I really like the idea of a dynamic syllabus. I will using this moving forward in the LMS that I am using. This should increase the awareness of time table for assignments, discussion boards, and assesments.
One thing that stands out to me and a first time 100% online instructor is that communication is key just like in any f2f classroom. With a class that is 100% online, it is important to establish guidelines of communication between instructors and students as well as between students and their peers.
I enjoyed reading about scaffolding. This, I must consciously consider my students previous learning and facilitate building.
Good, detailed instructions in the syllabus are the key to good online communication.
Using a variety of online tools can stimulate an online community and foster student success. I will make sure to include a variety of online interative tools to help conversation and interaction between students to students and students to me.
A methodical approach to learning via scaffolding information, concepts and techniques promotes group interaction with students and gives mini-assessments and knowledge checks to ensure the objectives to what is being taught is achieved.
The advantages of this virtual teaching style allow students to interact with the teacher as if
I was in the classroom, and students in their homes can live exchanges with the teacher and other students.
Based on prior knowledge, students will have the opportunity build their knowledge because it enhances the experiences they are acquiring through the classes.
Instructional delivery examines the components of a dynamic syllabus, the importance of building an online learning community, effective communication, and scaffolding learning.
I have not used this option before, but I like the idea of using the discussion boards and the FAQ option to relieve answering multiple students while having the students reply amongst themselves. It promotes the connection between the students that they would get during face to face vs no connection between each while working online.
There is so much here on how to create a dynamic learning environment for my students! A dynamic syllabus is a great way to build and change the topics/information in real time. This is a great tool as medicine changes so quickly, especially in a pandemic! The tips to encouraging participation in the discussion boards are also helpful. Providing extra credit or even a place to discuss without the instructor are innovative and fantastic ideas!
I found the comments about the dynamic syllabus to be especially usefull. The sylabus and the associated online activities are at the heart of the course and guide the student through the material.
I learned the importance of a dynamic syllabus and how important scaffolding is to the online environment to ensure students are learning the modules.
I certainly try to use scaffolding in my courses. Building on concepts and tying them together is beneficial for students. Also, I work to participate in discussions without getting too involved and "telling" the students the answers or steer them in their decision-making. I find it hard to do. I am working on my Socratic questioning.
There are many ways to encourage communication between teacher-student and student-students.
It can be helpful to have a dynamic syllabus. I had never heard of it, but it sounds like a good concept than a normal document form of a syllabus. It is important for instructors to provide guidance for online discussion format whether it is complete access, restricted access (if students feel more comfortable for only instructor to see ).
There are multiple types of Effective Online Communication including S2S, S2I, I2S, G2G, G2I, G2G, and I2G. Providing students with the opportunity to engage with the Instructor and their peers is a crucial part of learning, and will make any Online Course more effective and beneficial for the students.
Scaffolding provides structure for student learning and focus for student activities.
- Provide clear instructions
- Clarify purpose
- Keep students on task
- Offer assessment to clarify purpose
- Direct students to worthy sources
- Reduce uncertainty and disappointment
- Deliver efficiency
- Create momentum
One thing I have learned is that we need to convert or Syllabus to be more dynamic. Currently, it is flat and students need to download it to print if they wish to refer to it. I will have to look into ways we can make it more like an ebook.
Adding a detailed syllabus and reviewing with students before the start of class will help with any confusion and gives student a chance to realize how much work is involved in the course.
