Jennifer Klisak

Teaching delivery methods are best when varied, to keep students engaged and interested in course content. 

I've learned how important it is to give clear expectations and objectives for the course, to take the mystery out of the "unknowns". To lay out a clear path that shows the students how they will move forward towards their goals, and to encourage the students that these goals and their success is attainable. Creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm, safety, and connection is key. 

Teaching is a multi-faceted and complex. Preparation, organization, presence, and flexibility are crucial. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

I have learned to come prepared, on time, ready to greet and fully engage the class is a recipe for success (in professional attire and with enthusiasm!).

I learned how email communication is effective and also not necessarily effective in online teacher/student relationships. Also learned the importance of managing group discussions, maintaining proper discusion thread boundaries, as well as identifying and dealing with potential conflicts early on.

We must inject personable and clear, concise and constant communication into our interactions with students in online courses, to ensure that threads of communication are ongoing and fostering learning (must make even greater effort, due to loss of face to face/non-verbal communication and nuance).

Comment on Brook Buckelew's post: It is important to project a strong online presence right from the start of your course, including your presenting your professional experience and qualifications. A warm welcome and later personal response/greeting for each student let's students know you are "there" and will go a long way establishing rapport and a foundation for the student/teacher relationship.

I've learned the importance of timing/organization with course content and modules including constant communication and interaction with students to help them stay engaged and hopefully ultimately be successful in their online course.