Communication is key in an online learning environment.
A FAQ page, especially tied to the syllabus, is a great way to reduce workload. So many student will ask the same question over and over. It is much easier to respond by sending them the FAQ page. Forcing students to look for answers that already exist helps them achieve a level of independence they need to have.
I learned about the concept of scaffolding.
The importance behind establishing emailing rules regarding S2I communication. This can save a lot of time when students have a database to to access FAQs to search for answers or post their question. Allowing students to not only post a question but also answer questions is also helpful and if answered correctly, could be given extra credit (as determined by the instructor).
syllabus must be specific and lessons must build on each other
Your online syllabus must be dynamic. A dynamic syllabus provides an opportunity for students to interact with information
Online chates are synchronous, Recorded chats are asynchronous
Blogs or web logs are shared online journals which can be set up private or public
Students should feel like they are part of a community not an idividual online
Purpose of scaffolding learning students need to focus on learnig with technology instead of learning from technology
Online syllabus must be dynamic! Not just a copy/paste flat document. It must provide a way for students to see the course, recognize the resources available and allow for buy-in.
Facilitator planning is an important key to the students ability to build their learning scaffold. It is important for the syllabus of the course to be interactive so students can use it as a component to guide them through the course. The syllabus should be easy to use, and provide all needed information. The facilitator should always survey to see if anything was missing or needed from the students in the course. This will only better your instruction as a facilitator.
I learned the different types of communication, I2S, etc. Also, to set certain parameters and rules for students commenting online.
It is important that students learn WITH technology rather than from it.
My key takeaways are to create a syllabus that is easy to access over and over as well as to integrate scaffolding techniques. I had never heard scaffolding addressed in this sense, but it does make sense in the context of a digital environment.
Students must be given an opportunity to form an online learning community where they can interact while learning.
I found the keys to communication helpful; I plan to particiapte, give credit for taking part in communication avenues, allowing anonyminty (when appropriate) encourage collaborations and being realistic. This are new to me as I deliver online teaching to middle schoolers
Reply to Carey Fabacher's post: I agree with you, the syllabus is very important.
I learned the importance of creating a dynamic syllabus for an online class instead of the same one that I would use for my face to face classes
Creating a sense of community is important for student retention and success. A student who is participating regularly is getting the most resources from the classroom regardless if it is an on-campus class or an online classroom. To achieve better online participation we can incorporate discussion boards, group chats or group projects which encourage interaction and build teamwork.
I will definitely incorporate a FAQ section in the future to help my parents which will help me.
Creating a syllabus is extremely important for users to have. I also learned about creating example so that students understand what is asked for assignments.
Communication is an important facet of online learning. The syllabus must be dynamic and comprehensive. The student must feel part of the online community. This can be accomplished by using many tools such as chats, forums, etc. Scaffolding is important for learning. Each of these ideas revolve around good communication.
I learned about developing a syllabus and learning scaffolding.
