With any online course the learning management system used needs to be understood and navigated easily. Some schools offer brief face to face orientations, others online tutorials etc.. Not only do we need to make sure that our students have the correct software and hardware they also need to correct resources to help them navigate the course and trouble shoot any issues or problems they may have. I like using a Start Here tab which walks them through all the pertinent information needed and also walks them through the tabs and gives them a list of resources either links, phone… >>>

Amazing how young adults and kids today pick up on new technological concepts and ideas so quickly. However, many young students we teach are not as savvy. Many who did not have ready access to computers often find they understand little more than surfing the web and sending a simply email without attachments. Therefore, when I encounter students in the classroom I am quick not to assume anything. I ask if they understand or know how to achieve certain tasks. Some think they know more than they do? Is there a tool the schools use or can use to assess… >>>

Many students who do not post on time feel that their participation on the board really does not matter to overall discussions. What matters is they eventually post and receive credit. At some schools, I am capable of enforcing a no-tolerance rule where late posts are not accepted despite circumstances. However, in all fairness, at these schools posts are worth as little as 10 points as opposed to 50, 60 and 120. But nevertheless, when students do not post, I find it helpful to remind them that we were not able to hear their voice concerning the discussion, that what… >>>

As I mentioned in Forum 1, my doctoral research was on institutional and counseling policies and procedures response to cyber aggression. When I read about the Communication Code of Conduct, I reflected back to the Acceptable Use Policies of the institutions I researched. Their AUP did not really address cyber aggression or clear consequences for inappropriate behavior. If your institution has an Acceptable Use Policy, then the Communication Code of Conduct should stem from that policy correct? If not, other than the instructor, who would enforce or support the Communication Code of Conduct? Should legal counsel or someone in administration,… >>>

I conducted my doctoral research on cyber aggressive behaviors against institutional and counseling policies and procedures. I have to tell you I am very concerned on several levels using social networking and virtual worlds as locations for effective instruction. First of all, there are security issues and breaches in privacy. Although I did not find a FERPA ruling, I feel it will be a matter of time before FERPA steps in and addresses this issue. Secondly research has shown there is a disconnect between fantasy and reality between the ages of 13 to 27 unless they are in a grounded… >>>