The links provided
Include tools on how to use tools like facebook to distribute a class
It was a great low cost way to explore whether this could easily be used in my practice. Wonderful references also.
html and blackboard
More detailed instructions. I could figure out blackboard myself if I had the time. I wanted someone to show me around who has already been there. Many links were bad or out of date.
How w eb pages are put together...organization etc.
I dont. Ilike it just as it is!
The strong points were the links for me. The class opened my eyes to many options on how to supply my class information to my web conferencing classes.
Expand your documentation on how to set up Blackboard. I realize you want the class to figure it out. But, I can't get away with that with my courses.
It took what I considered complex technology and made it simple and easy to do. Plus there were many information resources available to enhance the learning. I enjoyed starting of with the humor to feel less stressed whne jumping in to the lesson.
I discovered that I needed face to face learning as an add on. This would have been perfect for me if I had the lessons for a week and then some face to face discussions. When I got stuck, I had a hard time comprehending how to get unstuck. I know there was the discussion board but I didn't know how to distinctly "tell" my experience and wasn't sure what was appropriate and what was not after the "technology" talk.
Everything!
I would like to retake this course, and actually schedule the times I need to devote to working through the material. Time just slipped away and I never got caught up!
Sources for developing courseware.
More assignments to help develop the content of a class.
I found outlets for an online course I have in mind.
The assignments were too easy and too few. I had experience with all the assignments until about Lesson 11, so the most value I received was learning about Blackboard and other LMS providers.
The files on how to use Blackboard and creating a website.
I did not like the format of the discussion board. I would have sooner seen a blog or way of interacting with other students that didn't involve having to open every person's input individually. It was very time consuming. The current setup seems to be only for interaction between teacher and student.
Ideas and links that will allow me to explore the advantages and disadvantages of WBT more in depth as applied to my subject. I also liked the discussion board!! I do wish more people participated, but it showed me one of the challenges with which I will have to deal in my class. Win-win!
Slow it down a little bit. We are all working 40 hour weeks and many of us have families. I would suggest offering a lesson twice a week followed by once a week. 2-1-2-1-2-1, etc. until you get to 12 and extend the course a little longer. It was really hard for me to keep up. But I did finish!!!
This is the first time I've taken a course online, so I have no benchmark to respond to question 1 above. The strong point of the course for me is the abundance of links. I didn't have time to explore all of them, but I've copied them and look forward to spending more time learning from them.
I wish there had been more activity on the discussion board. At the beginning when people were posting, I was a little behind and didn't post much. Later when I could post more, there seemingly wasn't anyone on the discussion board any more. I know this was a small class, but too bad the community component was missing.
Links and info
Using link text instead of just "click here" so that it can be copied and pasted if needed.
All of the resources. The instructor had us jump right in by creating a class online. That gave me impetus to work on my online academy classes.
Much of the information was new to me, so I really spent much time understanding and digesting the material. Though the "hands-on" lessons were very good,looking at the available options was time consuming. I did meet many new words and ideas and saw what "helps" were out there that I did not know about. I followed the early suggestion that I have to make the choice of what I can focus on one at a time because I cannot do everything. I decided to go over the lessons more than once rather than participate in the discussions. I appreciate the last lesson because I am one of those who can attend training after training but need a coach when actually doing something new because I often work on something for hours which would take a knowledgeable person to accomplish in 10 minutes.
I know that everyone is different in their ability/experience to comprehend Web based instructions/ material but can you give an estimate of the amount of time a student should spend in each lesson so the learner will have an idea of the number of hours he/she will set aside for each lesson? I have the tendency to get into details so an average of 3-4 hours on each lesson is hardly enough for me. Thanks!
The most important take aways included the great resources (links)and the way the concepts were presented. Each task was presented in a way that made it applicable to real world experience.
Continue doing what you are doing. Keep up-to-date with new technology and resources.
