SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL FEEDBACK IN AN ONLINE COURSE


In an EArmyU presentation at a recent conference on online education, the point was made that the key success factor in online courses is the human touch.

1---Students want and NEED feedback. Please respond to student e-mails as quickly as possible. If you will not have a chance to grade their work immediately, please be sure to give them an anticipated “grade” date.

2---Begin with a positive statement. Thank the student for sending the e-mail, and then mention something positive in their work.

3---Keep your tone upbeat and cheerful. Be supportive, even if you’re asking a student to revise work or resubmit a unit.

4---Refer to specific chapters or readings to help guide the student and provide feedback.

5---ANTI-VIRUS – keep up to date. Be cautious about opening attachments. Scan all your students’ e-mails. Do not inadvertently send all your students viruses, either :0)

6---In guided discussion forums, please be sure to provide feedback, and refer back to specific comments or postings.

7---Reminders and updates. Of course it's not a good idea to become a spam-generator just because you want your students to feel warm & connected with your course.

8---Plagiarism? Academic misconduct? Please tread lightly here!! If you suspect a student has been copying and pasting from the Internet, remind them to cite sources. Refer them to this website:
http://www.beyondutopia.net/writing-survival-guide/plagiarism

9---Student Recognition