It is important for the instructor to engage the student. Ensure there are different types of interactive assignments such as blogs, discussion posts, and other engaging assignments. The instructor needs to provide prompt feedback and have good communication.
Feedback, guidance and structure are very important.
Consistency is key in regard to course content layout!
It is critical to make the change from F2F teaching to online very smooth and to make it as close to your own teaching methods as possible. You know your own students and how they learn and they also learn from you, so changing your teaching to being very robotic or even using powerpoints will not help especially if you are not that kind of teacher. I know I am a very hands on learner as well as a very hands on instructor, I know most of my students are the same, so if all of the material switches to just reading everything, the students may not follow along as easily or learn the same.
The course content should be carefully examined by the instructor to ensure accessibility to all platforms or technology, the clarity of the content and the capability of the student being able to move throughout the course effectively.
Organization matters. Most of the emails you get is where can I find.... when you ask them to post something. Make it intuitive.
Online courses require different strategies than face-to-face courses. Engaging tools and material are key.
In this module the method of organizing an online class was explained with different factors to consider. Some of those factors are to understand the F2F method is not the same as developing an online course, you have to facilitate the students transition into this format of learning. The instructor needs to organize the course from the beginning including getting feedback from the students to keep them engaged all the way to the end. Consistency is the key to success for the instructor and the student.
I really like the idea of posting a summary of a discussion at the end.
The one thing I see here that may not apply to all situations is that at my university, the professors don't design the courses. Yes - we review, make suggested changes, etc. but the course design is handed to us.
In the online courses I have taught I never thought of a good-bye entry. I love it and will utilize this idea.
It is important to provide an engaging and interactive platform for students in both asynchronous and synchronous classrooms. Using the proper format for what the facilitator wants to deliver is important to insure students are engaged and participating in the learning proces.
The way that the course content is developed will help the student better understand what is expected of them.
Good information for beginning and veteran online instructors.
The module shared several ways in which to connect with students ( i.e introduction email, best-wushes). These are quick and easy ways to personalize with your students and let them know you are present and committed to their success.
I learned that the online professor have to do a short modules with relevant information with procedures and strategies.
Try using tools that seem “fun” and collaborative. Many instructors are trying blogs for a couple of classes. Through blog creation and communication, there can be more interaction between students as well as between the students and the instructor.
It is really important to adapt materials and technology for the online environment.
A clearly listed objective direction for students to see and follow early coupled with instructor consistency will set any course up for success.
If a teacher does not have the charisma to engage students in face-to-face courses, it could be that the same thing happens in the online course. We must promote the theme of the teacher as an actor or actress. Strategies must be aligned with communication models that have deep-rooted mechanisms these days.
Course details and syllabus should be given to the students at the start of the course. And follow the course.
Shah Rahman
