Lisa Schmidt, Ph.D. RT(R)

I will work to try and understand about the students and their learning styles, study habits and levels of procrastination.  We can do this via meetings or through an email discussion. 

Checking in with students throughout the course to garner their opinions towards their progress and the nature of the course.  Also, start each session with some "small talk," and open up the floor for students to share. 

I will be sure to post a bio of myself to include hobbies.  I will also post a message for students to reach out to me and tell me something about themselves they would like me to know.  

In order to be successful in teaching my course, the proper structure and layout of the course is what helps the students navigate through.  The more that is clear to them, there will be less chance for students to become frustrated. 

Creating a variation in lecture delivery style and how to conduct labs can keep students engaged. 

LS

Hi everyone,

I recently started teaching a course online, and while this is not my first time doing so, this cohort has a large number of students in it, and during lecture it is not easy to keep them engaged - some are, and some are not. 

Some suggestions for managing a larger sized DE course? 

Lisa S

In addition to being organized and ready for the first day of class, keeping a notepad handy will be helpful to recall any points or comments that students may bring up during the lecture.  

Professional development is critical and always needed, particularly with the changing classroom technology.  This has motivated me to seek out instructional courses that will enable me to become more proficient with using technology in the classroom and creating presentations that are highly engaging and motivating. 

Students do well when they have a sense of belonging and community interaction.  They also do well when encouraged to share their ideas, their experiences and perspectives.  When we can spend some time during a discussion board or during a lecture session and they have this opportunity to share, and we also, as a class and as the instructor can share, comment and encourage, there is more engagement in the course.  All of this can center on and circle around topics in the course itself.  

Lisa S