On-Line Writing Course

The purpose of this blog is to share interesting ideas I have found in American professional publications dealing with the teaching of English at all levels, elementary, secondary and college.

Topic: On-line Writing Course (College)

Title: “Six Lessons in E-Learning: Strategies and support for Teachers New to Online Environment.” Anjanette Darrington. Teaching English in the Two-Year College (May 2008), 416-421. A publication of the National Council of Teachers of English.

Summary: Teacher used to working with real classes in real classrooms is assigned to teach an online writing course. She learned six lessons: 1. “Students are not as tech-savvy as the media portrays.” 2. “Teachers have to work harder to create classroom community in virtual spaces.” 3. “Teaching online takes more—not less—time.” 4. “Smiley face icons are poor substitutes for real smiles.” 5. “Student satisfaction is a key concern in online courses.” 6. “Online courses may be good for the university’s budget, but not necessarily mine.”

Comment: Another article that makes this particular journal worth its cost. A short article packed with specific suggestions on how to resolve the many problems in conducting on-line courses. Many of these ideas will have to be found in the article itself. Go to www.ncte.org. This article is an example of the usefulness of reading professional literature. RayS.