Whether
face-to-face or
online,
cultivating
caring,
collaborative
instructor/student
relationships
remains central
to the teaching
mission at WSU.
Instructors who
teach online
must
intentionally
apply best
caring practices
in relation to
online education
in order to
support positive
and productive
online classroom
environments. It
is important
that a caring
pedagogy in
relation to
online education
be developed and
sustained at WSU,
creating an
atmosphere of
teaching
excellence that
is in line with
the university’s
mission.
- Kathleen
Sitzman WSU
Caring Online
Standards
Proposal
August, 2007
STANDARD #1 -
Provide Clarity
The instructor
will write out and post
clear instructions
regarding schedules and
due dates.
STANDARD #2 -
Provide Detail
A detailed class
calendar will be
provided that includes
all due dates for
postings, papers, and
projects.
STANDARD #3 -
Outline Expectations
The instructor will
write out and post clear
instructions regarding
length/quality of
required online
assignments.
STANDARD #4 -
Show Commitment
The instructor will
respond to postings and
e-mails within 48-72
hours.
STANDARD #5
- Support and Guide
The instructor will
provide
supportive/corrective
guidance to individual
students via personal
e-mail or telephone
rather than any public
venue.
STANDARD #6
- Express Enthusiasm
The instructor will
express enthusiasm for
online learning and
convey the belief that
students will be
successful in the online
setting.
STANDARD #7
- Share Experiences
The instructor will
recount challenges and
solutions experienced in
the online classroom
setting.
STANDARD #8
- Clarify and Model
Acceptable Behavior
The instructor will
write out and post clear
instructions regarding
acceptable social
behavior (online
etiquette) in the online
classroom.
STANDARD #9 - Provide
Meaningful Feedback
When responding to
student work, the
instructor will refer to
specifics so that
students know their work
has been thoroughly
read.
STANDARD #10 - Be
Available
The instructor will
provide scheduled phone
availability.
STANDARD #11 - Praise
and Encourage
The instructor will
provide (at minimum)
weekly praise and
encouragement to
individuals and/or
groups for work that is
well done.
wsu
online
