Course Delivery | Origin: EL102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Online Teaching Techniques --> Course Delivery
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Comment on Stacy Di Bartolomeo's post: Very true thank you.
I've learned that it's multidirectional and that there are different ways to teach material.
Comment on Aimee Green's post:
Hi Aimee! I once had an online instructor who was new to the LMS we were using and hadn't received any training from the instructional support team at the college. As a result, he created the entire course using discussion posts because he said he didn't know how to use anything else! Yikes! I can't remember exactly what the situation was, but I think he was new to online teaching and had been given a teaching assignment at the last minute and just had to roll with it. As someone who provides instructional design and support to online teachers, this experience reminds me to show empathy and compassion to new online teachers and advocate for early training. I want them to succeed and do well and it starts with being comfortable with the tool they will use to teach.
Comment on Luis Serrano Tamayo's post:
Hi Luis! You are right about the way forums help us with the co-construction of knowledge. We are actually modeling the type of interactions that we desire for our students. There is always something we can learn from our peers, no matter how much experience we have. One of the lessons in this section stated that different instructors are likely to take different approaches to teach the same course goals. This is because we all have a different way of seeing things, based on our life and professional experiences. Forums allow us to be vulnerable enough to post our thoughts, challenge ideas and refine our thinking in a positive way all with the goal of learning from one another. This is extremely valuable.
I believe a quality online course is one that truly transforms students in a positive way. They are challenged but not burdened. They leave the course with a new knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes that they either didn't have beforehand or that needed to be strengthened and renewed. An online teacher facilitates this learning journey. Content coverage alone can't do it. Just passing the course won't do it either. It takes true engagement, interaction and little bit of productive struggle to make it worthwhile.
I have learned that teaching has become an essential part of modern education offering flexibility, accessibility, and innovative ways to engage learners. Effective online teaching requires more than simply delivering content digitally; it involves creating interactive, students-centered experiences that promote understanding, collaboration and motivation.
A quality online course has the characteristics of: structural integrity, navigational simplicity, intellectual interaction, and active learner-centered learning. A typical Course Management System (CMS) consists of a course and within the course module(s), within the module(s) lesson(s), and within the lesson(s) topics(s). Ones role as an online instructor to help ensure students accomplish the course's learning objectives by managing the learning environment (learning support) and each learner's learning experience (technical support). An online instructor also needs to provide information and constructive feedback in a timely manner. The nature of course content in the e-learning environment includes course goals, deadlines, location of course components, naming conventions, instructional strategies, assignments, assessment measures, points, and grading to name a few. Instructors should familiarize themselves with course delivery techniques and strategies so they know how to accomplish tasks and answer questions to be an effective online instructor.
The importance of working through the student orientation experience is a good one not just ot better understand their viewpoint but also for thinking through improvement.
Regular announcements and structure will be important in online teaching. Staying prepared and keeping students engaged.
This content has taught me the important aspects of designing an effective online teaching strategy and ways to keep students engaged and actively participate in the discussion and engage with the material effectively.
I normally don't use the forums too much, but now I think they are essential to the co-construction of knowledge. In addition, I take for granted that students know many of the points mentioned in the course, but I have learned that it is important to ensure the students know the points I take for granted.
One thing that i learned in this section was it is important to be comfortable with the teaching platform to help students succeed. Being prepared before hand is very important as well.
The structure of the course is just as important as the actual subject matter, in order for the student to learn, question and understand.
It's so important to have a clear understanding of the software being used by the students in order to help them with tech support if needed. Whether it be iOS or Android, or even Windows/PC software, I want to be able to have a more in-depth understanding of how to navigate and troubleshoot each software in order to assist my students with anything they may need help with when it comes to completing online assignments and submitting them.
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.
A clear structure is important, students may need additional support for a variety of reasons, and each teacher teaches differently.
A well-organized course design is essential for effective online learning. Clear structure, consistent modules, and thoughtfully designed activities help students navigate the course with confidence and stay focused on their goals. When expectations and routines are predictable, students can spend more time learning and less time trying to figure out what to do next.
Instructor presence is equally important in the online environment. Regular communication, timely feedback, and visible engagement help build a sense of connection and support, making students feel that they are not learning in isolation.
At the same time, successful online teaching requires a balance between flexibility and accountability. While flexibility allows students to manage their time and adapt to challenges, maintaining clear deadlines and expectations encourages responsibility and steady progress. Together, these elements keep students motivated, engaged, and moving successfully through the course.
The instructor should become familiar with the learning platform prior to the start of class. Knowing how to navigate the learning platform is necessary for successful online instruction.
