Tying It All Together
This has been a long section; thanks for sticking with me. Setting expectations is an incredibly important component in online learning. We often don't realize how much of this type of give-and-take occurs in face-to-face learning, much of it on a sub-conscious level through non-verbal communication. Since we don't have that conduit in online learning in the same way, it's very important to be explicit.
Be sure to ASK learners how they are feeling and how things are going. When learners feel that they have a voice and that voice is heard, they are more willing participants in the community of learners. Move toward a more collaborative learning environment, but make your expectations of behavior known to the learners, and be sure to let them know what they can expect from your behavior.
Activity
One last activity for this module before you take a brief quiz and move into the resources. After reflecting on your teaching style, what you know (or think you know) about online learning, and the contents of this module,
- List the expectations you have for the learners in your online classroom.
- List the expectations that your learners should be able to have of you.
When you have your lists compiled, move to the following page where you will find my list of what I believe faculty should expect of their students.