I think twitter and other microblogging tools are an effective way to supplement online learning.  I do worry (based on observations over the past few years) about students use of grammar, sentence structure, spelling, etc.  While I see an increase in technology savy among students, I also see a sharp decline in communicating effectively and correctly. I believe we need to focus on both, which can be a tricky task....

Hi All,

one struggle I've encountered online is giving effective feedback to students on work without seeming overly critical. Many online instructors shy away from detailed feedback in their courses which makes my job more difficult because students don't expect the amount of feedback I give.  In fact, I give the same amount in on ground classes, but students then have the opportunity to ask me face to face about my comments and we have an established relationship which is positive.  How can I achieve this online?  How can I encourage other instructors to give detailed feedback as well?

What suggestions do you have for creating a positive campus culture in an exclusively online college? We have poor retention and are trying to determine how we can improve retention.

Has anyone used twitter as an activity in their classrooms?

I have not used twitter, but I think it would be cool. I know students enjoy social media a lot, but they may not enjoy them all. For example, we now have facebook, tumblr, instagram, vine, linkedin, and etc. So many to choose from, however I do think twitter may be worth the try. If you have tried twitter, I'd love to hear what strategies you have employed and how your students felt about it.

Thanks

This has been a wonderful learning experience.

What I like are examples of different statements and best practices to improve

retention.

I never like losing a student because of the disappointment they must feel.

How do you attempt to improve retention in your online courses?

Dr. Albert

I find the course helpful.

The most important factor is that teaching online allows for diversity of the students backgrounds. In the online environment faculty deal with students with some life experiences under their belt and they love to bring those out with a little encouragement from me. Hearing those students share that is invaluable in validating the material we are covering.

Besides the diversity of the students backgrounds, There is maturity. Teaching college students is ideal because their maturity allows them to desire information that exceeds the classroom. I realize that my students will soon be colleagues in the field and expect them to interact at a very professional level. I lead by example in this regard and expect much of them when they are in attendance with me at conferences or other professional engagements. Some of the most rewarding moments come at the end of an academic term when students send personal and unsolicited emails about how they were impacted personally. It is these moments that I am reminded about why I teach and the impact that we as academics can have on students.

One of my biggest struggles is getting students to complete their work before the last day in the last few hours.  I encourage then to plan out the week to have the work completed early in case there is some sort of issues with the internet, sites, etc but I am still seeing more and more students submitting their assignments at the very last minute. 

Hello,

Just wondered if anyone provides a Skype ID for students to call, if needed.  I do provide this, but they never call :)

Julie

Why don't students attend live chats and why do so few of them watch the recorded chats. I cover all topics for the learning module and give a plethera of websites so they may use them for continued learning.

Best Regards,

Penelope A. Kerr

I am an exclusive online instructor. I welcome each of my students into the program via telephone once I receive notification of a new student, and follow up with them weekly (either through telephone or email) to ensure they don't feel alone in the program.

I do notice that a few of my students won't contact me if they have questions. I explain to them from the get-go that since we are entirely online, I am unable to look across a classroom for visual cues that a student may be struggling with a concept (or just needs the concept explained a different way). When I do finally get the students to open up they apolgize for not asking sooner because they never want to bother me. 

I have tried telling the students that it isn't a bother, I am here to help them, and that their tuition includes my guidance and expertise. 

Has anyone else had issues with this kind of reaction in an online course? If so, what are some tips that have worked for you in the past?

I find the course interesting in that online learning is in essence, the collection of data that is gathered while learners are engaging in the online experience.  This course allowed me to view online learning as an opportunity to enhance student performance. I have learned that fewer learners will drop out or fail if the instructor keeps the student engaged with the online learning process.  If a learner isn't faring well throughout the course, then he/she is less likely to be motivated to remain enrolled. As a result, a learner will simply stop participating. Your thoughts?

We know that even healthy people acquyire and process information and knowledge differenty. We need to provide information visually as well as in narrative form. Headings and excellent organization of material will help those who need accommodation. 

Is it possible to have an online enviornemt for every degree program?  Or are there some programs that it would be impossible to complete online?

I would like to develop more for my classes in this area.  I think with todays students a way of utilizing study guides in this manner may be key to actually getting a better response and keeping my students more engaged.

I have taught F2F and online, so I know the areas and topics that sudents have diffiuculty learning in when teaching medical coding.  I try to get students into my weekly live labs so we can work on the mechanics on how to use the multiple coding books they must master.