Course Facilitation: Creating Connections
In Making the Move to e-Learning: Putting Your Course Online (Lehmann & Chamberlain, 2009), the authors suggest a '70/30' rule: course preparations and first week interaction should be 70% of the work and 30% of the work occurs during the course. The authors note that by helping students create connections with the instructor and other classmates during the first week of the course improves the chances that the student will continue and complete the course. Our course work concentrated on developing messages for students to help build those connections. I've included some examples of how I would begin to create connections with my students.
Lehmann, K. J., & Chamberlin, L. (2009). Making the move to eLearning: putting your course online. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education.
Lehmann, K. J., & Chamberlin, L. (2009). Making the move to eLearning: putting your course online. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education.
Example of a 'Making Connections' Prompt
All of us have had an experience in our careers where we understood just what it was to be a nurse. In this activity, tell us about that time in your life. Be sure to keep HIPAA regulations in mind as you tell us your story. Also let us know what name you prefer, where you live and a little bit about your job, if you're currently practicing. Getting to know your classmates is important so 'meet' at least 2 other classmates by asking them about something that will help you remember them. For instance, "What is your favorite movie?" or "Tell me about your biggest adventure".
My Introduction
I graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing (now Covenant) in the late '70s. My first job as an RN was in a very small ICU. We had only one patient the night I realized I really was the nurse. My co-worker had gone to the cafeteria when all of the sudden the monitor alarm went off! I rushed into the room of our 300 pound patient to begin my 'A-B-C' s and sure enough - no pulse. I'm 5'2" and at that time was about 100 pounds, but I hopped up on that bed and gave those chest compressions my all! When others healthcare providers began to arrive they started laughing - it probably was a funny site to see -- and a big respiratory therapist took over compressions. But I knew then that I was a nurse and could take care of my patients! Since then I've worked in the Operating Room, Emergency Room, did some travel nursing, insurance case management and finally arrived here at CSON some 13 years ago.
My husband and I spend our time between Lubbock and Gilbert, Arizona where 5 of our 6 grandchildren live. Gardening and music occupy some of my free time as well. I love helping students learn the basics of our great profession. And I look forward to working with each of you as you move from LVN to RN.
~ Vicki
P.S. My favorite movie is Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. I end up watching it every time it comes on TV.
Initial Email Message
Subject: Welcome to Transition to Professional Nursing from Instructor Vicki Thornley
Welcome to your first course at Covenant School of Nursing: Nursing 4101 Transition to Professional Practice. We are glad you have chosen to continue your nursing education with us. I'm Vicki Thornley and I'll be your instructor for the Transition course. I look forward to working with each of you during our 8 weeks in the course.
The Transition course will officially begin Monday, August 11. I'll open Module 1 at midnight on August 10 so please take some time to explore Edvance 360 and locate your course. If you need help with that, you can contact John Doe, our Instructional Technologist, during regular school hours for assistance. His email is [email protected].
Getting to know one another is an important part of online learning. In Module 1, I'll post an icebreaker activity in the Discussion Forum to help us get acquainted. Here's a video to help orient you to the discussion forum. Click this link: First Post for a preview.
Until next week!
~ Vicki