I have not taught a class online but reading chapter three gave me a view of what an online course should look like. More than just copying syllabus as our book states it’s modifying our material to shape our online course. I teach a foreign language so it’s important that I provide my students with tools of speech, voice and body language. Mary Jane Clerkin mentions the use of tools such as Wimba Voice boards to allow the student to practice speech, which is very important in a foreign language class. I will however, will like to develop a video response discussion board.
While talking to a colleague, he gave me an idea to use schoology as a tool for discussion boards and class blog. I was able to view his class and I have to say it is very similar to blackboard, but I will have to search and navigate the site more before making any decisions.
Looking at the class tours I was able to get an idea on how online classes should look like. I can say all had something I really liked. Looking at Pilar’s class tour I really liked how she organized links on tours to help the student get their computer set up and the media that they will be using. I think that we forget that many students are taking an online course for the first time or need that extra help on the technology factor. I also like how Lisa had her class organized by weeks; it makes it easier for the student to navigate through the site.