I learned that students in online environment will have more of a sense of security. There are a lot of different ways to check understanding, and better ways to respond to incorrect answers.
I have learned that it takes more than just knowing your content area to be an effective online teacher. You must understand all that goes with teaching the course.
When teaching online one of the most important duities as a teacher is to to know the CMS system as well as the institutions rules for posting, late work, do students have multiple chances at a quiz, etc. Knowing the ins and outs of the CMS system will make posting assignments easier and more efficient. On the students side they need to be comfortable with the system as well and if not have access to technical help at any point in time.
It helps to be able to identify the requirements expected from the institution as an instructor such as; time available to students, and when final grades are due.
It is important for the instructor to understand the course platform to create an active learning environment.
I learned that I need to broaden the methods I use for content delivery. Many of my courses are text-based. I would like to create more videos to engage students with the lecture material.
I learned how important it is for the instructor to be well organized and detailed.
The Course Delivery section of this class gave me the terms I need to commuicate the requriements of the class in a sequential way. It also assisted on setting boundries for the student and the instructor.
Reply to Lisa Brown's post:I also was intrigued by all the responsibilities for an online instructor. I have used online teaching casually when students ask for it, but was not so concerned about the responsibility it entailed. I simply used it to help students understand a concept or to catch them up when they missed a class/lecture. It was very informal; however, those students have given great feedback on the fact that I responded to their questions on a personal basis.
All classes function the best when everyone, instructor included, is aware of the structure, boundaries and expections. Being able to communicate effectively between the student and instructor is paramount.
From this module, I have learned the importance of understanding the basic characteristics needed to manage an effective online course. The fact that I drive student success and completion of the course depends on my management and understanding of not only the content and tech support, but all the factors of the online class from presentation to grades and everything in between.
Students experience will be determined by:
- Instructor preparedness
- Instructors ability to pass on to student the inner workings of the course
- The availability of instructor and IT support
- amount and diversity of interaction within the course
My reflection after completing this module is that instructors can create online courses that provide engaging, meaningful learning that supports student mastery of learning outcomes. The strategies provided in the module are helpful recommendations for instructors to use in the creation of an online course.
I learned how online education is structured so that one can easily navigate, review rosters, post attendance and announcements, track perfomance and post annoucements.
The need for students to know you are attentive to their needs and will support their efforts.
What have you learned from this module?
I learned that the quality of an online course depends on its ability to demonstrate structural integrity, intellectual interaction, navigational simplicity, and provide active learner-center learning. It is also essential to be able to view the class roster, post announcements, post discussion questions, participate in chat sessions, and post events in the calendar. It is also important to familiarize myself with the course delivery techniques provided. It is essential to know the course start and end dates, the location of course components, and points awarded for participation.
How do you intend to apply it?
I intend to apply these techniques by continuing to schedule events and meetings by posting them on my calendar. I will continue to send my students announcements. I will also submit discussion board questions to each student.
My students will be more successful and will have fewer issues if there is a good understanding of the CMS platform, classes are interactive, and if I as an instructor have a deep understanding of the delivery system. This is new for me, but I will make it my priority to gain this understanding.
Be familiar with the online system. Be involved with the students as much as possible to keep them engaged.
You should navigate the course content in a student role before presenting if possible. This will allow you to anticipate any questions the students may have.
Knowing the different ways courses are structured will help me better understand how to successfully deliver and maintain content to my students. Understanding the CMS that I will use to deliver the course is also very important in the success of my instruction.
