Some of these characteristics have
to be in place before the class even starts. Characteristics such as smaller
class size, adequate pacing, and clear expectations have to be designed and
thought out before the first day. Smaller class sizes might not be possible
depending on the type of course, but I might be able to create smaller groups
for discussions to help make sure students are digging deeper in their
discussions instead of feeling like they have to reply to every person on the
surface. Sometimes with big class sizes it can feel overwhelming to respond to
posts. I would like my students to feel like they can discuss and dig deeper
with topics. Adequate pacing is an important characteristic to build a positive
online learning environment. You need to find the balance where the students
are not overloaded yet they are challenged. Another goal I would want to strive
for after being in online classes is clear expectations. Without being there in
person clear directions and expectations are crucial. This helps eliminate
miscommunication and avoid frustration. Clear directions, well-defined rubrics,
and student samples or examples (if possible) can help to achieve a goal of
clear expectations. All of these pieces
have to be in place before students even enroll in a future online class.
Other characteristics would be
incorporated after the students have already started such as project-based
assessments or assignments and effective communication. Project-based
assessments help to keep students actively engaged and also help students to
connect to their learning. It doesn’t mean every assignment or assessment has
to be this but incorporating some can definitely help foster a creative online
learning environment. I definitely liked having the chance to create and become
a more active participant. Effective communication is another
characteristic/goal I would like to strive for. This is a key component in
online classes I have now that I consider a positive experience. When an
instructor provides quick feedback on activities, answers questions or provides
information to find the answers, and students actively participate with each
other it can be a positive class.
Engaging students in an online
setting I would imagine can be a challenge. Even when thinking about the
traditional classroom setting this can be a challenge. Strategies such as hooks
for lessons, real life examples of the topic, and project-based assignments or
assessments can help to stimulate student interest in any setting. In science
anytime I can get them to become an active participant rather than a passive
observer listening to a lecture can be a driving force to get them to make
lasting connections. Giving students choices in projects can help build
interest. When giving students a choice on the topic isn’t an option, you can give
them the options in how they get to deliver it. Having options in the method of
delivery can also get them interested in an assignment. Effective communication
can help to keep the lines of communication going which in turn can help to
keep the creative ideas flowing. You don’t want students to become disengaged
because they can’t get the support they need. Prompt feedback lets students
know their progress so they can see how they are doing every step of the way.
When you don’t know how you are doing you might start to feel confused or lost which
can lead to tuning out or just going through the motions. Just because you
don’t see the students in the traditional classroom doesn’t mean that you
should give up on engaging students. You might have to get a little creative
and this can even be more of a challenge than engaging students face-to-face.
Being a science teacher, I
anticipate one of the most challenging aspects of online teaching might be coming
up with online versions of hands-on activities like labs. Labs can be an
essential component to science classes. They can help develop critical thinking
and problem solving skills as well as engage students and make them active
participants in their learning. There are a few possible solutions that I came
up with to help tackle this challenge. One solution was to investigate
simulations online that can still give students a chance to explore and investigate.
Another solution might be to adapt labs into more project-based activities.
These can still engage students and foster critical thinking and problem
solving. I even thought about possibly putting together a lab kit with
materials that you would get at the beginning of the course. A more extreme
idea might be to have a few designated lab times which would move the course
more towards a blended idea. The main goal with any of these solutions would be
to continue to engage students in an online setting.
After taking a look back at my
online experiences, I was better able to see what helps build a positive and
engaging online learning environment. This is something that I still believe I
would like to work towards for my future online students. I’m glad I had both
my good and bad experiences in online learning because each experience helped
to mold me as an online student. This knowledge definitely helps shape my ideas
and goals for my future online class that will be filled with students like me.
Looking into to the past and seeing what works and what doesn’t can help to
figure out goals for the future.
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