If you are going to host a Synchronous class session, there should be no more than 5-6 people to keep things manageable. Make sure you provide them with plenty of information in advance so they can come to the discussion prepared. Keep in mind the different time zones and schedules when hosting a session and let students know how long they should expect to be in a meeting for. Give feedback often and within a reasonable timeframe.
I learned about the difference between synchronous and asynchronous meetings. I'm thinking that an online discussion would be a good way for a shy student to participate. These discussions also allows the teacher to determine where each student is at and what kind of direction they need. Many times, that ability is lost in the classroom.
This section has definitely clarified different types of discussions for me. I am new to teaching in a virtual environment as we were thrust into it with a week's notice. I am definitely going to be making adjustments to my expectations and the use of asynchronous and synchronous discussions to go with our continuous learning plan for the fall if that is the way we are going.
It is important that the instructor provide positive, yet constructive feedback in order to build student confidence.
I know that I should take a more active role in asynchronous discussions, rather than just providing feedback at the end. I have considered a more free-flowing discussion prompt to encourage more student interaction, rather than the usual essay and two feedbacks to others.
Keeping the discussion is a good tool to use in an online setting
Students must feel connected through discussion boards or live discussions.
Synchronous learning has several advantages, but also some important pitfalls to manage including participant group size, allowing for prep time, and maintaining accessibility for students who may not have the ability to respond quickly (e.g. group chats can be dominated by learners who type quickly). It's important to be aware of learning styles including avoidant, dependent, and competitive, and understand how best to deal with learnerse who exhibit these behaviors.
I learned that you must be able to coordinate the learning activities in such a way that the shy and reluctant learners are excited to participate in their online learning journey.
I've learned the difference between asynchronous and synchronous learning styles. As an online instructor you need to be able to keep your students actively engage. This listen has provided some insightful ways to do this. You also want to provide feedback to your students and get their feedback about the content and structure of the course.
Asynchronus discussions are a most if the teacher wants full participation from the students. Knowing the difference between asynchronus and synchronous was very helpful.
I need to get the students engaged.
I learned that feedback is very important. Students need motivation to increase their participation. I plan to provide positive feedback at all times by finding what is right in a wrong response.
Differences between Synchronous and Asynchronous discussion. synchronous is with small groups. Asynchronous is with large groups.
I learned the benefits and challenges with synchronous and asynchronous class meetings along with the appropriate uses for each type of instruction to best benefit the learners.
Using online discussions can help engage all students, across all learning styles giving them a safe place to express their thoughts and opinions on the subject being studied. I would like to try incorporating this with my middle school students as a way to give them a more focused discussion time each week.
The concept of breaking the students into smaller groups is something I had not considered.
The different things to consider between asyncronous and syncronous are things I need to focus on.
I learned that it is imporatnt to provide guidelines and expecations for discussion group, a newer concept for those that have never had discussions in an online format. It will also be helpful to have rubrics for online discussions so students aware of the expecatations
I use asynchronous discussion forums much more than synchronous. I am excited to have learned the formatting for sucessful learning in both situations of discussion. I intend to use synchronous more now that I understand the guidelines better.
While e-learining during these last couple of months, I've noticed that if I don't give feedback on assignments, comments, or questions right away then I won't see many assignments turned in. I'm constantly responding to assignments and questions in order to encourage more participation who tend to avoid the work.
