New Approaches to Online Learning Orientation
0 likes310 views
This document provides an overview of new approaches to online learning orientation at Texas Woman's University. It discusses building community through socialization activities like discussion boards. Seasoned students and peers used discussion boards to share experiences and advice on topics like time management and feelings of inadequacy. The orientation also focused on acclimating students to graduate-level expectations through emphasizing APA style, scholarly writing, interviews with faculty, and understanding the progression from undergraduate to graduate work. Rubrics and feedback aimed to promote professional writing skills. Student feedback was positive, praising the interactive chat sessions and encouragement from instructors.
New Approaches to Online Learning Orientation
- 1. New Approaches to Online Learning Orientation FS 5221: Seminar in Family Sciences Online Master’s Program Rhonda R. Buckley, Ph.D. Catherine L. Dutton, M.A. Texas Woman’s University 2007
- 3. Assume nothing Demonstrate patience Repetition helps Encourage inquiry, curiosity, experimentation Nothing is irreparable No one has ever died of an academic emergency Introducing Platform
- 5. Seasoned Student Discussion Board (87 posts) “Here is an exciting, new discussion forum for FS 5221 students to get insight and experiences from seasoned OM FS students who are approaching graduation or have actually graduated.” Topics included: time management, course timing, types of research, feelings of inadequacy, and help for other courses Peer Discussion Boards (91 posts) “This board is for you all to get to know one another better...Your success in graduate school may depend a lot on the support you receive from your family and friends. This board allows you an opportunity to meet and greet your newest set of classmates!” Topics included: Introductions, directions, helpful hints, fish, and birthday wishes Discussion Boards
- 6. • Everything is defined & repeated • APA, Scholarly writing & research • Interviews with other faculty • Best approaches to graduate work • Lengthy feedback • Progression from undergraduate to graduate work • Professionalism (e.g., building reputation, appropriate communication with faculty & staff) Socialization into Graduate Culture
- 8. The information in this post is interesting and shows a clear understanding of the topic. There are a few issues to consider before submitting future work. First, when defining a term or concept in graduate school avoid the use of dictionaries for definitions. It sounds counterintuitive, I know, but think about the whole process as discovering what research has told us about a topic or concept. We want to know how researchers have defined the term… Third, make sure that you use supporting citations to explain where information originates. For example, "However, plagiarism has long been accepted on the outskirts of academia where the beneficial outcome is regarded as more important that the process of gathering insight..." All of those statements need supporting citations. The information is true, but how do you (or anyone) know it is true? Scholarly writing always explains from where information or statements such as that originate. If a supporting citation is not provided, it's as though the author is saying that he/she originally thought of or generated the information. Ironically, that's plagiarism. Be very careful of those issues in graduate school. Don't be alarmed at me telling you this, because I know I tell most of my students the same thing more than once each semester. It's a learning process. Finally, you have chosen very good journals for your supporting materials. Keep doing just that and you'll do well! Provide Quality Feedback
- 9. Content = 6 Points Possible Points Points Received Criteria 2 The writing clearly shows insight and understanding of the materials read. Writing provides clear, specific detailed examples to support the students’ points. 2 The writing shows clear critical thinking about the materials read. 2 The writing meets minimum length requirements. Organization = 1 Points Possible Points Points Received Criteria 1 The writing flows smoothly and is logically organized Style = 1 Points Possible Points Points Received Criteria 1 Language is precise. Sentences are varied but not noticeably so. Active voice is apparent. Sentences are always complete and free of confusion and ambiguity. Grading Rubrics
- 10. Student Feedback “I am delighted to see a course such as this one added to the online MS curriculum“ “I think the class is perfectly formatted. I wouldn't change a thing.” “The teaching assistant responded rapidly to questions. However, some links to course material were unavailable until prompted by a student's inquiry. Overall, the course was very enjoyable.” “The instructor was encouraging and reassuring when I had concerns. She responded quickly to questions. Feedback was helpful.” “The chat sessions were wonderful! It was nice to interact real time with the professor and the classmates. The information exchange was awesome. There was nothing I would change; all aspects fit in nicely with the class.”