Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Tom, True, I try to stay with the tools within the LMS. You can overwhelm students by asking them to use a host of tools that are not connected. Great point. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Developing Technical Skills

Edna, If you have a true distance course that provides anytime anywhere learning, synchronous chats will not work. I have used this type of delivery for virtual office hours which I move around to account for time. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Developing Technical Skills

Jeffrey, Great post! You are right, it does give students a connection, particularly nontraditional students. Using the instant messaging system is a great idea. It is also using a tool they will see in the workforce. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Developing Technical Skills

Lauree, That is an interesting strategy that really makes since. We change our strategies in f2f courses all the time based on the culture of the class, why not in an online course. Great post. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Improving Communication Skills

Shirley, Students need to know what they are doing wrong. . . and what they are doing right. It does start with the instructor being that guide that students need. Great post. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Improving Communication Skills

Lawrence, You are right, the only way to improve reading and writing is . . . reading and writing. You must provide feedback and provide resources to help students be successful. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Improving Communication Skills

Lois, Yes, I also do that using track changes. I have also recorded my grading and talk through a paper. Students found that I told them the why along with the what was wrong. I was also more positive about good work. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Improving Communication Skills

Stanley, Wow! That is difficult. I would try providing an assessment that will identify to students (and you) their strengths and weaknesses regarding reading and writing skills. I then would have a set of selected resources available to them. It may be provided by the institution or ones that you have made or found. You actually providing them with learning tailored to them. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Improving Communication Skills

Andrea, Great idea! That can be done so easily in an online environment. Did you have them as a group compare who they would "hire"? Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Kelly Wilkinson

Discussion Comment

Improving Communication Skills

Andrea, That is a good question, I too only teach college students; with the advent of virtual high schools, do high school students communicate well . . . in an online course. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson