Kelly Wilkinson

Nicole, Great post. Yes, we want guide the without hand holding. We may not have the information but we need to know where to find it and guide students there. I also think we need to be aware of resources that might be needed and communicate that to the institution. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Marjorie, What a great observation. I actually use this type of need to develop community among the group. I have a general discussion area that students post all questions about the course their first before they email me. If another student answers the question, they earn participation points. This really develops the classroom relationship and gives students each other as resources. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Marjorie, That is true! We don't have to provide all of the assistance but we have to lead them to the resources that will help them. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Troy, That is true! That is one of the major differences between f2f and online instruction. In the online environment, you are the "face" of the institution. For better or worse, you are their contact. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

William, I am so glad you said community!!!! An online course must have a sense of community among the students. This is also established by a teaching pattern that is inclusive of all students. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Elizabeth, That is true, it is also the consistency of the instructor. Students should have faith that you will do what you say you will do. That produces a pattern. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Nicole, Just has you have expectations of your students, students should have expectations of you that you have established. I love your term predictability. Students know what to expect from you. This will help with their confidence in completing the course. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Marjorie, You are right. You need to develop strategies that will help students complete the requirements of the course. Consistency in how you do things does help with that. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Marjorie, That is so important. You must have those expectations and as an instructor you must hold you and your students accountable. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Troy, You make great points. The instructor does set the communication tone. If you are active in communication students will understand the expectation. Feedback is such an important part of that communication and the feedback needs to be other positive and constructive. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson