Students need to be aware (and frequently they are not) online classes require as much, if not more time, than a F2F class. And, since most communication will be in written form, strong reading and writing skills are essential.
This module (Module 2 - Non-Technical Skills) covers some key points to creating and maintaining the online learning environment or in this case, the Community of Practice (CoP). Specifically: 1) Defining and maintaining "Good Online Citizenship" - very similar in concept and practice to "Netiquette" from a previous module; 2) Effective commuications - Clear, Professional, Appropriate (CPA) which are not only necessary for solid academic work, but are also required in the "working world" to get (and keep) that job; 3) the need for both the instructor and the student to interact and maintain effective communications and a good level of participation and engagement (on the part of both parties) in order to help ensure a successful learning environment, a healthly level of student engagement, participation and interaction for the duration of the CoP.
Things should be clear professional and appropriate at all times. It is important to know different techniques to help students
Community of Practice is a great to encourage students to communicate. It is important to communicate clearly to all students and motivate them to communicate with you and other students appropriately.
CoP will a great tool for online groups/classes.
Communication is very important, but it is especially important when teaching an online class. Being able to articulate your lesson in a concise easy to follow manner is very benefical to the students learning enviornment. I think it is also important to be able to post questions and answers in a place where all students and the teacher are able to access the page easily. This is what I would do if I were to teach a math class.
As an online instructor providing feedback to a particular student based on their writing, you may want to have a private blog or wiki where the two of you can develop a private editing session. The student will feel more comfortable in a one-on-one session such as this and the impact may be seen more quickly as the student may feel comfortable writing more in such a private session.
Seth Soronnadi
I agree when it said that " There are a variety of ways to develop participation and engagement; however, the key is to help students understand why the content is important to learn and that you care about their achievement of the learning outcomes. To justify the importance of the content, try to connect it to their lives and help them establish why it will be important for them. To show them you care about their learning, communicate effectively and compassionately."
When teaching and learning online communication is the essential component to succeeding. Effectictive communication is essential to assure understanding in a learning community.
I learned that Adult learners are more successful when they are given opportunities to apply their previous knowledge, skills and experiences to the course content. Also, Students that are able to interact with other classmates can solve problems together.
Be as clear and concise as you can be, and in good tone when communicating with students, Also ask that of the student also, then the online learning environment should go much easier.
I learned about the importance of students' reading and writing skills in an online course. This concerns me because so many students have issues with their reading and writing-- making it imperative that I have supports in place for these students.
Ideal participation and engagement in online course settings require all-encompasing communication, familiarity and adaptation to student personalities, and an active classroom. I believe that participation is a major key in being successfull in teaching online courses. With this information I would create checklists within the framework of the course to make sure that I am completing and considering all of these different areas of importance.
Preparing students how to learn online, giving them the resources to complete the course sucessfully. Being mindful if students are having difficulties, become unmotivated or nonexistant from the platform. This is where clear and consise communication is imparative for not only student sucess but that of the instructor.
I agreed with the course when it stated that effective communication should be clear, professional, and appropriate. People want to be spoken to respectfully and know that their opinion is valued. With this in mind, I will be sure to model the kind of language I want to be shared in my courses by being sure to speak/write at all times in a clear, professional, appropriate manner. When appropriate speech/behavior is consistently modeled, it will be returned.
Being aware of how we come across to students is very important; professionally, consise, and in a timely manner.
I love jigsaw style activities and they can be designed for any class setting and multi-level classroom need. Having each student assigned a particular part and coming together to see just how important and powerful working as a team can be is exciting to watch.
Based on the objectives of this module it is necessary to know and implement the importance of good online citizenship, reading and writing skills, participation, engagement, Community of Practice and effective communication. Following all the recommendations in this module, will let us to have an optimum online learning environment that promotes the success of our students.
Being a great online citizen is good for all the students.
Communication has to be effective in order to yield desirable outcomes.
