Alot of my students are non-traditional and many have no computer skills at all. Some were factory workers that lost their job to over seas, some were warehouse workers or even stay at home parents. Getting them comfortable with the new technology takes time with these students. Giving them an Intro to computers class is the first step.

Some of my students are not prepared for the on-line learning experience. Some think since they can "do it on their own time", it means whenever they feel like it. First time users really get an eye-opener when they can get through their first lesson. I believe that they need a better understanding of this class on a computer, is like a traditional classroom in which they have to "talk" to their classmates.

Hello Renee To reach all learners, I keep my fonts clear and consistent. I integrate a number of different learning methods to reach various learners. By reaching multiple learners - no learner will lack proper help and resources and delivery of content is for all students in the course. Brigitte Powell

Hello Renee The one speech recognition feature which I personally use and is used by thousands of people is Dragon Speech. Personally, I use this feature to slim down the time it takes to type up my doctoral papers. I think this is a great and inexpensive way for students who are challenged to type school work. With pros there are cons, such as typos due to the fact that the software does not always recognize words or confuse words such as face with phases. Brigitte Powell

Hello Renee At my university, we work closely with both student advising and the disability office to ensure that students with disabilities are accommodated in the proper manner with proper documentation, student outreach, allow additional time for students on assignments, and extra help via phone, tutoring, or email. Brigitte Powell

Hello Renee I have facilitated courses with all walks of life and students who are visually impaired. I would like to note that this can prove to be a challenge as assignments evolved around analyzing primary source documents. I mentioned this to my dean and was able to integrate audio describing the documents and assign students, visually impaired, to content tutors who continue to work with students until success is reached. Brigitte Powell

What is best way of starting a search related to subject being taught

Where were rubrics when I was in school? Rubrics not only provide guidance for the students to follow, but they also set guidelines. When a student questions a grade, the rubric helps provide the direction. I have recently implemented a rubric for my research paper, and what a difference in the papers this semester. I question why we didn't use rubrics in the past.

Yes, having read about the three generations in this past module, I can totally relate to this. We are told the average age of our college students is 26 years of age, at least at the state college I teach full-time. But, online varies, and we are not aware of the age of our students, unless they outright tell us, or it slips into the conversation that is posted. Due to this, being aware of the different generations and their communication skills is vital! The Generation Y's seem to stand out in my online classes, and they have no problem talking to me, or letting me know how they feel. It takes some curbing and directing at times. It has been a learning platform for me, too, in learning how to communicate with my students. Online is very different from F2F communications.

Having been teaching in the online environment for over fourteen years, I have learned that the management of communication in the class is vital. This module simply reinforced what I have been doing. I set up the guidelines from day one, and then enforce them. I tell my students it is like a dress code. Some outfits are appropriate in certain environments. Think of communicating in the same way. Would you wear a bathing suit to church?

I have found that the various tech tools are so valuable for communicating. I also teach F2F, and still rely on the tools. So, not only do online classes use them, but so do the F2F and hybrid courses. I find communicating through email is valuable for more personal reasons. Quite often I have student that don't understand the concept that there are things you do not post on the discussion boards. My welcoming intro goes over what the various tech tools are used for during the class. This saves a lot of time later. At the moment, I have an online class that is using the discussion board for personal comments! So, my explanations don't always work!

Rubrics quantify subjective activities. They also present activities in a clearly defined manner so that there is little question about expectations or evaluation.

Just the tools have! Understanding generational differences is just a part of understanding the students you are working with. How they interact, are motivated, and skills depend on their past experiences. Those experiences are influenced by when they were born and the environment (time period) they grew up in.

The two most important aspects to creating a positive pattern of communication are timely responses and modeling. Communication must be timely to be effective. Students and instructors get frustrated when communication is delayed. Modeling is an effective way to show students what the expected behavior is, rather than a list of rules.

1. What are you trying to achieve? Synchronous or Asynchronous tools will provide different results. The first question to ask is what goals/outcomes are you trying to meet with the tool. 2. Evaluate the tool after a short time for effectiveness. Did the tool meet the goal? If not, why? 3.Ask your audience. Survey students and discuss what they liked, disliked, and any limitations of the tool

How can games and simulations reward the brain? Also, how can a game or simulation provoke positive emotions?

What have been your personal drawbacks with using a blog in a class

What will follow twitter with regards to microblogging

List them

When does one become over entrenched in using social media with regards to the learning environment?