Amanda Broussard

Student engagement is a critical component of successful distance education. To increase engagement in an online learning environment, instructors should implement a variety of effective facilitation strategies.

Synchronous and asynchronous learning each offer unique advantages that complement one another. Synchronous learning provides opportunities for real-time interaction, allowing students to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and receive immediate feedback from the instructor. In contrast, asynchronous learning gives students the flexibility to access course materials, complete assignments, and participate in discussions at a pace that fits their schedules. When combined, these approaches create a balanced learning environment that promotes engagement, accessibility, and student success.

Technology tools assist the instructor in the teaching process and facilitates the learning process. It is a great way improve communication, organization, and student engagement.  

Lab environments require a higher degree of safety.

Proper safety gear.
Never run.
No horseplay.
Clean spills and pick up scraps immediately. Dispose of any hazardous materials in the proper fashion.
Never carry more than you can handle safely.
Do not talk to anyone while operating machines.
Never work while under medication.
Remove all loose clothing and jewelry.
No unauthorized usage.

Assessment in a competency-based classroom can be either formative or summative. A formative assessment will test knowledge and skills while a summative assessment will measure a level of performance at a given time.

Teaching in a lab or shop environment requires various strategies, where students are to put their knowledge to practical use. These learning styles would be cooperative learning and active learning.

Competency-based education is individualized, focused on student outcomes, providing clear goals and standards for measuring achievement, and flexibility. It is a student-centered educational approach.

Assessments are important because it allow instructors to determine the knowledge of the students, so they are able to move them to the next level of the lesson. Examples of an assessment can range from a worksheet to a test, oral questions to written responses, and a pop quiz to turning in a project. 

Learning objectives and standards are important to the success of a instructor's lesson plan. They help the instructor and students understand what the purpose of a lesson is. When instructors create objectives, they need to know why the objectives are being set, who they are serving, and how they will be accomplished. 

You should always be prepared. Because, you will never know when a student will have a question about why they are completing an assignment. Having an answer helps put their questions to rest.