Synchronous Learning Environment I am more favorable of communicating in a synchronous learning environment versus asynchronous. Synchronous learning environment allow me to effectively get the message across. Recently, I just started conducting chat session in a synchronous environment and have noticed how well students retained the information given. Charolette Brown

Technology tools such as Google docs and blog is a cost-effective tool that can be shared among instructors and students. The tools are free and can connect with any online college. Charolette Brown

As an online instructor, I believe that it is highly important to understand the learner needs in an online setting. Oftentimes, students struggle with the assigned material because of lack of understand or lack participation. I like to encourage students to use me as their vehicle for learning. Charolette Brown

Online discussion forums are so important for online students. It offers student engagement, student interaction and an online learning environment. Charolette Brown

Instructor's can inviting demonstrate presence in the classroom by posting a short biography of their interest and hobbies. Students want to know that their instructors or humans and not machines. This is sure fire way to keep students actively present in the online environment. Charolette Brown

Should the course duration reflects the course contents outlined in the syllabus?

Discussions are very important to the learning in an online environment. It is important to be very prompt and enthusiastic in our approach to discussion topics.

I am finding more students in my classroom that aren't that familiar with computers joining UMA. Although it tends to be scary for them I am excited that they are taking on the new challenge of e-learning along with enhancing their computer knowledge as well. I try to leave encouraging words of appreciate for their efforts.

I'm finding that many of my students do not go back into the discussion board to read comments posted on their answers. I think I'm going to start sending a reminder asking them to review these remarks and respond appropriately.

I think sending a reminder message about my weekly chat sessions will really come in handy for my classes. I know it depends on the students schedule but perhaps a reminder will encourage them to make time. I'll have to try this out.

A lot of my students try to take the easy way out when it comes to answering the discussion questions each week. Some of them give very minimum information about the topic and expect to receive full credit for it. I add my comments by asking more questions and trying to encourage them to elaborate more. What kind of tips would you suggest for instructors?

I wanted to stress the importance of real time learning. Students need to know that there is a real instructor on the other end. If we only had one synchronous meeting per course it might help with retention.

I read the list of suggestions for biography topics. Is it against FERPA to have the other students read personal information about another student? Diane

My name is Diane Small-Puente and I currently teach Computed Tomography online with MOODLE2. The last 8 weeks have been very challenging in regard to some of the students' lack of ability to utilize an online platform. Currently, we have an orientation that begins the same day as the course and it does not require each student to participate. I have had several students who are unable to use the system and have had many "calls" and have had to take time to go through tutorials personally with the students because we do not have the IT support. I have made the recommendation that the orientation be completed before the course start date. Also, our orientation is not instructor driven, I fill that the students need to achieve a level of competency in order to enroll in an online course. Online instructors......what is your process for orientation? Diane

My self I see this as a major reason to avoid e-teaching. I would much rather spend my time helping those who really desire it. Personally I would try to have a one on one and remind them of the rules of conduct and if they choose to deviate from those it's time for them to go.

I have found that a major difficulty with the online class is that students tend to wait until the end of the week to do all their assignments. They would succeed much better if they were engaged throughout the week. However, it seems like assessing the student TOO MUCH through out the week, it defeats one of the purposes of learning online- having a dynamic schedule. Can anyone share their success stories in successfully engaging the student throughout the week? I am curious if it dramatically improves scores. Brian Stout

First and formost you should ask "why are you here"? I ask all my students the first day of class that question. Is this a required course, like I'm having to take, or are you here because you want to be! If it's required you can show how the class will still benefit you if you put in the effort. Even though this is required for my teaching job and I have no desire to be an online instructor, I'm finding ways I can benefit from learning different approches to teaching.

I feel the student must have faith in the instution before he takes the plunge into this type of study. If the person on the other side of the computer fulfills the students needs that is all that is required. Certification by the school needs to be recoginzed by the proper accredidation governing bodies.

Being 65 years old I find this type of learning very difficult. My learning style is hands on, learn by doing not reading about something and nothing to touch. On the other hand my son is very good at this type of learning. He can visualize the content where I have no imagination and it's just a bunch of words.

Does anyone have any advice on discussion forums for online mathematics courses? I have seen them used in generally two ways: 1) Required posts on a topic determined by the instructor. 2) Optional posting by students regarding any module topic. I have found the second way to be much more productive. In case (2) the students use the discussion forum to vent their struggles and identify solutions. Also, it gives the opportunity for the instructor to answer questions in a centralized place rather than responding to individuals via email. Although in this cases there is less overall participation, the participation that occurs is useful. I have found option (1) to work poorly. Either the topic is boring and does not afford much opportunity for in-depth discussion or, if the topic is based on a deeper mathematical idea, it is beyond the capacity of most students. The resulting discussion becomes ineffective. Any other online math instructors have comments or views? Brian Stout