Distant Education

Classroom ManagementCUR/532

Marchella Christian

Professor Danane Mills

Opportunities for Controversy in

Distance Education

• The Asynchronous Format

• Potential Misinterpretation of Text-based communication

• Assumptions/Stereotypes

• Relative Anonymity-Internet Thugs

Controversy is inevitable and sometimes productive.

The KEY is to know how to manage it effectively!

Strategies for Addressing Controversy

• Anticipate Controversy & Set Expectations

• Ice Breakers (Introduction Post)

• Video of Self

• Look for signs of conflict and unease

• Changes in quality/quantity of posts

• Be supportive:

• Email

• Telephone

• Skype

Strategies for Addressing Controversy

cont.

*Address interpersonal conflict

*Acknowledge conflict

*Informal approach

* Encourage critical thinking based on facts not feelings

• Provide a space for difficult questions

• Use podcasts (Kelly, 2013).

Factors That Affect Student Self-Efficacy

How to minimize their effect:

1. Have clear tasks in beginning of class

1. Personal Introduction

2. Positive Feedback

2. Collect Positive comments at end of class.

3. Post behavioral norms and grading expectations

1. evaluative feedback and personal/positive communication

4. Take proactive approach to decrease stress/anxiety

1. Call Student

2. Clear instruction

3. Add examples/templates

4. Encourage student to ask questions for clarification (Vilkas & McCabe, 2014).

References:

Kelly, R. (2013). Managing Controversy in the Online Classroom. Retrieved from: www.facultyfocus.com

Vilkas, B., McCabe, C. (2014). Promoting Students’ Self-Efficacy in the Online Classroom. Retrieved from:

www.facultyfocus.com