Yes, I agree. Basic information on knowing your way around the system you are using and making sure that the students are familiar with it as well. Students will become frustrated if they are not familiar with the system, and/or are having technical issues.
For successful online courses, it is important to become familiar with instructional CMS support along familiarization of e-learning platform that will be used to deliver instruction, class discussion, grading feedback and technical support for e-learners.
As an instructor, it is important to understand all aspects of CMS. We need to effectively help the students navigate the online learning and communication is key to their success. Setting achelivable goals in which the student are aware of their progress and deadlines of these goals is important.
Quality online courses have a good organizational structure that is easy to navigate. They require students to interact with the materials, and the course is learner centered. I am learning all the capabilities of the LMS. Before teaching online, I only used basic features of the LMS. So now I can use the LMS in a variety of ways for online teaching (and I am still learning). There is definitely a learning curve.
It is important to begin with an online formatted syllabus and plan to complete the modules within it. Structure is the key to keeping the learning moving forward. The students must know that their teacher is available for support and having specific times for this is also key to communication with the students.
My only experience with online instruction is as a student. I had not considered everything that will go into the instructing side of it. Things such as timing and communication can make things complicated, especially if things malfunction and impeade a student's progress. I learned that there are a lot of things to consider when putting together an online course and it could majorly impact my student's ability to learn.
In an e-Learing environment, I have the responsibility to provide quick turnarounds for my students questions, to require deadlines for submitting grades, to be available to my students at posted times and provide the policies that are required for the course and the consequences if not followed.
I learned about what characteristics a quality online course has. I plan to use this information to evaluate future online courses. Also, the more interaction in the program, the higher the learning.
I have used an LMS for teaching online before becoming a HS teacher and am implementing it now and for future use. The need for a "Student orientation Course" hit me as one of my areas lacking the most.
I have learned how to structure a course so that students feel more motivated, The importance to have full understanding of the online platform. I have refreshed about assignments, course materials, references, projects, the importance of informing students in the general and detailed organization of an entire course.
I understand the importance of being able to navigate through the CMS and be available to insure my students are successful. I'm a little intimidated, having never taught online; yet, I'm excited to rise to the challenge and make it engaging for my students.
The combination of teaching and technical support is critical for the student success.
In an online learning format, it is essential that the student feels supported in the event of technological difficulties encountered. Having a strong CMS and IT department that can assist with issues quickly is imperative. As an instructor, it is also my responsiblity to have a good working knowledge of how the CMS works so I can troubleshoot with the student as well. My CMS offers many of the strategies discussed in the course material presented.
I also like this idea of asking questions intermittently throughout the content presentation, to keep students engaged and encourage them to reflect on what they've just learned.
It's important for me to know my way around the CMS right from the start, and to think of creative ways to use the various components. It's also important to set up timetables for myself well in advance so that I can let students know what is coming and be sure to post assignments, deadlines, etc. in a timely way.
CMS will be an extremely useful tool in e-learning. i like how it takes into account the different levels of computer knowledge that students have, and the resources available to them.
In my classroom learning we were already using a CMS for many asignments. I'm glad we were since now that we are completely online, students already feel comfortable with that platform. Will have to find new ways to be engaging now that instruction formats have changed.
Seth Soronnadi
It is extremely important for me as an instructor to comprehend the nature of the course content, even though I may likely adopt deferent instructional strategies in assessment measures and assignments. Also I learned that as instructor, I should be familiar with the course contenDelivery format/techniques strategies to be effective online instructor and be able to know how to answer several on line questions
Reply to Monica Dawkins's post: So what do you do if there is a problem delivering course content when systems go down due to power outtages, system failures etc.. Is there a fix in place?
It's important that as online instructors both technical and instructor support be simplified.
