HIM Transitions
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I am constantly learning how to do a better job instructing in the classroom. This is particularly challenging for those students who are accustomed to the traditional classroom setting. They are used to face-to-face communication with the instructor. Students get weekly personal attention and we discuss any questions they might have. This kind of interaction for some students is necessary for them to succeed in the course.
When these students enroll in an online course, it is not possible to give that kind of interaction.
Students enrolled in online courses are expected to be self-directed. The most important piece of information in the online or traditional setting is the course syllabus. The course syllabus is a roadmap for the course. It contains vital information on tests, quizzes, assignments, grading, attendance and other general information. The course syllabus also keeps me on track and I always keep it handy. A lot of time goes into developing the syllabus so that students will know what the expectations are for the course so that they will be successful. Just about every question can be answered by reading the syllabus. Of course, students don’t take the time the read this information.
I have spent the last few weeks going over the same information over and over again. I post important information to the announcement board to keep students updated. I am amazed how many students don’t read the announcements. So, I end up posting to the announcement board and sending out mass e-mails on the same topic. This can be very frustrating because it wastes a lot of valuable time.
At this point in my career as an educator, I can say that I have learned that not all students will be self-directed. I must do whatever it takes to help the student be successful in the course. Even if this means sending out reminders and e-mailing students about information that they may have overlooked. Even if this means duplicating the same information in multiple places. I haven’t completely given up on the idea of self-direction. It just takes some of us a little longer to get there.