The number of valuable resources that I got
more discussion among students
I like to read what others have to say on the discussion boards. I am more of a reader than a participator. I learn from others.
I am so new at this, I don't feel I can judge what should or not should not be in this class. this was my first on-line course and I really enjoyed it.
Lots of reference materials... links to websites, articles
Having specific questions that should be answered on the discussion page.
All the resources through the links are very valuable. I have archived several of them to go back and read in depth when I have more time. Before taking this course, I wondered if I could do this, now I'm just thinking I need to spend a little more time getting some of this down, and I know I can. Thanks.
I'm not sure. Thanks for not having quizzes, I think that adult learners at this time are motivated by reality to find what we need in the courses.
Organization, presentation, information presented,and discussions.
None...I thought course was well presented and definitely worth the cost!
I found out that there were many things I did not know re: "behind the scenes" of WBT and so I very much appreciate what I have learned. I like the topic on Creating a Website. I got carried away with the attachments or external links because those I opened were so interesting. I really got more than what I thought I wanted to learn. This is definitely a hands-on class experience and I would need time to work on applying what I know.
I can't think of one right now except that maybe suggest how many hours (range) would be required to get the most out of each lesson so the student will know how to allocate time. I understand this is highly individualized because people differ as to their experience with elearning but it might help those who are not as good as others. Thanks!
I liked the fact that we could try out different aspects of the class, having hands on experience, knowing that the instructor was available if I had a problem.
It would be great to have a single list of the links used in the site which were used for more info or available support with a short description of them.
Gary trying to get the discussion board going...good links to broader info
maybe do one lesson for the class as a webnar or web conference
I appreciated all of the links to other resources. These will be very helpful if I am ever involved in teaching wbt.
University courses count chat room participation (or the like) as part of class participation which is not an issue in adult education.I know that this is a adult/community education course and therefore my suggestion is not a valid one. However, it would be beneficial to experience synchronous communication in a course chat room.
How to effectively plan lessons, assignments and testing for web based classes.
I would suggest offering a "mid-term" quiz so that students can double check their knowledge half way through the class.
How disciplined a busy professional needs to be, in order to regularly work on this self-scheduled timeframe.
Assign your own personnel to keep the website links updated.
Gary's witty personality
Teleconferencing can be introduced .
For me the technological information. I don't expect to teach for a company and already have teaching experience so while that part of the course was interesting it wasn't the most practical for me. I did appreciate the information on the "how to do it" much more than the "why" or "what."
Again for me, it would be to have more information and practice on the technology available and how to use it.
The availability of the instructor. The amount of information provided in the lessons. The amount of information made available through links.
I really appreciated taking a WBT about WBT. I think it is a great example of teaching and learning. It is important to experience what your potential students may experience. Another strong point was the instruction itself. I appreciated how "personable" a feel the language had.
I am a quiz person. It would have helped to have more assessment- it would have helped me be more focused.
The teaching modules, Gary's stories of how he got started in WBT, it made me think how using WBT can overcome barriers to providing continuing education, e.g. distance. I enjoyed Gary's humor, really cool gifs at the beginning of each lesson, the instructional design, ability to get me motivated to start my own web-based business, (I met with 13 social workers today who all thought teaching the topic content via WBT, that I have proposed, will be beneficial to clients/students), seeing the benefit of e-learning. I am going to miss this class, so I will be sure to sign up for another WBT from Growth Strategies!
I loved the course!
The concepts for designing lessons and tests. Resources, such as Moodle and Blackboard for hosting a class, web sites for building tests and surveys, learning how to do audio and video clips. How to prevent cheating.
Perhaps have an initial teleconference of the class, just to connect. It may help discussion board participation. Have a final project of putting a simple class together–even it is one or two lessons–and go through the entire process. This could be optional.
The assignments that had us actually creating a web page and all of the informational aspects were great!
Nothing-it was a really good class. Thank you so much.
