Linda Walker

Linda Walker

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This was an excellent course for me.  I have not been teaching online for very long.  Through this course, I now understand why the Unoiversity has some of the requirements that it has for faculty.  Thanks for providing me with valuable insight!!

When transitioning a course from a face to face environment to an online environment, it is essential that the course captures all of the necessary information the student needs to effectively learn the material, while structuring the content and layout of the material in a way that keeps the student engaged and interested in the content. This takes some planning and preparation. The course material must be clear as the student cannot rely on facial cues or in class questions to clarify the content. At times, depending on the complexity of the material, it may be easier and more effective… >>>

Discussion Comment
I enjoy being the "Guide on the Side". From my first course teaching online, I quickly adopted this as a best practice philosophy. As the online students rarely post their photos, the instructor is working with a faceless group. No verbal cues or clues to assess whether or not the student is "getting it". In guiding the student through the course, you learn about the student, their issues, concerns, and questions. The student can learn at their own pace, and as the instructor, you learn how to assist each student in maximizing their understanding of the course material.

As most of us were taught in a "ground" classroom where the teacher and all of the students were physically present daily, the online classroom presents new challenges to the "seasoned" instructor and to many students. I have had students who are grandparents just learning how to use the computer, and students who are adept at technology, but have never experienced online classes. For these students to be effective in their studies, patience from the instructor is needed, The transition to this newer learning environment can take time. Because time is a critical factor in online teaching, the instructor must… >>>

Discussion Comment

Technology tools used in the virtual classroom are essential for the student's learning. As students are not in the "ground" class, there is the need to have a way or ways in which the student can effectively interact with the instructor and the other students in the class. As technology has advanced, these various tools assist the student as well as the instructor in effectively sharing their thoughts with the class. With students selecting their learning vehicle as the online environment, the instructor must be able to communicate the course information in a variety of ways that will allow the… >>>

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