1. Securing the Success of Your Online Students Toosdhi M. McGowan, EMBA, MPH, MSW, CHES SDICCCA Intern March 31, 2006

2. Objectives Identify potential barriers to student online success Create a 360 degree feedback loop between instructor and students Integrate student-centered tools to course web pages

3. Who Takes Online Courses? First-time students Returning students Working students Students with families Students who travel frequently Students with limited transportation options Students with limited physical abilities Active duty military

4. Unclear instructions given by instructor Poor student preparation Dead links Too many clicks Software incompatibility Equipment limitations Potential Barriers

5. 360 Degree Feedback Loop Clearly outline expectations Identify preferred/most effective communication methods 24 hour maximum response time on emails Discussion board/thread specifically for course questions or concerns Tips/examples of effective emails

6. Effective Emails Subject line – Course number Include name Questions at the beginning of the email Multiple questions/concerns – number the items Post examples of effective and ineffective emails Spelling/grammar check

7. Effective Email Good Evening Professor McGowan, I am writing because I have two questions: (1) How do I change my email address? My email address is heather_b@k12.ca.us. I would like to have it changed so that I can receive the appropriate emails. (2) I was looking at my grade and noticed that I did not get full credit on my discussions for unit 1. Can you clarify and/or double check to see if I did it correctly?heather_b@k12.ca.us Thank you very much for your time in advance! Heather B. heather_b@k12.ca.us

8. Ineffective Email Professor McGowan, I wanted to share with you a concern that I might have with this course. Along with being a full-time first year teacher I run two programs on campus. Right now I am in the middle of my dance teams competitive season. On February 18 we will be in at our USA regional competition. We typically leave on the bus around 6am and don't return home until 10pm. I'm concerned because we have our School Health Laws project due that day plus our regular discussions. Is there anyway I can turn the project in on Sunday or on presidents day? I will do my best to stay ahead of schedule but I wanted to tell you about my situation early on in the class. Thank you, Cameo F.

9. Student Centered Web Pages Introduction/ice breaker discussion board Post important documents in multiple areas on the website Troubleshooting methods for website problems readily available

10. Student Centered Web Pages Leave announcements on website for entire course Encourage students to use classmates as resources “Water cooler” discussion board

11. Water Cooler Discussion Board CSET Exchange I noticed that a lot of you have taken the CSET or portions of it and a lot of you will be taking the exam in the near future. Please use this board to post questions and provide resources regarding the CSET, the RICA or any other exam. I am sure that your classmates will be very grateful. Good luck to all of you on those exams and thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge! :-) Prof. Mc

12. Recommendations ALWAYS instruct students to complete Orientation/Training course Syllabus review Check all web links Ask someone to navigate your course Test assignment Motivate your students Share something personal

13. Motivate, Encourage and Inspire Hello all, Everyone did exceptionally well on the Health Lesson Plan Critique assignment. I'm looking forward to more of the same on the School Health Laws. Keep up the great work! Prof. Mc ~Take up leisure activities that please and satisfy you.~

14. Teachers are People Too! Hi Class, I've been an adjunct professor with NU for over four years. I have lost track of how many times I have taught this class both on ground and online. I have also taught the class using iLinc. In my full time job I work for the County of San Diego in the Health and Human Services Agency as a contract administrator. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing basketball, quilting and of course, teaching teachers about health education.;-) Prof. Mc

15. Gratitude Prof. McGowan, I very much enjoyed taking this course from you. Do you teach other online courses at NU? If so, and I can request to be placed in your class, I'd like to do so. Best regards, Ruth L.

16. ~Questions~ Contact Information Toosdhi M. McGowan SDICCCA Intern toosdhi@hotmail.com