tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992004279757743950.post3835846389645405865..comments2023-05-18T02:47:26.391-05:00Comments on The Online Instructor: Burn-out and Online Instruction: Ten Tips to Revive Your Online Course and YourselfUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992004279757743950.post-73115699884114174132008-11-13T23:05:00.000-06:002008-11-13T23:05:00.000-06:00Oh, I can definitely relate to your experience wit...Oh, I can definitely relate to your experience with introducing Web 2.0 tools. However, like anything that is 'new', the students may feel some resistance at first. <BR/>When I introduced my class to Ning.com, for example, I made it extra credit. I allowed them to explore our Ning site at their leisure the first 3 weeks, and I would add content that was interesting. Pretty soon, their peers started to participate, and then it just snowballed until most of the students were at least checking in to post a comment for their friend. I did have some that did not choose to participate, but they may be the types that don't NEED more social support.<BR/><BR/>This is why I use social networking as just an optional experience. <BR/><BR/>For other tools, such as blogs, or wikis, or vodcasts, these are built in as assignments that I introduce from the very "get-go" with a tutorial the first week of class. I allow them to practice, I host a conference call, and then when their nerves are settled, they actually begin to see the value (and the fun) in the new tool. <BR/><BR/>I agree, though--we have to think about our students' needs and resources, first. I'm not sure, for example, that Second Life is something I'll use as a teaching tool for a long while. ;-)<BR/><BR/>Thanks for posting your comments!!!Joomenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16618349413624748627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992004279757743950.post-65879837220704145352008-11-12T16:06:00.000-06:002008-11-12T16:06:00.000-06:00Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I kn...Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I know there are other online instructors who feel (or has felt) the same way as you one time or another. While I've only been teaching online for a couple of semesters, I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degree in online programs. <BR/><BR/>I love every aspect of online teaching, but I have to admit that it is a challenge to facilitate social networking through this venue. Though available, the majority of the students are considered "nontraditional" and are faced with working 40 hour weeks, while preparing dinner for their families - squeezing any free time they have to complete their assignments within the due date! Yes, the majority of them are successful, but many do not have the time to engage in chat rooms discussions. I admit that I feel at a lost of ideas for them.<BR/><BR/>Will the new tools or activities engage them more? Or do the students just want to complete their work? <BR/><BR/>After reading your recommendations, I will try to sign up for a conference. Hopefully, the synergy of all the attendees will keep me motivated! Thank you for your ideas and I look forward to reading more of your postings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com