Learning at your own pace
Make the time for this class a little longer
The content was well paced and where appropriate there were links to a whole array of resources.
This follows on from Q5, at times there were so many links and resources that one felt overwhelmed. I feel it would have been useful to have some of the resources linked together at about lesson 9 or 10 to show how the various pieces can be joined together from the various lessons. In other words, a complete web site with a page for each student showing the courses he has taken and or needs to take, a couple of demo lessons and possibly an automated test or quiz. The same idea would have been useful for the Creating Web Sites Course.
Gary is an awesome instructor. He explains details so I could understand the concept. I have taken many of his classes, enjoyed each one, and love his sense of humor! He gives very clear instructions and expectations. Thank you!
Maybe a little more description of computer terms. I wasn't familiar with some of them, but was easily able to find out what they are.
Question is not clear to me, if take away means positive, then the links to "shared learning objects" were most helpful.
More links to other courses that teach teaching on the internet like Sandy Cobb's course material @ midsouthcc.edu this was very benificial.
All the valuable resources!
Nothing - it's great
I feel empowered to set up an online class.
Related links.
A method to organize the links provided.
Easy to read. Material presented clearly and logically. Gary modeled the content he was teaching. Fun graphics. A huge database of extra resource links.
Allow students to move faster through the course rather than waiting for days between releases.
Lots of materials. Covered a lot of ground. Gary was willing to spend time with me on the phone which really helped my get focused
U of Wisconsin links, I forgot which lesson, were so very helpful and more.
There is more that caught my attention, but my mind is a blank right now. Too bad I did not keep a journal throughout this class with my feelings and things of interest that I found. It would have helped me to answer this question better.
This course was a fabulous introduction on how to design, develop, and implement an e-Class. We have a three day class at work on this. I have not taken it, yet I think your class is excellent and most likely goes beyond what is being introduced to us at work.
Transfer the course to Moodle. (1) It gives you experience with a new LMS. (2) It is free. (3) You can talk intelligently about it, from experience and weave this into your existing course. (4) Gives you experience taking something from one LMS to another LMS.
I love all the links to other resources, glossaries, etc. Keep it up-to-date. I also love the links to other e-Class training from universities and colleges. Gives me opportunity to learn more and hear what other people are discovering and learning about implementing e-Classes and staying current with the cutting edge of what is going on in this world of e-Classes.
Find a way for the students to keep a journal during your class, so you as the instructor can monitor the progress of your students and detect any shortcomings in the training or with your students' progress. Write me if you figure this out. I would love to know how to implement and experiment with the journaling idea.
1) I could do the lessons at times and places when I had a block of time available and I was motivated and focused to learn. 2)I could spend as much time as needed on the tasks and I did not feel pressure to keep up with others. 3)I could do the lessons in my jamies and take a break whenever I needed. 4) I could do the lessons while on call and not have to get anyone to cover for me.
The class content is targeted for those teaching in business environments. Although the same basic principles would apply to more factual and science based teaching, I would have liked have seen more examples of how to set up web-based lessons with this type of material.
How comprehensive the course was. At times almost overwhelming. The participation and availability of the instructor.
I am not sure we made the best use of the Instructor's knowlede and skills to address the issues each of us may be dealing, althrough the opportunity to do so was there.
How best to get the students to take advantage of that opportunity is the question.
You might consider reducing the number of links and put those into a reference bilography of useful sites and articles related to Teaching on the Internet. The lessons themselves were well structured and follow in an organized sequence so I won't change any of that.
Perhaps the addition of some problem solving teaching on the internet cases, so the student could express how the would handle it and why.
The fact that the instructor makes his living teaching on the Internet
Allow more time to complete the sample classroom
The involvement and "online presence" of the instructor was outstanding.
Sampling what your students may use and learning about sourcs on the web.
It exposed me to resources that I had no idea existed. Most of them free.
I think the course description should give a clearer picture of the time investment. I ended up spending much more time on this class than I anticipated.
