This week’s tip is about "Engaging Students"
in your online courses.
Mid-term is over, both students and faculty
should be fully engaged in the course. It’s time to take a moment and do
a mid-term engagement check. Here are a few questions to ask
yourself, that will help keep everyone on track for the remainder of the term.
Have you provided feedback on mid-term grades?
Tip: Students expect regular and prompt feedback on their assignments
in an online class. Let students know when and where to find your feedback. If
you're going to be delayed in posting feedback for any reason, let the students
know in the class Announcement area or in a private message to that individual
student.
· Have you responded to student emails?
Tip: Whether you use the course messaging
system or school email to communicate with your students, it is important to
respond to their emails in a timely manner. Be sure to check your email
often and provide prompt replies.
· Have you provided thoughtful feedback and guidance to
students on the class discussion board?
Tip: Providing guidance to the students
through class discussion is critical to learner success. Leaving students
to discuss amongst themselves can lead to misguided conversations and
misunderstanding of topics they are learning. When using a discussion
board, it is important to not only moderate but participate. Discussion
boards are a great way to share your real-world knowledge and experience
regarding the discussion topic.
· Have you checked the grade center to see how your students
are progressing?
Tip: If you notice that
students are missing assignments or nearing deadlines, reach out to them with
concern for their progress. Weekly and/or bi-weekly announcements are a
great way keep students aware of your expectations and it also let’s
students know that you are engaged in the course. Post an announcement
for the entire class reminding them of critical due dates and a review of what
to expect for the remainder of the semester.
Engagement Tool:
Login to blackboard, in the eCourses sub-menu,
click on Instructor Resources to learn more about using Blackboard
Collaborate.
Submitted by Wendy Davidson
If for any reason the links appear broken, or if you have
an idea for a DL Tip of the Week, please email us at HCTC-DL@kctcs.edu.
Remember if you need assistance, please let a member of the
DL Team know.
- Brad Roberts, DL Specialist (Faculty/Student
Support) – Lees
- Paul Currie, DL Specialist (Faculty Support) –
Hazard, Knott, Leslie, Tech
- Wendy Davidson, LoD Program Coordinator (LoD
support and Student Support)
