Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/856990
Using Organization and Technology to Encourage Student Engagement Teaching courses in both the Course Room and NCUOne, I have found organization is key to ensuring student responsiveness. To organize myself specific to NCUOne, I use color-coded sticky notes to document when I receive a notification that a student has accepted the course, keep track of when I sent the welcome letter, and also to denote assignment dates. Since I teach, on average, seven different courses, I also use it to keep track of who is enrolled in each course. To keep track of the details, I utilize the Course Room to review my current and future courses to ensure the information aligns with what I have listed. Like many of you, I am new to NCUOne, and am trying out several of the innovative features. One I really like is video feedback. Admittedly, my first thought was that I did not want to video myself; however, I wanted to give it a chance. I am really glad I did! The feedback from the students has been very positive. I have provided video feedback at least once during the course to reiterate a key concept or if there is a concept I am repeating every week. I also try to make sure I am connecting with the student on a personal level. When a student is not engaged, I always reach out to send an email just to check in and let them know I am here to help (I keep track of that in my color-coded sticky notes). When personal contact is made, most of the students share what is preventing them from completing the assignment. Since I have already been communicating with the student, I try to include a quick comment in the video to let them know I remember what is going on in their life and to indicate that I recognize they have busy lives outside of school, and that I am only a call/email/Skype away. I have made an effort to provide video feedback more frequently than just once in the foundations courses because those are the newest students to NCU. They are the most likely to be at risk for not completing the course and who need the most academic support. Many of the students in the early courses are still learning how to balance school, work and family, and the additional support can be a great tool to help the student feel connected to their course, faculty, and NCU. I am really glad I tried this feature because it is a powerful engagement tool. Danielle Williams, PhD Adjunct Faculty, Department of Marriage and Family Sciences