Teaching on the Internet was an excellent introduction to handling a web site of this type. Interaction between instructor, other students, and conference capability was beneficial as soon as the students learned how to manipulate basic functions. The information provided in text form for each student was superior. The introductions were well written and comfortable to read. Students are made to feel that they are welcome and instructors are ready to help them. Blackboard was a gold mine. Inspiration was helpful. All links were interesting and readily available. The scope of what is possible was very well done.
Splitting the course in two might be beneficial. For those familiar with using the computer, but new to internet instruction, have a Basic Teaching on the Internet course. Follow it with an Advanced Teaching on the Internet course. That would warn the student that there are levels of competency needed to begin with.
Having been a supervisor of secondary-school and adult- education student teachers in my past, I believe that your course instructors must remember that, when subject matter fails to be understood, the fault can rest not only with the student who fails to understand. Most importantly, that is not the whole picture. Failure of a student to understand can also come from the instructor's methodology in teaching the subject matter. Good teaching requires an instructor's constant self-examination. Knowledge of subject matter is crucial; but conveying it in a learnable way is equally crucial. When students don't grasp content, who's failing? The student? Or the teacher? Without this line of thinking, on the part of the instructor, professionalism vanishes.
1. It seems to me now that just about any class should have at least some component of WBT because it's convenient and provides another media tool to agitate the brain cells. 2. This class really opened up vistas to me for how wide-ranging the e-learning field is and how many online tools are available. 3. By the end of the class I feel I have some perspective on building online classes so that I can see the simple steps that I can take now, as well as the tools I need to spend more time on. The overwhelming feeling of me daunted by the subject after Lesson 4 changed to optimism as I continued. I'm quite inspired by the insight gained on this field.
If Lesson 4 is as difficult for others as it was for me, that is the actual classroom building lesson, then just psychologically I would put warning labels on Lesson 4 and 5 to let students be aware that at this point it is EXPECTED that they'll feel overwhelmed...and it will work out.
I filled in some gaps in my knowledge and the class stimulated ideas on how I want to do my class.
At the beginning of the class, we received a long list of things to do. While we weren't expected to do it all in one week, that fact was not clear. It almost overwhelmed me into dropping the class. I'm really glad I didn't though. I learned a lot even if I did not get a class up and running.
Inclusion of overall & inclusive considerations, plus specific details and essential links, e.g. the Glossaries. Understandable for a beginner such as myself + extensive opportunities to expand learning.
There is so much content, as a beginner I think it should be a 12-week course. I would gladly pay the $ cost because there is so much more I could learn from the links given time to fully utilize them. However, thank you all for a very informational learning opportunity! DLA
Resources on finding popular classes, sample blackboard lessons with explanation of how to do it, talk about outlining and how web classes are differently laid out
start each week with a discussion topic from teacher, so we have something built in to discuss
LOTS of Resources! Plenty of references and links to other sources to help us and get us thinking about possibilities. Thorough, detailed explanations.
I use a Mac, so Internet Explorer was not an option for me. I did go to the library, as suggested, but still was unable to download (or even view) the Web-safe 216-color palette from the Lesson 8 on producing your own graphics. I did find the lessons very interesting and full of valuable information. Good job! Thanks Gary!
The wealth of information was very valuable for future study as I continue to build online classes.
It would be very helpful to actually have this a class with assignments that needed to be met and evaluated by the instructor. There was little sharing between students on the discussion board and even less sharing about the classes that had been created so we could learn from each other.
The generous use of supplementary materials and resources was especially appreciated; the break-down into homogenous and well-defined Lessons was good; loved the cartoons; the Instructor's inspirational, You-can-do-it tone.
More personal feed-back and dialogue with the Instructor would have helped with the sense of isolation I sometimes felt; short quizes on the order of the final quiz with the correct answers throughout the course; some mock-ups(e.g. on the Black-board system)using the current course as a sample.
