Communicate 4.1.1 Evaluation Methods and Communication Practices Quest

• How do communication practices in the online environment correlate to effective feedback?

After reading all the required text for this post, find myself a little fuzzy as to how to respond to this questions.  The first thought that comes to mind is that if you are not using a program that can meet the needs of your students, it is going to be difficult for student to receive timely feedback.  Could also point to the timing of feedback in that students must receive constant feedback if their online learning experience is going to be successful.  All too often, these students are left to teach themselves and instructors get angry when they fail to produce quality assignments.  Unfortunately, in this situation, the failure of the student stems from the failure of the instructor to prepare them.

• Why is authentic feedback important for online learners?

I recall several English classes where the instructor ordered us to write an essay.  So, in my first experience in higher education, I did just that.  An essay was produced based on the standards instilled in me by my high school English teacher.  When the essay was returned, the room had a distinct hue of red as we had not been prepared to write an essay that met the standards of our teacher.  

Unless students are provided with timely feedback that specifically addresses lapses in knowledge or skill, that feedback is useless.  I've had instructors that never returned tests and I've had instructors that gave the test back in time for the next class.  Instructor feedback is critical to ensure that students remain on task are are moving in the proper direction.

• In what ways might an instructor enrich a student’s online experience through feedback?

The student is taking an online course...their perception is going to be that communication is going to be sparse at best.  As addressed in the other questions, the feedback must meet what Chickering and Gamson termed "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education".

1.  Encourages Contact Between Students and Faculty---Student must sense that the instructor has concern for their educational growth.

2.  Develops Reciprocity and Cooperation Among Students---Peer evaluations are a great way to ensure feedback.

3.  Encourages Active Learning--Assignments should be tied to elements of the real world...really easy in Economics!

4.  Gives Prompt Feedback---Nothing more frustrating than turning in several assignments only to find that you did them wrong.  If the instructor would provide immediate feedback, this could be avoided.

5.  Emphasizes Time on Task---Instructors should break down huge projects into manageable bits of information.  This also allows for continuous feedback.

6.  Communicates High Expectations---You set the bar high, they will reach it.  Set it low, they will reach that as well.

7.  Respects Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning---Instructors should attempt to design activities that offer students the opportunity to shine.  Having the opportunity to exhibit your gifts only encourages student to excel.