Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Kimberely: Your last sentence expresses one of the problems well. In an online environment, Instructors lack the amount of control over events as they are able to exercise in a traditional classroom environment. Students bust therefore be disciplined in their approach to study to be successful in an online environment. Satrohan

Discussion Comment

Can any course be taught online?

Kimberley: Having studies Finderprint identification when I was very young, I can attest to the fact that the "oerformance-based" aspect of learning this Subject has to be achieved through practical experience. The same applies to all learning objectives that are perfromance driven. Satrohan

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Managing students...

Roshone: I surmise from your answer that you maintain theta teaching in an online environment is more demanding than teaching in an on-the-ground environment. Satrohan

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Learning online...

Roshone: I agree with students having access to a greater body of information derived from participation in asynchronous discussion forums. That is smuch more "dialogue" than what usually takes place in a traditional classroom setting. Moreover, students are likely to be more "open" especially when peer evaluations are done in an online environment. In regards to online students being more serious and disciplined, I have not come across any empirical data to support that. I suspect that online students have a highler level of commitment, and are therefore more likely to devote the necessary eforts towards the completion of their… >>>

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Managing students...

Joanne: Many institutions with whom we work make it mandatory for us to prepare their courses so that it caters to the learning disabled. You may want to research the subject termed W3C compliance for further information. Your conclusions about student's hesitation to bring to light weaknesses is well taken. Satrohan

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Managing students...

Joanne: It becomes easier after the first time unless you are making significant changes to the course content before each offering. Maintaining a lsit of fequently asked questions and answers you have provided can reduce the time taken to answer those questions if they repeat themselves. By the second time, you would have used all of the relevant features of the Course Delivery Platform. It becomes easier and easier as the number of time you teach the course increases. Satrohan

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Learning online...

Agreed, Joanne. Multisensory learning coupled with active learner-centerd acitvities does lead to higher retention levels. You may want to refer to Kolb's instructional design model for additional strategies to promote meaningful learning in both learning environments. Satrohan

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Learning online...

Joanne: You have mentioned several learning activities that would support quality online learning. Many of the them are standard. From my point of view, I will have to review the course design Specifications before I can recommend any teaching and learning strategies. Better yet, a face-to-face discussion with the Course Author after I have reviewed the Course Design Specifications will get us farther in a shorter time. Satrohan

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Getting to know your students...

Joanne: All good strategies to "personalize" your relationship with your students. Perhaps the msot effective of those you have mentioned are the ones that make your students feel that they are receiving individualized attention in the right amounts and at the right times. What do you think? Satrohan

Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Discussion Comment

Getting to know your students...

Richard: This is a very thoughtful response. I believe the risk of students disappearing when they hear of the written expression rquirements is high; but not at the university level at which, for major projects, they may be required to follow either thre institution's Style Guide, or another Publication Manual. The other side of th coin---I have seen talented multimedia developers, graphic designers, software developers etc who fail to produce acceptable products because they failed to comprehend the Specifications to which they were required to abide. With great sincerity, I also share your thoughts of McLuhan. Many may view me… >>>