April OSteen

A syllabus is a summary of course information, assignments, and assessments. As with a legend on a map, the syllabus allows you to find components easily and decide where you need to go. It provides students with an outline and a summary of course topics. It typically contains specific information about the instructor, textbooks, student expectations, assignments, assessment, grading policy, and due dates – in essence, a complete overview of the course.
 
A syllabus is a key component of any course, but it is even more essential for an online course. The syllabus for an online course should not… >>>

I would like to emphasize the importance of Course framework and Learning-objects database.

A course framework is the road map for course development. Here you can plan where you want to go, stay on course, and successfully arrive at your final destination.

A learning-objects database is a repository in which to store files, graphics, audio, video, or any course component that may be used more than once in a course or in several courses. 

Managing and e-learning environment can be challenging, but there are many ways to manage successfully and avoid complications.  Most importantly, get to know your students at the beginning of the course.  That way, you can manage their behaviors in a way that is tailored to their individual needs and interests.  Stay professional and nip issues privately yet quickly.  Keep excellent records in a way that is simple yet effective.  Ensure that you are following your institution's policies and procedures in all areas. 

Asynchronous and synchronous discussions both can be effective online teaching strategies, but they need to be handled in different ways in order to be effective for the students.  Regardless, it is always important for the instructor to provide timely, positive feedback that also provides constructive criticism in a manner that allows the student to learn and grow.

It's important for students to know about you as the instructor by presenting a brief bio, credentials, background with education/achievements, how to be addressed and other expectations.  Getting to know students through their personal bios is critical as well; ensure that you provide positive feedback to improve student/instructor engagement to each student's response.

In an e-learning environment, learners have a higher sense of comfort and security when they are convinced that someone will be there to support them and make their learning experience a successful one. This is where you, the instructor, come in. Your ability to manage the learning environment and each learner's learning experiences, and to provide informative and constructive feedback in a timely manner, is of prime importance to your success as an online instructor.

Review your contract to ensure that you fully comprehend your roles and responsibilities as an online instructor. Among some particulars to which you should pay… >>>

Successful online learning is dependant on several ISD components and media strategie.  Strategically selected technology tools such as videos, forums for discussion, platforms, graphs, and photos.  ISD should encourage students in the course to interact in meaningful ways through study groups, discussions and feedback.  Having a solid ISD will reach all learners while ensuring the topic at hand is taught thoroughly.  

Quizzes serve as "checkpoints" to boost confidence and ensure that a student is on track towards the course's learning targets.

The interactions in online learning need to be as close as possible to what the student would experience in a face to face classroom setting.  This can be done through engaging students in a variety of question styles that both engage and guide the student.  Having a guest speaker is a great way to add a real life experience aspect to the online class.  Providing opportunities for both live discussions (as would take place in a brick and mortar classroom), as well as asynchronous discussing (going at the learner's pace to fit their life) are both ways to provide opportunities… >>>

So far in this course I have learned that the idea behind long distance learning has been around since the 1700's; however, it has become more accessible and popular as technology continues to advance.  I have discovered that the best online learning is student centered.  The focus needs to be on the content being formatted in a logical way that flows smoothly from one idea to the next.  The content needs to be of a quality nature that engages the learner through all learning modalities.  Checking a student's learning throughout the online course is important to ensure understanding and give… >>>