By Caitriona Ni She, #Openteach project learning designer
During the course, participants were asked to devise a solution to the dilemmas faced by the online educators Eimear, Míchéal and Séan. Participants responded with many different solutions. The solutions for Eimear’s dilemma are summarised in this blogpost.
It seems appropriate to describe the variety of solutions with the phrase ‘ there is more than one way to skin a cat’, as an unexpected feature of the #openteach course was the prevalence of cats!
Eimear – Social Presence
Eimear is going fully online for the first time and is worried about how she will get to know her students without meeting them face to face. She presented her dilemma and asked the participants which of the following should be done.
Option 1: Look up the student profile on the VLE and then ask them more details in the first online class
What the participants said:
It is essential that an educator be aware of the student background and their particular requirements. However, it can be time consuming to examine VLE profiles for large classes. When using students’ information, follow GDPR guidelines. Be prepared to ask students about themselves through forums or in live classes.
Option 2: Create a dedicated Discussion Forum in your VLE where you and your students can share short bio’s and aspirations for the course
What the participants said:
Create a warm positive message with both humour and empathy. Make sure to use both a video and a written response to cater for different student needs. Student and educator engagement expectations should be outlined clearly from the start. Help with the use of the VLE and any other tools should be made available. Some educators like to send a personal email to all students in advance of the first class, to welcome them and ask them if they have any particular requirements. Prompt and personalised responses are recommended.
Option 3: Run an icebreaker exercise where you and the students can get to know each other
What the participants said:
Icebreakers need to be relevant to the particular student group. They should be both fun and challenging. Two truths and a lie was a favourite, and many tools were mentioned.
Option 4: Or is there something else?
What the participants said:
Challenges, skills and overcoming them
Preparation and planning are key areas that many participants mentioned. Where participants had teaching and learning support centres they suggested going there as a first stop. For example, the following tips were given for creating a welcome video:
o Practice – getting used to it all takes time
o Ask a colleague to look over the first video
o Video, background needs to be correct
o Record yourself speaking about something you know. Watch it, get used to how you look and sound. Don’t think about the content. Delete and do it again. Get used to the sound of your voice etc but don’t overthink it.
o Maximum five takes
So where does that leave Eimear? (click for video)