I see nowhere in the course syllabus where 10 responses are stated as weekly. When and Where issues continue plague some of use due to the way the course is structured. Having taken online instruction for 3 years before this, has spoiled me, perhaps. Class participation was conducted in the discussion group, but all assignments were posted to what Pitt would call its "Digital Drop box". I don't know how long Pitt has been offering online instruction, and there are features that speak in favor of the medium, but the structure is still rough cut. Rather than complain, I'd rather offer suggestions. 1. Have the syllabus state the exact nature of all assignments, include a due-by-date, and Where to post notice. 2. Have all discussions in a single location, but have small group activities as sub-locations. 3. Class lectures are needed at the start of each week rather than falling into the end of the week. Students need to view the lecture for additional instruction and have time to make adjustments to assignments in response. Week One's assignment was due in Week two and so on. Even when Week one was not assignment heavy it served as time for new students to learn to manipulate the new environment without fear of falling behind in course work.
1 comment:
Hi Rebekah,
I see nowhere in the course syllabus where 10 responses are stated as weekly. When and Where issues continue plague some of use due to the way the course is structured. Having taken online instruction for 3 years before this, has spoiled me, perhaps. Class participation was conducted in the discussion group, but all assignments were posted to what Pitt would call its "Digital Drop box".
I don't know how long Pitt has been offering online instruction, and there are features that speak in favor of the medium, but the structure is still rough cut. Rather than complain, I'd rather offer suggestions.
1. Have the syllabus state the exact nature of all assignments, include a due-by-date, and Where to post notice.
2. Have all discussions in a single location, but have small group activities as sub-locations.
3. Class lectures are needed at the start of each week rather than falling into the end of the week. Students need to view the lecture for additional instruction and have time to make adjustments to assignments in response. Week One's assignment was due in Week two and so on. Even when Week one was not assignment heavy it served as time for new students to learn to manipulate the new environment without fear of falling behind in course work.
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