Lorena Smith

Nuances of e-learning is very different from synchronous learning. However, the personalities of students will come through even in the online environment. This lesson guides us through how to navigate those nuances effectively and provides good tips.

Consistent and timely effective feedback provides the student with security and trust that the Instructor will respond to their emails and provide them with instruction, clarification and other assistance they may need. 

Being intentional about establishing professional relationships with the students. Creating forums for both asynchronous and synchronous questions/comments. Asking students to post a short bio of themselves and responding to each one to establish a connection. 

My strongest take away is being organized and prepared as an online instructor. Steady and clear communication, establish an online presence that encourages engagement. Understand the content and the technology to be helpful to students who may be struggling. Timely responses provide security to the students who may need assistance sooner rather than later.

What really resonated with me was the part about practicing the skill demonstration first and then demonstrating the skills for the class/students prior to expecting them to return demonstrate.  

The one thing that stood out to me was to make every effort to remember the students names. Although it may seem small, this means a lot to students that they are not just a number or a body in the class, but that the instructor cares enough to remember their names and uses them regularly. 

creating clear objectives and goals are the road map by which the students will understand the why of the class and how the can be successful in the class.

Good preparation is key to the operations of managing a class. coming in early helps to set up up for success with class mechanics. Greeting students as they come in provides them with the perception that you are ready and eager to start the class and present them with the information that they need. 

Being a effective and positive role model is critical to increasing the engagement and efficacy of learning in and outside of the classroom. Students watch all the time even when we think they are not and will often highly criticize the behavior of an instructor who is not a positive role model but will often mimic that same behavior. This is why maintaining a effective and positive professional demeanor is so important.