I found the information explained on how to communicate with students who procrastinate to be especially helpful. By reminding them of their original goals, and advising that procrastinating is not only prolonging their goals, but is also creating added stress, and the probability of poorer work which leads to a poorer grade, they may be enticed to better manage their time. 

After teaching online for several years, I have recently found that creating a welcome video for students that includes course expectations, showing course navigation such as where and how to access the e-book, how to upload assignments, etc., I have had better outcomes with student engagement, and grades. 

Depending on the course, it is also helpful to create additional videos to walk through assignment guidelines, for example, if they have a writing assignment that is broken into chunks throughout the term.

I thought the knowing the differences between generations and how they learn was helpful. I will use that in the future.

learned aloot on how to handle probelms

• If I had to describe my personality in one word, it would be Loyal.
• If I had to use only one word to describe how I see myself as a student, it would be organized.
• If I had to use only two words to describe my favorite instructor they would be encouraging & practice open communication.
• My favorite subject is english.
• If I had to write just one sentence to describe my outlook on life, it would be _be hopeful_.

Audrey Thomas

This course provided a multitude of examples for social media use in online courses. I liked the break down of how students and instructors can utilize Twitter to engage in deep discussions and information discovery. I will definitely utilize the "Twitter Game" mentioned in this course to further engage students in using social media to supplement their educational development.

I will begin to incorporate transcripts and recorded audio with course information for online content. It was surprising to learn that transcription services can cost anywhere from $600 - $1000/min.

Active and supportive communication is essential in any online environment and course. It is important to understand the backgrounds of different student populations and potential challenges. However we should always remember to support these students through postive interactions, supporting their strengths while helping them develop their weaknesses.

It's always great to reinvent yourself as an instructor. These courses allow you to grow and see how you can best serve your student. 

I plan to utilize the skills learned in this course to my online teaching with UMA, as well as some instances with my full time work.

I learned how to communicate with students and peers using tone and evaluating through rubrics.

I found this training to be fascinating! I have actually done personality tests as ice breakers with my students, so I am familiar with their idiosyncracies up front. But this training took it  a step further by introducing techniques that would allow an instructor to impact each personality. Thank you for doing this. It is very meaningful, and I am excited to implement it. 

~ Stacie 

I took EL111 for students with disablities and recieved some great tips that will apply to all students. As I prepare my courseroom I will be mindful of my font, and the message conveyed.

Strategies plays a major role in how the online student reacts to assignments and the outcome of the grades they receive. Communication is so important and getting back to the student with questions in a timely manner.  UMA works well by allowing the instructors to collaborate together and to connect with management often. Program management allows the online instructor to help with the design aspect of the curriculum. 

I find this course to be very helpful to the online instructor. While we certainly use most of the tools mentioned in this course, it allows us how to align these tools with best practices. Even something as simple as texting students helps me a great deal with outreach. It is a convenient but personal way to connect with students who tend to fall off of the radar. Another tool that I enjoy using is Youtube for scaffolding and motivation. Inspirational videos often get my students moving when they're feeling a bit sluggish towards the end of the term.

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I recommend this course. It really allows you to reflect upon how online classes are created and all who are involved as stakeholders in the success of the class. I feel that as an online professor, understanding how classes are built including curriculum, ongoing revision and the importance of closing the loop will assist me in being more aware of the needs of my students within the online community.

Paula Bordenkecher

Communication with students is one the most important aspect in the learning process, face to face or on line. I strongly believe tha the instructor must be a leader, a guide a master.

I find that calling my students and having a conversation on what they need from to succed helps them find their path to success. There are struggles along the way yet if I keep in contact we can overcpme them.

One of the things that I find the most challenging in the online environment is student engagement.  I find that I usually have students that are either fully engaged with the online learning environment and some that are not as excited about it.  I am curious as to how others handle it.  

Some of my best practices are to attempt to post to every student's post in the first week. This let the student know that I am interested in getting know them all and work them all.

Professor Hughes