Kelly Wilkinson

Trista, I have had a general discussion forum called "deer in the headlights" I actually give extra points to students who answer other students questions. It has worked well! Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Jack, I think tech support 24/7 is a wonderful resource. Not many schools have it. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Joni, It is but not everyone has that luxury. Doesn't that create some restrictions regarding location of students? Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Janis, Great points! I agree user friendly should be to the lowest technology skill. It also can't be busy work. All students hate busy work! Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

BRIGITTE , You make great points! You are right. LMS's can be as much as a barrier as a gift. I think that faculty must be evaluated for their use of the technology and the technology itself must be evaluated. They are not mutually exclusive but have to be addressed separately. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

LaBoore, I agree! accessibility is the key. If a student does not have a computer, they are at risk for failure in the online environment. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Wenda, So, are we therapists? It also shows the comfort level they have with the technology and instructor! Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Michelle, Great comments! I do introduce myself as the tour guide for learning. I just point out the landmarks! Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Theran, Great example of situational leadership! We have to be very empathetic to our students without judging and still remember,we are just instructors in a course. Dr. Kelly Wilkinson

Theran, TruE! I also find that if you started years ago teaching online, you were an "island". We designed our courses uploaded it, and learned the LMS. Now as many of us are entering new online instruction paradigms at our institutions it becomes our responsibility to educate ourselves on resources that will ultimately benefit the students. Pioneers can only be pioneers for a while. . . then they become dinosaurs :) Dr. Kelly Wilkinson