The best way to truly delivery instruction is to keep in mind the following,
Are students allowed repeated attempts at quizzes? If they are allowed repeated attempts, do they receive the same questions with each attempt, or do they receive a parallel version of the quiz?
Are quiz questions equally weighted or do some questions have higher points assigned to them?
Are you responsible for unlocking course content? (If yes, create a time-table in which you note the points at which you have to do so.)
Can students post contributions to all discussion questions throughout the duration of the course, or is there a specified time beyond which they cannot post to a particular discussion forum?
What are the roles and responsibilities of any guest lecturers?
Are there any notes the course author has provided to support the delivery of the course? (Remember to seek clarification on any aspect of the course from the course author, if necessary.)
Though I have been an instructor for many years, this module opened my eyes to a new point of view. Instructors are as crucial as technical support in the infrastructure system to provide an optimal learning experience. The learners will be more comfortable knowing they will be supported in both "educational and technical" challenges whenever they need.
I found it interesting to see all the different tasks and support that will be on us as instructors.
I have learned that online learning is a convenient and comfortable option for a lot of people, mostly those that have families and full time jobs.
Online learning is very different but has great platforms to be able to connect and support my students.
It's important for instructors to essentially be experts in the CMS, as well as the course material. They should be able to navigate the CMS and assist students in doing so and ensure everything is functionally properly in order to facilitate a success online course following the module/lesson structure. Without this kind of knowledge and preparation, the instructor will start their course at a disadvantage and be less equipped to support the success of their students.
Time must be given to learn the learning style of my students. Online communication is just s or more important than the classroom setting. Students must be able to contact me so posting announcements and classroom hours are very important.
The instructor must finds way of keeping the students engaged.
This module seemed to focus on the mechanics of the course. This would specifically include becoming familiar with the CMS that you will be utilizing for your course. In order to be effective and support student learning, it is important to understand all of the mechanics of the system, be proficient in each task that would need to be complete and knowledgeable about it in order to assist students.
In corse design, the structure is vital to student success and satisfaction.
There are many tools to help support you improve your communication.
Make sure I am using the most effective method of communication most often - avoiding email when I can to avoid misunderstanding.
Structuring the course with the student in mind is important. In order to develop an understanding of the student's viewpoint requires reviewing the course as a student.
Not only is instructor support needed for online students, technical support also plays a major role in student success. Many students work on their courses late at night or early morning. It's important they have the tools they need 24/7.
Simply put, be familiar with the software before you begin.
Interaction is important. I want EVERYONE to be engaged and that is challenging.
The hardest part with e-learning is getting comfortable with the system, learning how to post events, and learning to set up the grading system, especially for group projects. You must also learn how to create workspaces for group projects. It is essential to know how to set up the grade book and encouraging students to use the system. Having a supportive IT is best when it supports instructors as well as students.
This will be a new tool for me and preparing and getting ready will be even more important in order to do well.
I learned to keep my intended purpose in mind when communicating and pivot when necessary if I'm getting away from that.
In this module, I learned how to comprehend the Course Structure, as well as how to become familiar with the Course Management System through which courses can be delivered. The CMS is an essential component of E-learning and teaching. Furthermore, I learned that while I can bring extensive knowledge of the subject matter being addressed, it is extremely important that I comprehend the nature of the course content, such as, the goals of the course and its start and end dates, the manner in which the course is structured, and instructional strategies which will help me stay with in the boundaries of the content domain of the course.
In order to help make students successful in this environment, it is important for students to know that they have an instructor that is familiar with the system and is there to support them.
