As an online instructor I can provide my students with a sense of security by being available and responsive.
In order to keep students engaged, I must learn to use a variety of interactive methods for my instruction.
It is essential to familiarize yourself with all aspects of the online learning system.
Online courses require knowledge of the delivery method (CMS) and content.
I printed the list of course delivery techniques and strategies so I can discuss them with my PLC. There were definitely some techniques that I had not yet considered, and some that I will have to reach out to admin for guidance on (access to quizzes and assessments at any time, do students have to complete in a linear way or can they hospcotch, can they only move on if they have mastered one or can they "skip" if needed and come back to).
Really realzing that learning support must come from the online instructor, and technical support must be provided as well. Going have to be prepared to keep them learning. Having a Plan B if needed...
I want to put effort towards establishing quality courses using the 4 key points outlined. To do so though I will have to consider students' different learning styles and technology knowledge.
A quality online course should be structured with modules and lessons; be easy to navigate; create/stimulate intellectual interaction and include active learner-centered activities.
It's important to be familiar with the system and to orient myself on how the students will view the online course
In-person teaching provides opportunities to adjust on the fly, but I see that online needs an incredible amount of pre-planning and everything has to be ready from the start so its all available to students as they start the program. It goes from a day by day plan of in-person teaching to a course by course online version
The items that stood out most were student comfort and that their rate of success was higher when they felt more human connection. Keeping office hours and being available to students helps the student and the instructor by making sure that not just the academics are being taking care of but the student's emotional state and engagement are nurtured.
I recently read a article where the student said the teachers weren't there for them and they had not even had one online class meeting during this entire stay at home learn online semester. The student was upset and did not feel motivated to continue instruction. The student did not feel that they had learned as much as they would in a traditional classroom.
My own students feel frustrated and unmotivated when they encounter technology problems. Our current LMS does not allow for immediate response to the problems. This leaves a bitter taste for the learner and lowers their interest in completing the online learning.
Being as avaialbe to students as possible and giving them as much engagement as possible motivates them and encourages them to do well.
The importance of planning and preparation cannot be understated. Particularly in times like these, it can be tempting to simply jump right in and 'hit the ground running'. However, a good course begins with solid preparation.
Learned that as an Online Instructor I need to fully understand the online learning system that I will using to ensure that students can successfully use the system. It's important that I try the system myself to prevent any issues. And that I should definitely spend time on on an orientation to encourage student participation in the long run.
The online e-learning structure is a great tool if used properly. It takes students and instructors a little time to get used to this new format. I will make sure the students don't find themself frustrated and be there for them.
Understamding that stusdents may be frustrated in your class for things that are beyond your control such as familiarization with technology or the platform itself the school uses
As an online instructor, it's vital that we know what the students are being asked of and how to navigate the sytem.
To be a successful online teacher, you need to have the knowledge to set up the structure on your LMS (Canvas). Make your expectations clear to students, train students what they need to do to bw successful in the class. Finally, how to maintain the class (announcements, discussions, chats, grades.
This course is to help organize and offer teaching tools for students. With various options of how to approach organizing an online curriculum and accountability for both instructors and students alike by setting up boundaries and action plans in order for each student to be successful in the course they are trying to accomplish.
I learned the importance of attention to the details as content is scheduled into the structure of the class.
I have learned that students are as much involved academically as the instructor. With an instructor who is very much engaged in the progress of the students work, this will encourage the student to be involved as well.
It's important to know how familiar students are with the CMS. I will gain an understanding of how well my students are prepared by the school system to use our online CMS.
