Much of the discussion I have observed, both as a
student and as an instructor, in on-line undergraduate courses without adult
learners has been flat and superficial, or what I would call a postmodern
simulacrum of real academic discourse (after all, it's the appearance, not the
content, that counts). Students often stated their opinions without relating
them to class materials. Task-oriented on-line assignments resulted in
better outcomes.
Lutz
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 11:36
AM
Subject: TEACHSOC: Re: on-line
teaching
Hi Sarah and All,
I teach online full-time and
I love it. My students are mostly returning adults who are highly motivated
and believe that their decision to return to school will change their lives.
Teaching online is a lot of work. Most classes involve a great deal of written
discussion, as well as papers, exams, etc. It really depends on the school and
platform. One of the things I like most about online classes is that everyone
must participate in the discussion. Obviously, there is no sitting at the back
of the class while the same 2 or 3 students do most of the participating. I've
found the experience extremely fulfilling as I watch students learn to think
critically and see their own experiences as valid and transforming. As far as
prestige, I have not seen it. What I have seen are dialogues that equate all
online education with diploma mills. Many feel that online schools are not
"real," that they have inferior standards, etc. This, of course, is related to
gate keeping, which I find very sad, but everywhere. I would be happy to
answer any specific questions you have regarding teaching online off list in
order not to flood inboxes. :-)
Peace,
Chris
Sarah
Murray wrote:
I'd like to get some feedback on on-line
teaching, something I'm contemplating undertaking.
Anyone have any views as to whether it is more
or less enjoyable, fulfilling, hectic, "prestigious", effective,
etc.?
I am an adjunct at a state university,
currently teaching on weekends. I know the on-line Soc. course fill up
to capacity -- more so than the weekend courses.
Sarah Murray
William Paterson U of NJ
PS The "Katrina" dialogue among us makes
for rich conversation, including in my lectures on structural violence this
September.
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