How to keep students positive in the online forum
Many students are prone to negativity towards the subject matter, the instructor and their peers if the topics are difficult when studying online. Furthermore, their ability to 'hide' behind a computer screen so-to-speak makes them more likely to lash out online versus when taught in person. I have found that the way to combat this is to reach out to students that present things negatively and respond to peers negatively via phone and force a conversation with them. Typically it is due to their own frustrations about their perceived inadequacy in understanding the subject matter and when pushed to the conversation will own this more than they would when in the online forum where they can hide behind typed impersonal words.
Milka,
This is an interesting strategy. I actually have a rubric I use for my discussions. I then give them examples of real "bad" entries and "good" entries. If they continue, I have in my syllabus that I will pull them aside and talk with them with the idea they can be removed.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Reaching out to the individual is important. It is also important to address the group as well. I have "reminded" the group of the rules of virtual classroom, blog or other method used.
Alicia,
You make a great point. The online course should be more than just one on one, it should be a community. The federal government will determine one on one is not what they wanted
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Dr. Micic,
Having a phone conversation is definitely a good idea to try and motivate a disenfranchised or unmotivated student. Unfortunately, students oftentimes decline telephone conversations for various reasons. The instructor may see the phone conversation as an opportunity to help, while the student may become overly nervous about it.
Dr. Hale
Ed,
You make a great point. You try so many strategies to engage. Phone conversations are a way to help. I have also used another student to reach to another student. Sometimes that works. As much as we try, the students has to play a role in learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
