Front row – back row dynamics are interesting.  Many times we have the preconceived notion that those who chose to sit at the front of the room will be more involved and brigther than those who hit the back, and often that is the case.  One way I prevent this is to regroup students regularly for activities and move the groups all around the room.  Also, since I have a laboratory-classroom, I frequently change the room arrangment, moving tables or my desk around so that I am in different areas of the room and there really is not front or back for any length of time.  I’ve noticed over the years before I started doing this I tended to get much closer to the up front students and, in some classes, rarely addressed the students in the back on a one to one basis.

Now, how does this play out in an online class?  Interesting??  I’m sure most professors can figure out who the front row and back row students are without ever actually meeting them face to face.  Involvement in discussions, and the quality of classwork must surely give insight into this…..I’ve never taught an online class, so I am only specualting here!