Online learning is not as easy as clicking on a few links to access and learn the curriculum. Prior to the start of the course, instructors must have a clear understanding of how to navigate the LMS and use it, what assignments and resources are included and how to assist students when needed. Proper instructor preparation allows students to have a smoother experience and reduces hiccups that will inevitably happen with technology.
I learned that body language is a huge part of communication which was surprising to me. I would have thought that tone of vise and the words you speak would have outweighed the importance of body language.
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 attention are:
Turnaround times for student inquiries.
Deadline for submitting final grades.
Conditions under which you can grant extensions.
Policies governing plagiarism.
Number of virtual office hours you are required to maintain
In the Course Delivery section of Online Teaching Techniques, I have learned the importance of creating an engaging and interactive learning environment. Key takeaways include:
Clear Course Structure: Organizing content in a way that is easy to navigate helps students stay on track.
Effective Communication: Using multiple channels (discussion forums, emails, and announcements) ensures students receive important information.
Student Engagement Strategies: Incorporating multimedia, discussions, and active learning techniques keeps students involved.
Timely Feedback: Providing prompt and constructive feedback enhances the learning experience.
I plan to apply these strategies by designing well-structured online modules, fostering interactive discussions, and ensuring timely communication with students.
In this module I learned about some key important things to communication. Something I didn't think about that this module taught me was that face to face communication seems the easiest and people can think they are over prepared for it so they don't structure their conversations often missing key points that needed to be discussed.
I have learned that preparation is a step in the right direction and a key factor for success in communication.
As an online Instructor knowing the online format is just as important as knowing the educational materials.
Online learning is uniquely challenging but does naturally accommodate learners that learn more by doing.
key takeaways include:
- Active engagement (quizzes, discussion forums)
- Clear structure (easy to navigate)
- Consistent Feedback on projects and assignments
- Visual learning media (videos, pictures and texts)
- Collaborative learning (peer-to-peer interaction)
I learned that CMS is very important to be familiar with in our field. Not all non-traditional students learnt the same way so we have to constantly be evaluating and evolving.
I learned more about using discussion boards, quizzes, and multimedia resources to keep students engaged.
Live sessions foster real-time interaction, while recorded lectures and self-paced activities provide flexibility. Incorporating breakout rooms, polls, and gamification enhances participation. Timely feedback via rubrics, peer reviews, and personalized comments supports learning progress.
Understanding the ins and outs of our CMS will help be support my students both technically and academcally.
I've learned that not all adult learners are the same. We all have different learning needs, and gravitate to a certain "style" (audio, visual, kinesthetic). We must be flexible and compassionate enough, to learn and adapt to each style.
Being prepared is a multi-level task. Knowing and understanding the institutions CMS is one part. Knowing and understanding what the student's experience will be and how to manage that. Proper preparation will lead us to reaching our goal of successful student growth.
Understanding how it will all work for the student is important in order to help them navigate
Because of the many mitigating factors in the online learning environment (asynchronus attendance, internet speed, etc.) the key is PREPARATION. If something goes wrong, the insturctor must be able topi vot and provide the students with an alternative so that the learning can be as enriching as possible.
Course structure is the most important part of teaching. A well structured course and course management system are essential.
We as instructors must be familiar with the Course Management System. We also need to be support for our students as all instructors might deliver their information differently. Use announcements. Be prepared to answer questions.
I am going to research how to drop someone from the discussion if the continue to deviate from topic. I have not encountered that issue, and I want to be prepared if it comes up in my classes.
-MJ
I totally agree , as for me learning how the system work so that I can navigate it properly will help the learning process for the learners to reach their goals and enhance learners desired outcomes.
