I use Blackboard as the LMS. I often start off a semester or session with the best intentions of using the tool effectively and consistently. But my efforts can be inconsistent and my expectations for student use is inconsistent. Communicating with students is vital, and leveraging this tool to it full potential will provide a better experience.
Plan robust discussion boards only for topics you know merit a lot of discussion, so it's not just busy work. Let students know how you are assessing their online participation, and participatein discussions as needed. Also: offer extra credit for students who answer others' questions on the FAQ page!
I have learned that consistency and building a syllabus that is detailed will help the course go much more smoothly. Everything should build. I think this will be easier as we return to school in the fall, as we will be able to start from scratch from the beginning with online learning. Giving grades and hopefully studnets will take it much more seriously.
Various types of on-line interactions & discussions to fit the course & student.
I learned of the importance of making a syllabus a dynamic document that involves links and interactivity.
Knowing where your Capstone will end up can help drive your syllabus, and using the scaffolding technique makes for easier continuity for the course.
I agree with many of the other comments that using scaffolding to help build on prior knowledge will engage the student and increase their involvment.
It's important that the information online be used to encourage and clarify purpose to the students by enhancing their experience with the use of technology, and not simply using technology as a replacement for teaching in the classroom.
Instructors who use scaffolding typically use the following eight tasks to ensure students are building appropriate scaffolding related to the module or course learning objectives. These tasks are:
- 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
A good syllabus is one that is ever changing based on feedback from the students. You should routinely ask what should we stop doing and what should we start doing in an effort to help the students reach their learning objectives
I will have to figure out a way to give students a more meanful online experience through better interactions with me and each other.
Its not that I learned it, because I was already aware, but this section is really driving home the importance of communication in an online course. Making sure that you are an active participant in the online chats is also really important. I think if you are doing this, students will have more "buy in" in making sure that they are paying attention and doing what they are supposed to.
building on students present knowledge is important
I need to ensure my courses are user-friendly and is a buildable road map
Essentials: building online communities, scaffolding and creating a dynamic syllabus.
be involved with students, give clear and detailed instructions, use the website tools to promote discussions and interaction between students
Offering students varied forms of communication that is dynamic and interactive facilitiates good learning environments for almost all online students. Specifically, an electronic course syllabus should be packed with information extending beyond the basic information; modules, assignments, tests, grading and due dates; to include links to resources (videos, instructions, instructor email, etc) and a disclaimer to students that due to the dynamic nature, the information in the syllabus is subject to change. Scaffolding and communication should be as varied as the syllabus. A strong virtual learning environment teacher offers several avenues for students to access for learning opportunities (I2S, S2I, S2S, G2I, I2G, and G2G) throught a web-based community setting for asynchronous learning. Finally, as scaffolding is a traditional instructional strategy; online instructors may scaffold with technology through varied forms of communication within the LMS.
I've taken online courses and you definately need interactive content.
Wow....lots of information in this section! I have learned the importance of creating a fluid yet dynamic syllabus and allowing students to provide feedback to modify assignments and projects. I also learned the importance of effective online chats, communications, and scaffolding.
I learned that scaffolding create a steadfast fondation for all learners.
Creating dynamice syllabus is highly important for online learners
