this allows for more stimulating dialogue and discussion. As well, the ratio is small enough to allow for enough one on one interaction.

Naomi Sanderovsky

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Greetings! I think the most important component of supporting student retention is a strong instructor presence. This is maintained by adapting one's teaching methods to accommodate the diversity of adult learners in the classroom. This is quite important when considering the students have a range of learning styles and needs depending on their backgrounds and personal profiles.

Naomi Sanderovsky

Discussion Comment

Additional Course Reading

Greetings, class! We are having a wonderful discussion on world religions. I want to share a link with you that provides additional articles and information on a variety of religious traditions. The site is: www.beliefnet.com. Enjoy!