Which aspects of the Khalsa course follow cybercoaching suggestions?

Uses readily available technology

The course is supported by a private server which had been tested by Dr. Khalsa for at least more than one
year. There were some glitches in using the free services of Blackboard. Since
there was a problem the course had a backup of URL addresses for each
individual page on a private server. This
is a good idea.

Coach detects the needs of the students and renders the assistance accordingly

Weekly surveys will be conducted. A section titled “Staying on Track” will remind the student each week to evaluate and reflect on
their progress. This way the instructor will know if the student needs any
extra help.

The need for students to receive feedback

Technical feedback

Each student will be given an 800 number for phone messaging to receive tech support and support for questions
about the class. They will be provided with an immediate live response or they
can leave a message and receive a response within 12-24 hours.

Instructional feedback

Students will be filling out various surveys and will reflect on the reasons they have chosen their answers.

Uses techniques that increase the learner’s development

Learners will begin the course by learning how to use the technology required for use in the course by starting out with an “ice
breaker” week of activities. This will help the students who might now be as
familiar using the computer as others in the class may be. As the class
progresses more advanced use of technology will be required.

Inspires active engagement to increase time on task

Students will communicate with both the instructor and their classmates through the use of email, virtual office, discussion
threads, chat rooms and instant messaging during the entire course period.

Feedback is an opportunity to extend and personalize information

The instructor provided feedback that made the students feel good. She used positive words such as “Wow, you have a wonderful
writing style….”

Make sure that students are consciously aware of the emphasis on thoughtful decision making rather than rote
memorization

Students will be using a journal in which they are encouraged to make notes, comments about their impressions of what they are
reading, the opinions of others, their best points of reference for future
learning and application and notes on their general progress in learning the
material that is being presented and written about.

Foster the coaching relationship that cares about the individual change.

Dr. Khalsa makes use of a precourse survey, weekly evaluations and an interview survey to let the teacher know about the student’s
intentions, learning and plans. She provides encouragement and support which
will help the students be become successful in their work.

Teaching and learning activities must be related directly to the course objectives

Learners made use of the technology by using the computers, cameras, and reporting devices. Students published their work for
the community to view. They learned how to manage themselves and become more
connected to the community. The final objective was to “apply their present
skills to further another community that exists outside of the course walls”.

Self assessment is the ultimate goal

She requested the student to teach the class, team and readers something about themselves. The students were to show the class
about their current goals of learning and how they would apply their goals to
the environment that they were living in now.

Techniques for self-assessment and formative assessment that inspire growth

They will publish their personal introductory story for others to read online.

Rubrics are the tools of choice by cybercoaches

The instructor did not explain the rubrics for the course. She did say that it was pass/fail.

What highlights or techniques will you apply to your online course assessment?

So many ideas were presented by Dr. Khalsa in conducting online course assessment. I will apply the flowing techniques to my online course assessment:

1. Rubrics

2. Online surveys

3. Interviews with the students about their goals and objectives in taking the class

4. Ice breakers in the first week

5. Online journals such as a blog where students can reflect on what they have learned and how they can
apply the information.

6. Use of weekly evaluations through a short quiz with a pass/fail grade

7. Wikis for class projects.