Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

This was interesting to note this is the best for online environment. I like that it focuses on the student, too. With the online school I adjunct, the student is our focus. There are numerous assessments for the students in order for the school to provide the best educational opportunities for the student. I now understand the assessment process better having learned more about the Alternative assessment.

Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

Diagnostic

I totally agree that feedback needs to be given with diagnostic testing. In the English Department we give a pre-grammar test. This test gives the students a general idea of their strengths and weaknesses. I go over the answers in class and give a study sheet that reviews those areas of weakness. It is a great assessment for the students.

Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

Diagnostic

I like the idea of pre-diagnostic testing. In the English Department we give the students a topic the first day of class and ask for a well-written essay. From the start, we know who knows what an essay is, without even asking! There are basic skills that are required, and as the module suggested, we are able to go forth knowing what skills need to be reviewed.

Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

Assessment

I serve as the Assessment Coordinator for the English Department at a state college. I am very aware of assessment, tools utilized, and how important the results are from using the various assessments. It is very important to determine the best assessment tool for the course. I use a rubric for the assessment of our research papers. By distributing the rubric, the assessment of the research papers by our department goes smoothly and determines end results for me.

Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

Rubrics

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.

Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

Communication between generations

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… >>>

Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

Language

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?

Darlene Costakis

Discussion Comment

Tech tools for online teaching

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… >>>