I still say classrom setting is the best.

Graet topic. What is the best method for engaging students in a classroom?

Well, at this point I still do better attending a classroom. on-line learning can be difficult for some students. Much better to have a face to face lecture and interaction based on topic.

Helpful information, I enjoy reading the different teaching techniques and ways to interact with different kinds of students.

In some instances students are asked to make revisions or improvements on their essay assignments. What techniques do you use to check the revisions have been made? Are their file comparisons or editing tracking features that you use?

I have noticed many of the disruptive students are disruptive not because they are trying to be but because they have already recieved this information and are somewhat bored. What I try to do is include their knowledge and understaing of the subject matter into the class discussion and usually their attitude becomes much better. What other methods are being used for this situation?

I utilize the content portion of the Portal for storing large amounts of information for students to study online. Some of the files must be zipped because of the large file size. Most students cam access this but some cannot. Is there a larger storage area than the portal here at Brown for instructors and students to utilize?

If you have taught a blended class, do you feel the students get more out of the online portion or the in class portion?

If tests are administered online, how can the instructor be certain the person taking the test is doing so in an academically honest manor?

I think that a combination of written anonymous student evaluations with interviews of students are key. Also as a professor it is always pretty clear to me whether i have done a good job or not...so an objective self evaluation is critical as well.

I think that the three things that i am most concerned about when developing an online course for students is 1) their ability to understand what is required of them, 2) making sure that the course material is easily found and easily recognized and 3) that i have as much opportunity as possible to "interact" with them through a variety of media.

Sometimes I have a hard time with feedback. I dont want to drag a student down but I want to get the message to them that they need to improve on the assignment. How do you tell a student they need to improve the quality of work they are submitting without them feeling like they did nothing right? I give feedback for all submission, however, I get a little hestitant when it may sound negative...just because I do not want to discourage them.

I think it is important to create a successful student online and consider the same services you would give a ground student. I find that the more I communicate with students and show that I am invested in what they want, I get a better response. I do this online by having good discussion and checking in with students who need support.

The colleges I teach for require weekly live chats, but do not require the students to attend, so needless to say I have very few students attend. Has anyone else had the same experience? How do you entice the students to attend if it is not a requirement?

It's funny to me that some times in a class room when you ask a question (especially if its a general question) everyone in the class answers at the same time. I've had better conversations at a Sammy Hagar concert!!! :) I can see where this information could not only work on the net but in the class room as well.

I would love to hear some of your techniques to engage your online students that have worked well for you. Here is a template for a jeopardy game that I found was fun for "Live Chats!" http://www.jmu.edu/madison/teacher/jeopardy/jeopardy.htm

I have found that calling each of my students one time a week has made a difference in my class. Not all of them will answer my calls but I still leave a voicemail and follow up with an email letting them know how they are doing in the class and offing all the help and support they need. I even found that some of my procrastinators are turning in assignments on time now because I have taken the time to build a relationship with them. Are there any other suggestions on how to retain students and keep them motivated?

I haven't taught an online course yet. Hope to soon though. My question concerns tech support from your school. Is there a tech support person designated to assist instructors/students who are particpating in an online course?

I have generally liked the idea of pretests. Obviously there can be a specific post-test, but various assessment tools can also be put into place to focus on and expand upon knowledge gained. I also think that the idea of “concept maps” looks interesting. This would help in both the creation of curricula as well as course and student assessment. Often student evaluations are in place in online classes. This concept has, I believe its roots in the “free-speech” movement in California universities I the ‘60s. The instrument students are to use is important. It can focus specifically on the class, but it can also have elements added to focus on other areas. If students cannot find a voice to address issues outside the class, their evaluation can be skewed to reflect issues outside the class which they can see no other way to address.

I believe that student evaluations, along with self-evaluations and peer-evaluations are an important aspect to continuous improvement.