Interviewing Gill via email reminded me, indirectly, that I ought to blog about the DZX222 tutor day at the beginning of the month.

Some of the points raised included: the virtual sumer school is not a break from everyday life for students like a residential school. Students may feel isolated and vulnerable to both doubt and distraction.

A week online equates to a day at residential school. Tutors need to get students to summarise their progress regularly. They shuld encourage discussion of ideas and suggestions. They should avoid providing instant solutions.

Tutors also need to remember several things. One student can tend to take over a  group – there is a need to be on the alert for this. It’s easy to think you are replying to one student but others will read replies and may be daunted by a complex answer – even if that answer is appropriate for the student you are addressing. On the other hand, students may not read replies to other students, so important information needs to be put in bold with a changed header.

There are three major causes of argument amongst students: (1) students have the perception that they are carrying others (2) the chosen project is too complicated (3) an unofficial grup leader emerges.

There is also a danger of bullying. If postings make students feel daunted or overwhelmed that is a form of bullying. There is a need to investigate student silences. Are the students unhappy? Do they understand what is happening?