Online learning can still be personable. With todays environment all the more crucial to have that human connection when learning remote.
To create a community be part of it. I don't mean that the RESUME does the speaking, but at some point there must be meaningful conversations designated for growth. I am firm believer how can you learn about someone if we don't have two things: a safe environment and time. I think that virtual classroom has both. There is no misunderstanding when opportunities are given to speak freely. Although, the virtual classroom needs to have some rules for those heated topics.
Just like in a regular classroom, the teacher-student relationship is very important for an online platform. Without it, nothing works.
Teachers should project to their students that the teachers have experience and expertice in the subject area. Many middle school strudents may not engage if they do not trust or like the instructor. The teacher must establish that they are approachable.
Students will not engage and learn if they do not trust or like you. Students should understand that the instructor has expertice and experience in the subject area. Teachers must give the impression they are approachable and perhaps relatable.
I like the idea of an online short biography of myself and for the students. I will definitely help build rapport and relationships.
I learned that one way to get to know the students and for them to know about me is to have them as well as myself post a short biography of my credentials and acheivements. By doing this it should help make them a little more comfortable with me and allow myself to get to know them and what they expect out of my class.
The importance of personalization and relating to students as individuals, not "just" as a class.
I really liked the idea of having the student introductions. I have been presenting my own credentials in an introduction. But havig a better background on students would imporve the quality of thier education.
I have learned how to begin an e-learning course and how I can project myself to the students. I will apply this to the two courses I will be teaching this year whether they will be in person or on-line. I like it addresses boundaries and expectations right away so there will be no confusion.
It is important to achieve the same effects in an online environment as you would face-to-face. Energy must be put into establishing and maintaining a raport with each student and to individualize your approach to enable the individual's learning process.
Just like what I do as an instructor on the very first time I'm having a classroom session with my students, I appreciate the idea of showcasing my expertise by providing a brief biography of myself in the first week of the course. In so doing, I'm given a perfect chance to ask each of my students to give a short biography of themselves as well.
I have found in the current "stay at home" status, I utilize the Discussion Board more often and regularly.
I like the idea of posting a profile for both myself and the students. However, in my lectures I always include short stories of where I had seen a particular problem or sometimes something completely unrelated such as a project that I worked on the previous weekend.
Short biography of myself as well as the student is a gret way to "Break the ice" and form a trusting relationship
I always furnish proof of my experience and training during Day 1. I also comment on why the subject(s) we will address are relevent to their careers. I'll admit it never came to me that I should -or could-include much of the same from students. I have asked questions such as "Why did you sign on" during the first week in a manner that all could relate to, but I now believe this could be a better way to do so.
I learned how important it is to communicate with the student, being able to get to know them, how they learn, their study habits and how they absorb the matrial given. It is important to establish a relationship from the first day, letting them know that as an instructor I willl be there to answer any questions or doubts they may have.
It is important to be able to presnt yourself as a competent, experienced faculty to gain respect and engage students online
I appreciated the importance of earning student trust by providing information to them about my credentials and expereinces. Relevancy matters!
