Ideas Into Action Online Course
Online Courses
Online Courses for Professional Development
- Allows teachers regardless of location to do the course.
- The course can be completed in the comfort of the home at a time which suits the participant.
- By using an electronic mailing list everyone can send messages to each other. As we will be using an asynchronous setting participants will have time to think about their responses because the response is not immediate.
- The social dynamics of the online course puts everyone on an equal footing. Every participant has the same opportunity to contribute ideas or comments.
- The instructor is now a facilitator or moderator encouraging participation and keeping the discussion focused on particular topics.
- It mininizes discrimination and prejudice which arises naturally in face to face settings.
- People react and participate based upon their personalities and interests. Some are comfortable joining in and initiating email discussion while others just read everyone else's messages.
TopSome Misconceptions about Online Courses
- Online courses are fairly sterile and impersonal. Instead they can be rich and personal often drawing people into discussion more than in traditional classes.
- Some think that they are only for "techies" or those that have a lot of experience. You need only minimal computer skills although it is more convenient to have access at home to participate regularly.
- Online classes are easier than traditional classes. Generally people find it involves more work but much more rewarding. This results from the greater thought about the subject matter and the online discussions. The course requires some self discipline to do preparation required for online participation and activities.
- All forms of assessment are possible for online courses including assignments, projects and portfolio methods.
TopNetiquette Rules when using the email list for the Book Rap Course
- Use the simple courtesies that we do when we are writing a letter including a greeting and who it is from. Don't expect people to have to read it from your email message header.
- Brief is best. Keep messages short and focus on a single idea or topic.
- Keep formatiing simple so everyone can read it. Make message readable by using spacing and subheadings. DON'T include graphics or attachments as this can create downloading problems on email lists besides all people on the list may not want them and they could be annoyed that they have received them. They can also pass on viruses.
- Provide structure. Take the time to create meaningful subject headings or descriptors for messages to help people orient to the purpose/content of information in the message. Begin email messages with a summary, recap or excerpt of the ongoing discussion to provide context.
- Think carefully about what you write. Always assume that anything posted could be made quite public.
Be kind and gentle. The online environment is a wonderful place for debate and discussion. Be civil and considerate. Avoid sarcasm. If you read something that upsets you, don't flame, either ignore it or wait a day and send a rational message.
TopBack to Book Rap Online Course Index Page
Created by Cherrol McGhee, Book Rap Manager Last updated: 14 October 1998.
