Communicating Online
As I have reflected upon the information and our discussion, it made me think about teaching online and having smaller classes with 5 or 6 students. The problem that I have noticed is that in smaller online classes, the students are not as active as they are in larger classes. Meaning that they do not participate in discussions highly. When this happens, I usually start to send out reminders each day that in an online class we learn from participating with each other in discussions. I have had some students feel that this is too direct. Other than telephone calls and reminder messages, what other ways do you think that we can get student more engaged in discussion in an online class?
Are the students disinterested in the subject matter? Or do you find this trend in every discussion?
How much does is participation in this type of discussion worth towards their grades?
Chris