It was very well structured. Basics points carefully underlined. Best lesson of all: #9 on streaming multimedia. It was just pack of great details. It was also a very motivating lesson I just couldn't wait to finish it so I could try your ideas with my own material. Once I did I was very satisfied with it. Lesson 9 to me was worth the value of the entire course alone. I was looking on the following lessons for something similar but I couldn't find it.
Other lessons that I enjoyed in lesser degree were 6 through 8, 10 and 12. Same reason, I was able to apply them to my own material in my own computer/ server/etc.. and see the results. The other lessons were just informational only, nice to know.
The first lessons are too slow. They need something practical to apply to one's own material/ project. I got a little motivated until lesson 6. #9 got me really going but then lesson 10 and the others slowed down a little again although they kept me going to the end.
Like I say, lesson 9 was worth more than the cost of the course. Thank you for the oportunity.
All the extra links to hlep in the future.
Have a few more assignments on building the website.
The number of sites and the resources that are available -- especially the free ones.
1)You want discussion? Ask pointed questions.I didn't feel I had anything to say. 2)I wasn't fully prepared to work on my own course, Perhaps you could suggest people work on something silly (like how to make a bed)just to get a "feel". It might help remove inhibitions and stress over content. I'm sorry I didn't think of it for myself before today.
I appreciated your honesty, your tell-it-like-it-is personal experience, your expertise, all the resources you provided, the well organized content, mixing words with graphics, your quick response to Posts. Good job!
I think the biggest drawback for me is that you made it sound easier than it actually is to have a class online by the end of the 4th Lesson; at least as far as I remember, that was what your course overview stated. I think more realistically by the end of the 8th class.
Maybe try prodding a bit harder to get people to place classes up there. As a class, communications began dropping off at the point you asked us to Post our class.
This really opened my eyes to all of the technology available for teachers who instruct online. I really had no idea there were so many products available, and this helped me achieve my goals of learning more about this style of teaching.
Offering some evaluation of assignments would motivate students to complete them and submit to the discussion board. The assignments do not have to be lengthy, but some feedback would be helpful for newbies.
The variety and depth of information on the subject of WBT was impressive, and the many educational URL's you took us to will be my library on this subject going forward.
I think you pulled together as good a course as one can pull together on WBT. I just don't think the personal touch and interaction that comes with the classroom can be duplicated, so WBT will always be lacking to some degree. I still consider WBT a reasonable alternative method of presenting course work.
I discovered a wealth of information I never knew existed regarding Web Based Training. I am an affiliate instructor for the University of Idaho teaching online courses for middle and upper division students. I would highly recommend this course to anyone contemplating, or teaching on line courses.
This was a great course. I don't have any suggestions at this time.
hard to say - just a very uninspirirng course...
Liked that the lessons provided lots of information. Supplemental information. Easy to do lessons on own time to fit in with busy schedules.
More scheduled time to chat. The discussion board was good. Wished there was more input from other students. My first experience with web based class was favorable. Thank you.
The availability of information regarding WBT.
As a working mother of two children, I found it very hard to set time aside at home to complete the lessons. I would prefer to attend a face to face class where I was required to attend and held accountable for the work. I did not find the discussion board useful. I believe, an in class live discussion would have been much more productive. Although the class provided a tremendous amount of information.
The valuable information and many sites to visit as part of creating on online course. It made me realize the inline training is not for me.
Lots of great information in the course content and in the links to resources - both hands on software and reference material. Lots to work with going forward!
The course content was very well written with lots of links to other sources which leads to credibility. The content depth was great, much more than I anticipated when I signed up - so Thank You!
The discussion boards may have been utilized more if the were directed questions to begin a discussion. Having the students pose a question, just did not seem to work.
A tremendous amount of information.
You should review all links prior to offering the class to make sure they still work properly. In addition, I'd like to see a quiz offered for each lesson (unless I missed them). It would keep me on my toes better. Unfortunately, I was not able to complete the class in the time allotted, but probably will take you up on retaking the class. Thanks so much for all your help Gary.
