Linda Biron

In the Online Language: Communicating with Students course, module four I learned the importance of setting policies and procedures as related to communication between instructor and students and student and students. Students need to be informed of these policies/procedures via a code of conduct or through the syllabus. Also, the instructor must be a “guide on the side” to allow students to work together by communicating and collaborating with little intervention by the instructor unless needed. The importance of participation within a discussion was also stressed which will help create a conducive learning environment. Rubrics are also key to objective… >>>

In the Online Language: Communicating with Students course, module three I learned the importance that communication plays in any online course. Students need to be informed of communication expectations of the instructor and the class syllabus is an appropriate method to convey the information. Consequences and examples of acceptable and unacceptable communication need to be provided as well. The instructor also needs to keep in mind the various generations who will be taking the course. The course activities need to be differentiated based on the generation(s) taking the course. Varying activities within the course as well as understanding the student’s… >>>

In the Online Language: Communicating with Students course, module two I learned that identifying communication standards is extremely important to do. Using the class syllabus to inform students of expectations and consequences would be a relatively easy manner to inform students of expectations. Being specific about what type of communication is acceptable and unacceptable is key. Consequences for unacceptable communication is also important for students to be informed about. Communication must be managed at varying levels, i.e., between the instructor and students, between students and instructor, and between students. Using a rubric when establishing a pattern of communication in a… >>>

Great ideas!

In the Online Language: Communicating with Students course, module one, I learned the importance of analyzing the communication tools that are currently being used within the class. To continue, getting student feedback throughout the course is critical to ensure the student is not struggling with the class due to a communication tool that could easily be modified by the instructor. Lastly, the end of class evaluation needs to include key questions pertaining to the communication tools used within the class so that the class is modified based on student responses.

In the Teaching and Organizing a Virtual Learning Environment class module four, I learned the importance of identifying delivery methods when creating an online class. Being consistent throughout the online class is also important as students will then be able to anticipate what will happen next in a class. Evaluating the class and modifying the class is an ongoing process. Lastly, a significant aspect to a good online class is related to student engagement. The instructor needs to ensure that student engagement is optimal and that requires the teacher to be actively involved in the engagement process.

Sometimes it takes some trial and error to see how the learning community works most effectively. It can be changed and altered as necessary.

I agree with some of your comments, specifically about how internet providers need to provide the WiFi. You mentioned the companies should provide WiFi to all, I believe they should provide it to people who cannot afford it. People who can afford it should pay. Yes, I agree about your comments on a uniform platform for all students in a school district. I believe each student in a school district should have a Chromebook.

All of this is similar to the money people are receiving automatically from the Federal Government. The government should have only provided that money to people… >>>