Engaging Students in Math Courses Online

Thanks to Liz Rourke, Donna Sperry, and Natalie Cullen for their contributions to this post!

Several of us (see above) had a great chance to talk about best practices in online math classes last week, and I thought I'd share the results of our conversation. Best practices:

-Early feedback (especially to peer postings or peer reviews)
-Provide lecture materials, particularly for items like common student mistakes. These are best provided in some multi-media format such as videos, powerpoints.
-Another great alternative is the "Lesson Session" Donna Sperry invented. Each week she holds a synchronous "Lesson Session" during which she speaks (in the chat room) on a particular topic. She follows this up with opportunities for students to practice and share results, and then ask general questions. She's had great results, by requiring students to attend 3 out of the 14 or 15 available.
-Modeling good discussion posts and requiring students to reply in an acedemic fashion.
-Creating "good" discussion questions. Keys are to ask questions that are authentic, learner-led, reflective or synthesizing. Asking students to complete questions and post answers is definitely NOT effective.
-Provide rubrics for discussion posts.

Specific activities:
Lesson Sessions
WebQuests
Learner-led discussions: Example- Each student must create a word problem that must be solved using a Venn diagram. They must answer at least 2 other students' problems. They also must provide feedback to those who solve their posted problem.
Student Presentations
Group Projects for Authentic Activities (particularly in higher level courses)