Blended learning will be coming to our campus in the near future.  This course has shown me aspects of this type of instruction that I had not thought of.  I have a better idea of how remote learning can be delivered and monitored, and now I see where/how/when the interaction takes place.  I plan to use much of this when the new program gets to my campus. 

I have a question however, If I am replying via email to a student could I group students with the same question and respond to them as a group?

n a conversation one person asked, "What are the characteristics of an effective teacher?" I read quite a few excellent remarks that describe what such a teacher does to be effective. I couldn't help thinking about some of my best teachers.

I had an amazing psychology professor in college. He was on fire every class period and his enthusiasm was contagious. But the things I remember most are the psychological experiments in which we participated. I remember every detail and the supporting theories because I experienced it.

My psychology professor was an effective teacher because he provided experiences that created long-term memories. In response to the LinkedIn comments, I penned the following:

"I appreciate all of the comments that have been made so far. Yet I feel there is one thing still missing. One characteristic of an effective teacher is that they don't teach. You say that is outrageous. How can an effective teacher teach without teaching?

There is something I didnt think about. Teachers need to learn too. How can colleges encourage teachers and experts in their field to learn more?

I am primarily a classroom teacher but grades class content assignments and outside links are posted online. I Found this course useful not just in encouraging me to take advantage of the underutilized portions of our school portal such as forums and chat rooms but also in applying some of the learning styles mentioned in the classroom as well.

What are your thoughts on providing video feedback to explain grade results in conncetion with a grading rubric?

Procrasinators are everywhere in the classroom whether online or a traditional classroom.  I always stress the importance of getting things done once you understand the content so that their assignments are meaninful.  Deadlines are deadlines and we cannot allow them to get away with it.  Sometimes I will eventually allow my students to make up the missing assignments and I know that some may not agree with my madness, but when they see that they are failing at midterms all of a sudden they become serious and begin to communicate with me.  I will show them all the missing assignments and give them a deadline along with a deduction in percentage if they do not meet them.  Never fails, they turn in all their work on time and learn a valuble lesson in life ^_^

When i was working on my bachelors degree online i was asked the same set of questions from my facilitator and by listing some of your hobbies it helps the facilitator in ways of re-directing your learning objectives as they can push you to become more involved in your learning.  For example if you're an outgoing, adventurous individual, you are not afraid of taking risk and thinking outside of the box is your normal way of problem solving.  If you're more reserved a different approach must be used to help guide this type of individual to think of the bigger picture.  It helped me a great deal and my facilitator often times pushed me to the limits and taught me to see and problem solve each assignment in class.

One of the key factors to success in the online enviroment is to have an open communication with your facilitators.  Without their guidance it can make the online student face many challenges and frustrations.  By keeping a good rappore with them makes learning more enjoyable.

Trying to get students to realize the importance of ownership in their education. Excuses allow you to lie to yourself about what you are capable of doing. How can we help our students understand that their investment in their education should never rest upon any excuse?

I have found that 90% of my students that are NOT online learners fall into the "Dependent Learner" category. 

They wait for step-by-step instructions and do not take initiative or feel confident to risk being wrong in their choices.

As for Online Learners that use the "Chat Room", they seem to be more eager and confident to ask questions and learn from the instructor.

Any other thoughts on this topic?

Coco Mayer

Food for thought.

In a discussion of explanation of learning, the question is asked after information is given.

The question by instructor is do you understand?

Follow up with a question to verify that the student does in fact understand.

Simple rephrase the information in a question again to verify if the student understands the feedback will be confirmation of comprehension.

I'm just wondering about the perception of diffirent online products and the administrative workload. I have taught in Blackboard and Webstuday.

My Blackboard classes come mostly pre-loaded with assignments, tests, and discusssions. I do have to load in announcements and discussions.

I have created the class in Webstudy. It required a lot of time to set up, but once it was done it was DONE! 

Any thoughts?

Tina 

How do you first Initiate discussion borads?

Can someone please provide some strategies for me 

In the training, it mentioned that synchronous discussion is not good for teaching. I understand that our Live Chat session are not discussions and does not allow for participation other than a chat message or when you turn on a students microphone. I understand that the university feels that this is a benefit and the students watch them, but does any other instructor have a hard time of getting the students to attend the sessions. I have tried several things to get them to attend like sending out emails to remind them that they are going to happen. I even post a announcement in class, but they still do not participate.

I am very excited to learn from pre-made online classes.  I hope one day to develop my own materials and layout.  I really want to have a fully customizable experience. 

For me since I teach in an art based field, I like to do small video demos of me working on a project. Giving tips and explanining why I am doing what I am doing to get the end result. 

I recently have made the transition in the classroom from traditional books to eBooks. I had some resistance even with my younger students. I emphasized the long term benefits as well as the short term however there were still a few that would still prefer the large heavy textbooks. So the question is any thoughts on your preference and or the transition to EBooks?

Class, are they stimulating to the students or just another assignment.

I have a hard time staying focused during an online lesson at home.  So many other things to do!  Does anyone have tips on how to better keep my attention where it needs to be?