Success for both Students and faculty in the virtual classroom

Abstract

When students face a computer monitor instead of a chalkboard, creative tools are necessary to be a successful instructor. Tips for achievement in this environment, which have been acquired over ten web-based course offerings, will be discussed. Experiences to be presented have been garnered from offering asynchronous, on-line classes to students without geographic restriction. Important areas of discussion will include the unique interaction of the instructor with students, in the role of coach rather than presenter; methods to foster student interaction and group work; the prevention of "scrolling learning" and ideas to impart information in ways other than black print on a white page. Also, experience with the implementation of classes provided on-line at Indianapolis University - Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) has shown that faculty and students can be more connected with each other when linked via computer, as opposed to traditional classrooms, when this feature is nurtured and developed. How this has been enabled will be presented. While course content is prepared prior to the beginning of the semester, continual preparation and review is required. Faculty describe the feeling that class is never over. The students are constantly on their minds. Students have a high expectation of accessibility, including weekends. Promoting student satisfaction involves a great many "virtual office hours." Adding to student satisfaction is the use of feedback to help the students feel as if they can "make a difference," that is, direct the course discussion. The general information presented will describe how to get over the "first-time" syndrome for faculty, staff and administrators.