Tomorrow will be the first day of the Fall 2010 semester! As my own children have been preparing to return to grade school, I have been preparing my class for my next group of students. Because the Fall session will be longer than the sessions offered in Summer, I want to take advantage of the extra five weeks provided to help my students succeed. As mentioned throughout the summer on the blog, Elluminate will be a tool that I will use, as soon as the semester is started and I get to know my students.
Just as in face to face classes, it seems that each class has its own personality. Some are more independent than others and some need more support. In the past the personality of the class quickly appears in the first week's introduction discussions and others will be made more clear one the first assignment is due (especially now that it is pretty early due to the Census date requirement).
These are just a few of the ways I gain an idea of the students I will work with in a semester-- What are ways you gain an insight of your classes at the beginning of the semester?
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I thoroughly read the Student Introduction and make notes to each student's name. It is hard to remember them all, and this helps me personalize the class.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear you use Elluminate. I will be exploring that soon.
I find that it is very important to read each one and comment as well. It is a way to engage discussion and let them know that I do see what they are posting and care. I also post an introduction myself so that they can know that I am a "real" person with additional commitments as well.
ReplyDeleteIf a student indicates that they are new to the online environment, I ask others in the class for advice.