“Although many of the same underlying principles of teaching and learning still apply, online courses are qualitatively different from traditional, classroom-based courses.” Quote from Dennan (2005)
Many students and teachers find online courses much more impersonal than traditional face to face classes. I will discuss ways of including the human factor in online courses. Some of these techniques could also be applied to hybrid classes and web enhanced classes that are taught in a traditional face to face manner. These methods and techniques can help facilitate the growth of the class into a community of learners who help each other learn.
Using examples from online courses I teach, I will address the topics of (1) getting to know the students and helping them get to know each other; (2) facilitating online discussions and group projects; (3) using video feedback and verbal commentary on assignments; (4) personalizing assignments ; (5) virtual office hours; and (6) individual exams. All of these things can be done in ways that help students find the human element in an electronic environment. This often makes taking the class more satisfying for students and may also make it more rewarding for the instructor to teach.
Audience members would be encouraged to add comments on their own experiences and to ask questions of the presenter as part of the presentation. Proposals for how to get started with these suggestions will also be offered. Some of the technology involved will be demonstrated. More will be demonstrated if an Internet connection is available.
Dennen, V.P. (2005). From message posting to learning dialogues: Factors affecting learner participation in asynchronous discussion, Distance Education Vol. 26, No. 1, May 2005, pp. 127–148.