Synchronous learning involves student engagement and the motivation of learners,while asynchronous learning occurs over time, in which the instructor and students do not interact at the same time.

This is only my second 5 week term teaching online. I am looking for any and all advice regarding online teaching. I have recently discovered several students plagiarizing their work from Wikipedia. I gave a warning and requested that they re-write the information in their own words. This did not go over well with more than half the students. I actually had one student refuse to re-write their work. I know the schools plagiarism policy. However, I don’t want to loose the interest or trust from the students. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

The responsibilities are the same. The instructor is responsible for teaching, and the students are responsible for learning. However, the differences in the settings create great differences in the interactions that occur for a great teaching/learning environment. The participants in online education do not benefit from face-to-face communication, which often permits quicker communication of course objectives, policies, and practices. Instead, the communication depends mostly on written communication through posted information, email, and discussions. Resolution of communications issues may be more difficult, and in some cases, communications issues may not be apparent or resolvable in the online environment. Chuck

Ask him/her what they see that would be more appropriate or what would serve them better. If it is reasonable let them do that.

I would try to get the student to take "little steps" in an effort to build confidence. Depending on the context of the discussion and even the course, I would try to get the student to post something that I know that he or she already understands. In this way, the student then feels that they made a positive contribution to the community. In addition, I would also try to have a private conversation with the learner; reassuring him/her that I will be there for support and mentor-ship throughout the course. I would want the student to know that he or she is not along. We are a team and together, we can get you to learn the material and succeed in the course.

These are two thought provoking scenarios. In scenario one, I would first point out the areas where I agree with Mike's assessment. I would offer specific examples of agreement and praise him for the work. I would then point out areas where I disagree. I would invite him to consider a different point of view and be firm in the feedback. I would not use challenging or disrespectful language that might damage his self-image. In scenario two, I would thank Kathy for her candid assessment and praise her for the self-appraisal. I would give her constructive feedback. I would ask her how she might improve her performance in the future. I would seek to build her confidence through my feedback. In summary, I want to provide feedback to Mike that he will accept without damaging his positive opinion of his performance. I want to provide feedback to Kathy that will build self-confidence that she can perform at higher levels. Chuck

I love to challenge and stretch students ability to participate in the learning process. I will continue to do that through the unline process.

I disagree. I think as an online instructor you need to make an effort to reach out to the student. They may not accept your offer to help in the beginning, but I think with persistance and showing that your assistance is sincere and beneficial to them, that may make a difference.

I disagree that online learning will replace traditional classroom delivery. I do believe that online learning will continue to grow, especially as educators and students become more familiar with and adept at using new technologies. However, I believe (and hope) that there will always be a place and need for traditional classroom delivery. I think that there is room for both and a need for both and that they can work together rather than be opposed to one another.

I have always counted of seeing the facial expression of students and their body language as the class unfolds. I think that it might be a little challenging not to have that. I will have to learn new ways.

what is expected of the student throughout the semester.

15-17 would be the optimal student/instructor ratio. In an online format, discussion is essential to both the cultivation of new ideas, but also, the internalization of the information just learned. 15-17 students would allow for the right amount of response opportunities, as well as, a wealth of different perspectives. As an instructor, having 15-17 students would provide the opportunity to receive substantive posts most of the time, and posts that indicate that the student has browsed some of the other view points by other students at other times.

Should an instructor be allowed to create his or her own individual syllabus for an online course or be required to use a course syllabus builder created by grating institution agency? In my opinion, I believe that I would prefer to use the course syllabus builder because it allows for fewer mistakes and has been edited and approved by the university's administration. This will allow the instructor to concentrate on facilitating and managing the course and its students.

Why is it important to center the modules and content of an online course around the student?

There are many differences between quite and loud students in the online learning world. Quite students may tend to need more encouragement to ensure their success and participation is welcomed and not discouraged in the online course. On the other hand loud students that talk so much that the quality of the responses does not make any sense on what is being asked by the instructor in the online course. So it is like a swinging pendulum where a happy medium needs to be met. I look at the students making progress on communicating in an appropriate fashion with quality responses. I also appreciate when students respond to other students in the course where their input is highly valued by the instructor.

Synchronous learning is effective and should be used slightly in courses. Asynchronous learning should be used throughout the course where students can post an intelligent, lengthy response to the instructor in the course. Instructors will have time to respond back to the student with feedback on quality responses. Asynchronous must be most effective because this training certificate that we are completing now at CEE is a threaded asynchronous learning tool. So based on the effectiveness on asynchronous learning is the best route to go from my expert opinion including the way this course is designed and used by The Center for Excellence in Education. Point proven!

Student relationships with instructors online need to go no further than the online learning course. Just like face-to-face traditional classroom has fine lines formed so does the online learning world too. You want students to learn about the course material so they can gain support and engage on any questions and comments they may be presented in the course. Instructors need to be reminded that they are in a professional environment where they need to conduct themselves professionally in front of students at all times. Instructors are authoritative figure leaders at academic institutions where they are “always on.”

Which is more effective traditional face-to-face classroom learning or online learning? The very best instructor either online or in the classroom needs to be practiced first. I learned in a traditional classroom with faculty face-to-face interaction for my undergraduate degree. I also had the privilege to learn in an online learning earning my graduate degrees. Presently I teach online where I totally understand face-to-face classroom learning and online learning by being an instructor in the classroom and online. I think it is important to be an effective online instructor to have already taken an online course of some sort to gain the insight hands-on mindset experiences on what the student is going through in the course. The dependence on academic in-class learning has gaps in education. I am a firm advocate on academic learning online. When I had instructors teach me in the classroom traditionally speaking and told the class to read the chapter before they come to class most students did not read the chapter from the textbook at all. The effectiveness of the instructor to student was not really engaging at all. Students figured it was not their major and why should they take much consideration into their learning by reading the chapter ahead of time. I understand that is very sad but that is the way it went. On the other hand you cannot participate in the discussion online if you do not either read the chapter, review a journal, or other communicative ways. I found my experience for online learning to be more effective where students did engage and support their education through the online learning world. At first when I started an online program I was unsure on the effectiveness in online learning. To my surprise I learned more online than I did sitting in a classroom. I guess the only way someone can realize how wonderful and rewarding online learning experiences are is to actually take part in a continuing education, college, or university online course. That is the answer.

What are some effective technology and software that can be used in an online class?

I don't really encounter conflict in my environment. It actually seems more engaging. Students want to help each other.