Introducing yourself as the teacher helps the students see you as a real person that is there to help them through a program that can be very impersonal.
Students will better connected and supported seeing their teacher and their student peers as real people and not just a login name on a screen.
I have learned how important is for the students to know the background and expertise or experience of the instructor on the subject thats being studied .also using videos , deadlines , office virtual hours.
Being related to your students by having open chats, sharing your achievements to students ,keeping the course interesting .
I learned that it is imprtant to establish a professional relationship with students. It is also important to establish a more personal relationship to a certain extent and open up discussions that are not related to the course subjects where students can interact with eachother and the instructor. It is also important to let them know you are reading their biography by comenting on an appropriate subject mentioned in the biography.
I learned about making the experience more personal for students, and to also take the time to get to know them as well.
In this module I learned the importance of setting up a flow of communication with the students from the beginning of the course by introducing myself and establishing my presence and authority. I also learned some techniques for developing relationships with students and communicating with them effectively.
Students need to know who you are and that you are available to help them. It is necessary to develop a positive relationship with them.
The importance of personalizing the online experience with each student. Getting to know students from behind the screen using individual biography's and also projecting your own authority by validating your expertise and credentials to show presence in an e-learning environment.
I had an idea about having a strong presense in an online environment to begin with. I think that it make sense that an instructor should be virtually present by commenting on student work and postings. Something that I did not account for was the fact that too much commenting is unnecessary and may deter students from participating, especially with middle school students. I believe they want to feel that the learning atmosphere is mostly theres with the presense of a facilitator in the background. I also did not think of posting cradentials so that students can see. I do agree that it brings authority when you can see what someone has accomplished. It gives a reason for others to want to listen.
In this module I learned that projecting your authority is important but so is establisihing a relationship. I like to idea of using video and audio clips that include a photo of myself.
Reply to Mardell Newhouse's post:I love your idea of a checklist, I may have to steal that idea!
I need to utilize the discussion boards more effectively. the first class we rolled into from the classroom so students knew eachother and engaged togeher more naurally. the next group have never actually met outside of cyberspace and it is a much less cohesive group. I want to bring the class together better.
We need synchronous discussion boards. weneed to be a cohesive classroom. This is a huge challenge
Letting students know you are participating and present. This is crucial to build their trust in the course.
Posting a biography and encouraging students to do the same establishes a positive, first connection with teachers and students. They feel more comfortable and connected when they have a professional relationship with their instructor and peers.
The key is to treat your virtual classroom as you would your "traditional" classrom. The idea is to make as close to what students have been used to in the traditional classroom.
I like the biographical information at the outset for teacher and students. Giving clear expectations and providing educational experience give students confindence in the instructor and the class.
I understand how important it it to get to know each student personally. I will do so by having each student post a short biography at the beginning of the course.
I should be looking for learner participation AND learning experiences while detecting conflict regularly so my presence is felt. I recognize the importance of timely responses and full communications to decrease miscommunications.
The importance in establishing a positive relationship with your students- citing your credentials and experience as well as having them post a bio of themself.
