Thanks for the tips Beth. I have some similar experiences since just starting
an online class where the on-line site is potentially a virtual class
(Blackboard). I have found indeed, that you have to play these kinds of games
to get them to discuss the material on-line. I much prefer live-in-class
discussion---tho I also have to organize the class to elicit such discussions.
I gave them questions to discuss online and then had them post answers in the
discussion forum online. I wanted them to respond, clarify, and get feedback
on their answers. Except for a few, most just posted an answer, did not even
check the feedback I gave them, and then got out of the online forum. I am
indeed using some of these same questions on the exam as they were taken from
the "study guide." Unless there is a required activity, most don't check the
announcements or complete assignments until the last minute--much as they do
other in-class assignments. I am trying to find ways to encourage early
efforts. I enjoy the possibilities of online instruction, but find I am now
teaching two classes and getting paid for one. I don't find it necessarily a
complement to the class.
I posted a couple of practice tests to give them an idea of the exams and
to practice and get feedback about class material. This was not required, but
I thought it could be useful to some. The very few that bothered with them
merely printed out the exam/exercises, but never submitted any answers. Again,
this can be useful but they do need incentives to work on them (freebie points
or grading?).
I am still learning and experimenting with the on-line possibilities. In
my regular classes, I have students do activities and searches on-line, but
here I am speaking about an online class parallel with the regular class.
Students seem to feel also that they are now required to take two classes, and
most do not willingly do anything in the online class (Blackboard) unless I
make it a requirement or offer freebie ("extra credit") points for their
involvement. I am toying with the idea of giving weekly quizzes on-line to
force them to actually read and stay ahead of lecture material. On the plus
side: I have found it a good repository of documents that I no longer need to
hand out in class, it's been a useful aid for those visually impaired, and the
very good students do use the links and other resources I provide on-line.
Some of their answers to the discussion questions were very thoughtful and
stimulating----if only to me.
You have an "instructional designer"? I just see mine in the mirror. ;-) I
will be soliciting comments and suggestions from my students with this first
try. I hope to learn more about improving my use of the on-line class.
Cheers, Gary P
Gerald L. (Gary) Peterson, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychology
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI 48710
989-964-4491
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 03/08/06 12:39 PM >>>
Teaching OnlineSome suggestions from someone who's teaching her first course
online:
1. Put several questions for discussion on the Discussion Board, and ask them
to post more questions from current news on that week's topic.
2. Use a couple of points that are posted on the Discussion Board for the
test...that way, they'll actually READ the discussion board posts. (I had to
put them on the next week's test, since some students took the test early in
the week.)
3. If you use PowerPoint in your regular classroom lecture, have the
instructional designer put links for them online.
Beth Benoit
Granite State College
Portsmouth NH
----- Original Message -----
From: Stephen Truhon
To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 2:26 PM
Subject: Teaching Online
I have been asked to develop online courses in statistics and in research
methods. Does anyone have any experience with teaching online classes,
especially these? What are good sources of information about teaching online?
What are best practices and pitfalls?
I would appreciate any help with these questions.
Too long a lurker,
Stephen A. Truhon, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
Austin Peay State University
P.O. Box 4537
Clarksville, TN 37044
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