From: Andrea Serna [aserna@national.edu]

Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 12:21 PM

To: Betsy McCall; 'Betsy McCall'

Subject: Winter 08/09 Classroom Observation

Hi Betsy,

Below is a brief summary of my most recent visit to your online classroom.  In addition to my feedback, please make sure to review the results of your students' Midpoint Survey; their comments can be very powerful! If this review, or the student feedback, bring about any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to speak up.  Additionally, if you have something to report that I could do better or be more helpful with, please let me know that as well.  We serve students from all angles, we're in this together!

MA1500 - Intermediate Algebra

Weekly Email Progress

Communication is so very important in the online environment.  As such, your responsiveness to student emails is considered one of the most highly regarded faculty traits.  I’m glad to see that you make email communication a priority.  As you know, weekly email communication, conveying instructional aspects of the course while also addressing student questions and concerns, is extremely beneficial in guiding students through the online venture. Thank you for your prompt responsiveness!

Discussion Boards

I’m happy to see that you participate actively in the discussion board on a regular basis.  Weekly participation not only encourages continued interaction between students, but promotes higher order thought, open ended debate, and highlights key topics & information related to the learning objectives.  It also prevents off-topic discussions that can derail the objectives of the discussion board. You do a great job engaging your students in weekly discussions.

Grading

Grading is a valuable tool in keeping the student aware of their progress in the course.  I found you to be prompt in scoring assignments and in posting them to the grade book.  I can't tell you how much students appreciate your timeliness with grading!  Additionally, your thorough feedback on assignments is very valuable to the learning process, thank you for devoting time to this aspect of grading. 

Mid-term Survey Results

Mid-term Survey results are located within your class.  To locate the results, go to the Learning Plan that houses the Mid-point Survey (usually week 5 or 6). Clicking on the Survey link in the Table of Contents will bring up your results for just that section.  If you have multiple sections, this mechanism breaks it down so that you see each section separately. 

Having come thisfar in your maiden term, I'd like to know what you think.  How do you feel the term is going?  Do you feel that you are jiving with your students and the university or do you feel a disconnect?  As a reminder, future employment opportunities are based on performance in the first term.  Based on my observation, would you interested in future teaching assignments?  (Keep in mind that enrollment dictates all upcoming assignments and we reserve the right to make changes as required.)   Keep me posted :o)

I’d like you to know how much I appreciate your interest in, and commitment to, both the students and the university. I am pleased with your performance and happy to report that everything looks to be very much in order. If any questions or comments should arise regarding this observation, please feel free to call or email.

Thanks!

Andrea Serna

Academic Achievement - General Education

Distance Learning Program Coordinator

Math Zone System Administrator

NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

(800) 770-2959 x 5042

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