Plenty of information but it was presented in short bursts to be "do-able." Nice design of the pages.
An unscored quiz at the end of each lesson to make us aware of what to expect for the final exam. Fix the typos.
great links and resources easy to navigate nice mix of media clear & concise language
answer specific questions raised in discussion section
we never had the chance to see others' courses and to have mine evaluated
The learning materials were engaging. I got a good feel for the material using available time (which was in short supply). It got me started on developing a class while I was taking this class. I learned a lot in a short time and have lots of great reference materials to go back to. Thanks!
It's easier to ignore a non-credit online class than a face-to-face class! The instructor did a nice job trying to get students engaged and I did respond to all the emails by checking the site.
Lots of supplementary material
There are many typos in the text.
Quick communication with instuctor. Good choice websites.
Clearer directions with importing items to blackboard.
Convenience
Registration needs to be processed in a timely manner. I only had time to complete this course during the summer because I was off from teaching public school. I signed up in early June so I could begin the session on time. However, I was finally notified in mid July that I was given a refund and that I could join the class for free. This I was expected to catch up with lessons 1-8 and still complete the course on time. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time and was only able to print copies of the course and try to ,master knowledge of the course in the upcoming weekends. I regret registrating for this course and should have found a more reliable class to join. I will not be recommending this course to anyone else in the future.
Thank you - I have no suggestions - this was a great course.
instructors leadership and interest. This class was way more information than I needed, but I'm glad the information was provided.
Goood class and good structure, but shouldn't be attempted unless a committment of time is made to the course material.
this was way over my head most of the time largely because I took on other responsibilities and attempted to pursue other interests at the same time. Couldn't devote the time needed. Even so, I got what i needed from the material.
I enjoyed reading the material and following the suggested links.
I got my moneys worth many times over.
I LOVED THE MATERIAL.
(I did not do all of the exercises.) I am not as interested in the instructional design theories as much as the how to. I have my own style and will try to adopt it to the web.
However, it was still nice to read about the theory of how to do it "right".
I would produce a video to watch instead of reading that would discuss the lecture. I am more of a visual learner.
With my busy schedule, it is all about being able to do the work in my own time, at my own pace. This particular course filled a huge need that I had not seen before. Great job!
I was hopeful we would cover more was to develop the course material for a web-based class. Some of this was covered in lesson ten, but this course was mostly about the technical side of developing a web-based class (which I also needed!).
It was a good introduction to the topic. An advanced level of this course would maybe sell?
Have your text edited for grammar, punctuation, etc., as it was distracting for me.
Gary seems like a likable, amiable fellow.
May work for those with "Web-Based Training" interests, rather than for Teaching on the Internet
1. Include content on web-based conferencing and using Powerpoint presentations over the web
2. Enhance content by being clear on what the main points of each lesson are, vs. interesting sidelights. As technical details appeared, it was not always clear if these were tangents or vital pieces of information. The narrative style of the lessons, while folksy or endearing, tended to be less clear about what the key learnings were supposed to be.
4. Include a few group chats or discussions, in a synchronous manner in order to create some dialog among students.
5. Revise Course Offering description and retitle it Web-Based Training, until web conferencing and online meetings are adequately covered in the content.
I liked being able to actually develop a class, perform all of the steps and see how it looks.. The additional links and material really added to this class
I think it should be longer..not the material there is plenty of material.. I liked going to all of the links that took a lot of extra time. Personally I took this class on my own and had to "find" personal time to do it. I wish I had more time and the class was stretched over a longer period for those students like me.
I also wish I could have "saved" the audio files on my IPOD or other device. AT work even at lunch I could not access due to "security" and firewalls.
Thanks for a very well informed course!! I enjoyed it immensely!!
I would recommend this class to friends and co-workers.
Flexibility, no assignments due at specific times