Sharon Wrease

I have learned their is a difference in how different age groups communicate. It is important for the instructor to consider the differences to make sue all sudent's needs are met to be successful in the online course.

It is important to establish communication rules, guidelines, times, places, how and when. There are several aspects to communication effectively in an online course.

Instructors should use different forms of communication to ensure that students can being communicated with. Social media can be used  but it needs to make sure it is focused on the intended focus of the class.

It is important to be organized with all assignments and communications. The instructor need to be consistent to help with the understanding of material. Guidance and feedback are essential also.

The instructor should be an administrator, technology helper, social administrator. Feedback is an important part of communication.

Asynchronous and Synchronous are good methods. It is best to choose a method that is conducive for effective learning for the students. Communication and organization of the course and it's expectactions are essentials for student success.

There are many tools an instructor can use for an online class, however tools should be used to benefit the learning process of the student. Tools should be assessed continually to making sure they are serving its purpose for the course objective.  There are many types of teaching styles. An instructor should take into consideration his/her style when planning and framing an online course.

I like the comment that one of the collegues made that what ever we do in a course it should lead to a better ending. Through multiple resources and careful evaluation throughout a course changes and suggestions can be given. This makes for a better set of instructions and better guidance through the learning process. Multiple evaluations will guide the usefulness of certain tools. Closing the loop is a multi step process that includes teacher, student, other teachers and informed stakeholders.

It is of great importance that feedback is given to the students with clarity and should be timely. Rubrics help the student know what is expected and what type of grade will be given for certain aspects of the assignment. Teachers need to have a clear understanding formative and summative assessements. Assements help to guide teaching and shows the teach what the students have learned.

A dynamic syllabus and better than a flat syllabus.  The communication should be ongoing within the class and the syllabus should be acessible in different aspects of the course. Communication is key to making all students feel involved and participating in the course. I learned to make sure that scaffolding is used correctly and the students are learning with technology not from technology.