What fun I had yesterday with the folks from Wichita State. We had a great discussion about organizing a course for online delivery, and I had some really interesting questions about experiences with thinner syllabi, video conferencing, and approaching new faculty. I’m a little concerned that I may have scared some folks, so I want to make sure during today’s conference that everyone is okay after they’ve had some time to digest and reflect. We’re definitely going to take some time to consider the topic from yesterday.
Today, we’re going to be tackling managing communications online. It can be a real bear sometimes when you teach online. It can seem like you’re always “on.” So, how do you create reasonable expectations with your students and not not seem unresponsive or distant? That just one of the topics we’re going to explore. I have some ideas about how to manage communications to make them more managable for the teacher when you’re teaching online.
I’m also going to share some tips I have for conducting chat sessions, discussion boards, and two-way audio and video. A couple of years ago, I conducted some research with a former student Dr. Jongpil Cheon (at Texas Tech University now) about two-way audio and video. So, it’s interesting to see what works and what students value. I’ll be incorporating some of these finding, as well as some “ah-hah” moments into the presentation.
The wiki pages we’ll be referring to today are:
- Tips for online course management
- Tips for asynchronous communications in an online course
- Tips for synchronous communications in an online course
If we have extra time, then we might can get to some tools that I recommend using:
And here’s the presentation I’ll be referring to as well.
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Michael, your presentation was excellent yesterday. We’re looking forward to more “best practices.”
Mike, thanks so much for the kind words. As I said, I really love teaching, and I really enjoy helping other faculty and staff figure out how to teach better. I’m looking forward to today, too.
Thanks again Michael for answering all my questions at our faculty bootcamp. It is encouraging to see instructional designers like you, and the great work that you do as well as the dedication and effort you put in to make a difference. I hope to be like you one day!!!
Keep up the great work. I hope I can stay in contact with you.
Thank you, Jrnnifer, for such kind words. As I said during or sessions, I am passionate about teaching and helping students learn. I could tell from the questions and skepticism you and your colleagues held that you all were also passionate. That’s awesome!! I certainly hope that our relationship continues, too. I would love to come out to visit with you guys and collaborate more closely. I would also really enjoy another opportunity to video conference with you all after you’re farther along into your courses. Let me know how things are going. Keep me updated.