Dallas' Online Teaching Blog: April 2006

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

I have a few observations for those of you looking at the field of online teaching.

Preparation time for an online class is double because there isn't any room to 'wing it.'
Students new to technology have to be forced to communicate in the beginning.
Large projects need milestones so that you can ensure everyone in on the right path.
Half your class will turn things in at the last minute so that they can see everyone elses work.
You need to establish guidelines in how you name posts in a discussion board; otherwise you have a string of 20 comments titled "re: initial comment"
You will have to attempt to record a lesson at least 6 times before you get it right (this is if you have editing cababilities.) In breeze you are just screwed.
You have to be very specific about what constitutes communication, especially in an entry level course. Otherwise the only comment you get is "I agree. Great job!"