Matthew Sklar

A lesson plan is important because it helps to clarify the points that must be covered for each session, as well as why each point is important.  It gives the material structure.

I've learned that it's important to have a roadmap to follow.  Discussions can take on a life of their own and travel in unanticipated directions.  Having a clear objective allows class exchanges to remain focus on the purpose behind the current lesson.

It's vital to learn each time through a course and make changes to content to both improve learning and improve student outcomes.

An assessment plan is vital because students in an asynchronous environment need feedback more than ever!

I've learned that, since I'm not in the room with the students, I have to develop methods and systems to stay in touch and evaluate student performance that allow me to stay in touch and monitor progress online.

I've learned that designing a course is all about the students.  It should be easy to follow and in a familiar format.  Even font size is important!

Noisy and disruptive learners tend to be emboldened by the distance aspect of online education.  It's very important to manage these students and the learning environment in general so that everyone stays focused and comfortable.

One of the most important things a distance instructor can do is provide timely, meaningful, tactful feedback.  In the absence of the immediate responses facilitated by in-person communication, careful attention in this area becomes absolutely vital.

The distance-education component makes it even more important to make sure that students know that they are being taught by an experienced, competent instructor.  To that end, a detailed bio, which includes professonal experience, education, and achievements, is vital to gaining their confidence.

I've learned that, though there are a variety of approaches to facilitating effective distance learning, they all involve the common thread of providing a robust support system for students.  This makes sense.  The lack of in-person communication in distance learning can leave students feeling alone and frustrated if their needs are not attended promptly and effectively.