Online Learning Community: Best Practice for Online Courses Facilitator: David A. Georgina PhD Instructional Designer MSU Mankato 1
Successful Course Managementthe Beginning Successful course management begins with the analysis, development, design, implementation, and evaluation of your online coursein other words, successful course management is an iterative process. Once you have your content and its delivery mastered, you can focus on ways to assist student learningone of the most efficacious ways to engage students is to have a well organized course. The table below is a simple matrix for the preparatory postings in D2L. Creating a list or table of tasks to complete before the course begins provides an organizational safeguard for your course development. A list of tasks works just as well as a table. Course Materials Matrix D2L D2L Location Sunday Before First Week of Class Content Module Course Materials Discussions Main Forum Discussions Individual Forum Syllabus Course Calendar Grading Rubric(s) (if any) Readings Supplemental Materials (if any) Introductionsbios Online Teaching and Learning Individual Student Welcome Note 2
Best PracticesConsistency Online Courses: There is nothing new about the idea of consistency in course development for students. However, online courses can be much more confusing than traditional courses because they offer many more paradigms for entry-level and first time students (navigating the internet, developing an ever-increasing level of so- by sending out information about our courses, before the courses begin, and by sharing examples of our expectations through rubrics and past assignments. Manage Consistently by Implementing Beginning Strategies Post Discussion Question Threads to the Main forum on the Sunday before class starts. Introductions forum within 24 hours. Post Weekly Deliverables/Overviews, clarifications on assignments and rubrics Post weekly wrap-ups to provide a sense of closure to completed class activities. Post weekly wrap-ups to provide a sense of closure to completed discussions. Provide tips for using the Online Learning Platform (D2L) Use course forums consistently in order to minimize confusion in the online classroom. Consistency in course management leads to improved student performance 3
Creating Rapport by Meeting Student Expectations class assignments, activities, or policy and encourage them to ask questions and express their personal viewpoints. Timely responses also help create an environment of respectful communication. Stick to your response time-limits whenever possible. If, for some reason, you are unable to respond to a student, or complete the grading of class assignments within the time frame you stated, then simply post a notice in the MAIN forum; or, send a class email alerting your students about the time lag. See Rules of Netiquette link in D2L Session One, Content. (The next session of our Learning Community will focus exclusively on managing Discussion Groups.) Once online class rules are clearly stated, you have to consistently implement them. When you encourage students to be creative and independent (in dealing with subject matter) and to formulate their own views, you are teaching more effectively. As a result, students not only know what you expect of them but may also feel more responsibility to go beyond the recognized level of performance. The classroom then becomes a challenging and safe learning environment in which ideas are freely exchanged and students can engage in civil discussion. 4
How to Successfully Meet Student Expectations Answer all Individual forum or email questions within 24 hours. Be responsive to all postings, even if they are not questions. Explain when you will provide feedback if a student submits a late assignment. Create discussion by answering common questions in the classroom. Provide feedback within 48 hours. Provide timely weekly feedback. Communicate your availability, your own expectations of the student, and the importance of the course platform, syllabus, and participation. Anticipating student problems reduces student uncertainty RUBRICS Rubrics can add much to your student act as instructive guides to your expectations of student performances. It is Best Practice to introduce rubrics early in your courses by: Posting them to a discussion group created You may decide to include the rubrics in your course materials. If the course is for upper division or graduate students, you might want to involve them in the rubric-making process by asking for their input into the rubric details. However you choose to implement the use of rubrics, be certain to address each rubric criteria for each specific assignment. Again, the purpose is to allow students some insight into how you have uiding them to a more complete understanding of the assignment learning requirements and consequences. 5
SAMPLE Writing Rubric Writing RubricTotal points = 100 Content and Development 70 Points (10 pts per section) Grading Criteria All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way. /70 Areas to consider when revising paper. ADDITIONAL NOTATIONS: Develop your own grading criteria in these areas. Subject topic is appropriate Purpose is clearly defined Thesis statement 750 to 1050 words The content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. The paper develops a central theme or idea, directed toward the appropriate audience. The paper links theory to relevant examples and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctly. Major points are stated clearly; are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis; and are organized logically The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points. The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points. Readability and Style 15 Points (3 pts per section) Grading Criteria Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and maintain the flow throughout the paper. The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. Sentences are well constructed, with consistently /15 Areas to consider when revising paper. ADDITIONAL NOTATIONS: 6
strong, varied sentences. Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. Mechanics 15 Points (3 pts per section) Grading Criteria The paper, including the title page, reference page, tables, and appendixes, follows APA formatting guidelines. Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow APA guidelines. The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space. Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. Spelling is correct. /15 Areas to consider when revising paper. ADDITIONAL NOTATIONS: Total 100 Points Overall Comments: /100 7