By Larry V Flegle, D.B.A., CSE, CEC, MFP, MPM

Introduction

Students and even professors have been guilty of having misconceptions of the online classroom. While online learning is and should continue to be lifestyle friendly, that does not mean that online learning is easier than face-to-face.

In fact, online learning may be much more challenging. The majority of online courses offered today are asynchronous courses. This delivery medium allows both student and instructor to sign-on, read, and complete tasks at a time that best fits their schedules.

Of course, this is within guidelines set forth in their syllabi. Most schools require a minimum of three sign-on's per week. The question is whether this minimum achieves the desired academic rigor. If not, what can be done?

Rigor in Design

Careful course design should emphasize rigor both in spirit and in fact. Every component of the course must be examined to determine how they will engage the online learner and draw them into the threaded discussion. Since most online students are adult learners they are often reluctant to engage early in their online experience. Many have been away from school for years. It is incumbent upon the instructor to manage student relationships positively. Some may disagree but I believe students are to be considered customers in at least one context. Students deserve the best product the instructor and institution can offer. They should have a well-constructed and well-executed course.
Set behavioral objectives that state learning outcomes precisely. Mark out a path that guides students and leads them to mastery of the material.

According to constructivist theories learners do not acquire knowledge passively but construct it actively based on their experiences. It is the challenge of the instructor to provide a framework for the students to build their knowledge base. Variety of question- and exercise-type will make the course interesting and help to involve the student. For example, the discussion forum should have individual assignments and team assignments. Use as many questions types as possible. Discussion questions, research questions and case studies all keep the online classroom interesting and exciting. The more a student is involved in the information the instructor provides, the more involved he or she will stay in the course.

How teachers require their students to post their involvement is important. Some student work should be posted to the discussion area for peer reviews and further discussion. Other work should be e-mailed to the instructor. This will offer variety and freedom in their responses and lessen the temptation just to paraphrase a classmate's work. It is a good idea to develop an assignment using the online library, if one is available. The use of online tools will enrich the course and increase the student's time online. In every online course it is helpful to set up a Student Lounge or free area. Direct the students to use this area for any non-course related communications. This does several things - it keeps unnecessary chitchat out of the threaded discussion and it gives the student another reason to log on just to see what others are saying. By the end of the course you will be amazed by how much your students utilize this feature.

Another tactic to encourage students to visit the site often is setting up an area for "Interesting URL's." Gather a list of 10-12 URL's you have found on your "surfing trips" and sprinkle them in during the course. Ask the students to share the interesting URL's they have found. Students seem to like this feature and the instructor may find some useful site's to visit as well.

Rigor in the Classroom

The instructor has to lead by example. The instructor's connection time to the teaching platform must exceed that of the students. An effective instructor will connect 6 or 7 days a week in order to maintain appropriate contact with the students. So, the most rigorous involvement is that of the instructor. Students will have incentive to increase their activity just because they know the instructor is so active.

Here is a list of ways to involve students:

1) It is an old tactic to answer a question with a question. For the purposes of a well-developed discussion this is a good way to respond. It will cause the students to deeply explore the topic rather than settle for a superficial answer. Often just a tossed-up, "Class?" works extremely well.

2) The concept of "praising in public and rebuking in private" is a good one. If a student is not active, send a private e-mail restating the requirements of the course and encouraging their participation. Some instructors may feel this is not their responsibility, however this will improve the classroom experience for everyone.

3) Scheduling synchronous office hour(s) at a regular time.

4) Keep office hours dialogue focused on course content.

5) If your platform has a virtual chat or whiteboard feature, use it. They greater the variety of delivery methods you use, the more interesting your course. If your platform does not have a virtual chat feature you could use ICQ, AIM or some other free chat feature.

Maintaining rigor is the responsibility of all online instructors. The success of online education depends on equal or higher rigor than face-to-face delivery. The future of online education is in your hands.

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