One activity that I have noticed consistently in courses that are taught on campus is the syllabus (Wikipedia, 2008) review during the first class. Usually the instructor will open the syllabus and discuss the information about the course such as how to contact the instructor, an outline of what will be covered in the course, with a schedule of test dates and the due dates for assignments; the grading policy for the course etc…. Also in those courses that utilize a course management system the instructor will also open the online course materials and show the students where and how to interact with the online content and assignments of the class. Typically the instructor will stress important items and add additional information that goes beyond what is written in the syllabus.
This same approach can be used for an online course by creating a syllabus video or course structure video. The instructor can capture the syllabus and go through the syllabus pointing out the important items and adding additional information that may go beyond what is written in the syllabus. The instructor can also go through the course structure by capturing the screens and recording their voice as they go through the course menu and the different sections of the class. They may also create demonstration videos for important activities such as turning in an assignment, how to take an online quiz, or how to access and use the course management system’s synchronous chat. Creating these videos may help the student feel comfortable with the online environment and more clearly communicate the expectations. The videos may also decrease emails that students send to instructors at the beginning of the semester. Also instructors can always refer students to the recording(s) when they ask questions that have already been discussed in the video.
--------
Syllabus. (2008, November 21). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:44, November 23, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Syllabus&oldid=253145694
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment