ETAP640

However, few would deny that there is a strong probability that the distancing effect of computer-mediated asynchronous learning will cause many instructors and students to view one another more like extensions of the machines through which they are communicating than as real persons with emotions, aspirations, problems, time constraints and (in the case of most faculty) the very real need for sleep. As overworked online instructors turn to labor-saving shortcuts, such as computer software that can actually grade papers, and are compelled by the financial exigencies of higher education to increase their class sizes to unmanageable proportions, the problem of distancing is becoming increasingly serious [1].

Designing your course to promote quality interaction between faculty and students and among students is essential.  Consider emphasizing the course conference by making it a part of your class assessment possibly as a substitute for test, paper, or project.

Be patient and available.  Remember some of us are first time online learners and are still trying to figure out this method of teaching and learning.

Be accessible

Principle 5: Good Practice Emphasizes Time on Task Lesson for online instruction: Online courses need deadlines. One course we evaluated allowed students to work at their own pace throughout the semester, without intermediate deadlines. The rationale was that many students needed flexibility because of full-time jobs. However, regularly-distributed deadlines encourage students to spend time on tasks and help students with busy schedules avoid procrastination. They also provide a context for regular contact with the instructor and peers.

learn what they need to do to become full participants in the contemporary media landscape

challenges which require a mixture of exploration, experimentation, self-reflection, and communication.

posing problems of emerging relevance to students

assessing student learning in the context of teaching

use cognitive terminology such as "classify," "analyze," "predict," and "create."