Week 3

Interactions in Online Classes


Here is my file of the interactions matrix:

	Learner-Content	Learner-Instructor	Learner-Learner
Video Presentation	X
Lecture	X
Chat		X	X
Discussion		X	X
Skype	X	X	X
Websites	X
Email	X	X	X
Blogs	X	X	X

For online classes, I believe that interaction between the instructor and the students is the most important interaction.  Learner-Content interaction is important to teach the material and explain concepts that are needed for the instruction of the course.  Learner-Learner interaction is also important to motivate students in the class and to encourage other students who might be shy or quiet in a face to face class.  Also this type of interaction is commonly used in traditional face to face classes.  However, the Learner-Instructor interaction is what I find the most beneficial in both the online classes that I have taken and the online classes that I have taught.

The Learner-Instructor interaction is important because most online students are independent learners.  Most of the students can figure things out on their own or else they would not have registered for an online class.  Therefore, the instructor's feedback and guidance can help make sure that all of the students in an online class are on the right track and thinking in a focused manner.  The instructor can help students if they are having trouble or difficulties with an area and can help motivate students who are behind or confused with the material.  I have also found that when the instructor responds back to just me as a student, I feel a more 'personal belonging' to the class rather than when the instructor responds back to the entire class.  This personal bond with the class makes me feel more important as a student and motivates me to perform better in the class that I might otherwise do.

As an online instructor, I would focus on the Learner-Content and Learner-Instructor interactions.  I teach elementary and intermediate algebra online.  For the learner-content interaction, I usually let MyMathLab teach most of the content material for the class since the e-pak and the textbook go hand in hand.  80% of the students can learn the material just fine with this program.  For the other 20%, this would require the learner-instructor interactions.  I answer questions on particular problems through email discussions or skype calls.  I have also started using my tablet pc and camtasia to create a video screen capture of the problems that students have and record my voice working though the problems.  This way the students can not only see the process on how the problem is solved, but can also hear what I am explaining at the same time.

For example, in my intermediate algebra class, one of the most difficult topics for students to grasp online is the use of matrices to solve system of equation problems.  We use only 3 steps to manipulate a matrix, but unless students can see the process, it is often very difficult for them to grasp through readings and examples on a website.  Therefore, I would usually create 2 or 3 videos for them explaining how I go through the process of solving a system of equations by using matrices and then send the link to the video to the students.  I have found this to be more successful that trying to explaining to each student one by one on how to solve the problems.  I used to refer the students to youtube videos of professors going through the process to simulate myself explaining the process, but I prefer the camtasia videos now.

A majority of the students in elementary and intermediate algebra are not as motivated as students in a calculus course.  Therefore, it is essential that as an online instructor, I keep the students motivated and interested in the course and still teach the required material and content for the course.  I always check email and responds to students' questions within a 24 hour time frame.  I never let email go for more than 1 day.  I think the students appreciate this quick response and feel more comfortable emailing me as an instructor questions and concerns they may have with the class.

James