Teaching is challenging, but teaching online courses is even more difficult, in my opinion. One of the obstacles to connecting with the students is to get them involved in discussions.
Asynchronous and synchronous discussions are different. In this module, I learned about synchronous discussions which are the ones that are done in real time.
Since not all our students dominate technology or are fast typing we need to help them by identifying them and creating opportunities for them to participate and encourage them.
Requesting feedback during the course is essential in determining if what is leaned has been grasped. Instructors may feel vulnerable by asking the students if their is anything the Instructor is doing that makes a Student uncomfortable. Not all students learn in the same manner and Instructors may need to adjust their teachings to ensure All students are understanding the curriculum. Discussion forums are essential for students to feel connected to one another. Also, understanding the various types of learners and the personality traits they display in this type of learning atmosphere.
All students learn in different ways. This should be taken into consideration when teaching online as well as in the classroom. When teaching online, assignments should be given that can be completed by all students. Some students may feel shy and small groups can help with this. Another thing to consider are the potential different time zones that students may be in. Live chats may be difficult for all to attend at a certain time. If holding these or office hours, notice should be given well ahead of time.
I learned that it is important early on to identify the learning styles that could keep students from participating. The avoidant students seems to be disinterested and do not communicate well with the instructor or other students. The dependent students are the ones that may have a hard time thinking and reasoning for themselves and rely on the instructor or their peers. The competitive student is the one that I really had to think about. It is the student that acts as though they know better than everyone else even if they are wrong. This can cause other students to shy away from the discussion.
I really enjoyed the distinction between asynchronous, and synchronous discussions. This also applies to in person learning, a lot of teachers while teaching employ a synchronous discussion with the entire class, which isn't the most effective method. The same disadvatages shared with the synchronous discusison such as the students that are slower will not be able to keep up, and will also apply with in an inperson lecture.
I was surprised to learn that the bulk of the online instruction should be asynchronous. I would have thought that synchronous was the primary. I also will spend more time responding to individuals via email, instead of in class.
There are different learning styles that instructors should be aware of. Avoidant students can become overwhelmed and dependent students must be told what to do and how to do it. Also, feedback is crucial in an e-learning setting. Instructors must be mindful of non-verbal feedback; use constructive criticism when necessary but always provide feedback in a way that encourages future participation.
Focusing on one-on-one synchronous discussion can help maintain clarity and participation levels
Making it a habit to be interactive during the discussions will help student feel like it's more of a real life conversation.
Provide and obtain feedback is very important to develop a good support plan for each student.
A good way to keep students engaged in the online setting is to keep the discussion board active and current.
I learn the different ways to do group settings.
It is important for the instructor to be active in providing encouraging and helpful feedback to students. Providing adequate feedback encourages student participation.
Provide feedback in a timely manner.
Asynchronous discussions y help to maintain momentum in the course, by encouraging reflection, critical thinking, and more student involvement.
Engagement with students in the virtual environment will have a greater impact on their success in an online class.
Learning methods to engage students in the asynchronous learning platform.
From this module I’ve learned the difference between synchronous and asynchronous and how it applies to students
Discussion boards and video clips keep students engaged and ready to learn
I learned actually what these two terms meant,synchronour and asynchronous. It is important that out students participate but all that we are available with feedback and or redirection. Alway sleep it profession and direct the conversation in the way of the topic.
