Online structure and content delivery,can be just as important as the content itself to help students be successful!
When using the Course Management Systems, instructors should make sure that the computer system is equipped with the hardware and software required to access the course. Instructor privileges are important when logging in to course as well as technical support. I have had this problem before, and it is very frustrating. If the instructor is having difficulty logging in or using software, it looks like they are not prepared.
New to an online course, the students already were familiar with who I am. I definitely like the idea of the bio for the instructor as well as bio's for each of the students. I think this is a definite "ice breaker"
I have learned that even though the instructor may know about the content being taught, course expectations, timelines, class structure, clarification of course room tools must also be understood and conveyed to learners.
Familiarity is importatnt for the instructor,in order to set expectations and guide students to sucess
In an e-learning environment students rely on their instructors intellectual, emotional and technical support to make learning successful.
The students need to know that you support them, so we need to provide informative and constructive feedback in a timely manner.
I learned that in an online environment soft skills will take an important role.
Student/Instructor Organization, time management, creativity, and other soft skills will help tremendously in developing a successful learning/teaching experience.
Ensuring success as an online instructor you must have a complete understanding of the online environment. Not just for the instructor but also the student. Students can become easily frustrated. Knowing how to navigate the system, both front and back is essential.
I have developed a blended-classroom model for some of my classes. There are always students who did not access or who simply do not have access to online material prior to class, so pacing and available materials and assessments is always impacted by In-Class make-up instruction. Looking at the same courses from the now strictly distance-learning makes several aspects jump back out, such as scheduleing access to materials, assignments and assessments. Many referenced features, infrastructure, and delivery techniques and strategies make me yearn for a more sophisticated CMS than Google Classroom.
One thing that I was unaware of is making a summary of the discussion responses. I think that is a very good idea! We have recently taken our course on-line due to the Covid-19 shelter in place order so only recently started to use the forum for discussion questions.
I have learned that students need extra attention and help when they move to an online learning platform, and we need to pay extra attention to the new types of needs that we will encounter.
As an effective online instructor, I must be able to communicate with my students in a variety of different ways including email, chats, post, discussion boards, and announcements, to name a few. I must be completely familiar with my CMS, online learning platform, technical support team, learner/teaching applications. I must be creative and keep the students attention during lecture, stimulate questions, and interaction among classmates. I must make sure the students have everything they need to succeed and provide support when needed.
The importance of students and instructors ability to understand the use of Course Management System. The e-learning experience will depend on the students ability to navigate through this system with minimal to none systems error. Also, the need for the instructors to comprehend the use of this system to assist students if needed.
So far, I have learned that the success of online teaching will depend on how well organized I am in setting up my online course. Students can have a satisfactory learning experience if they are supported by the teacher. Therefore, knowing how the CMS works will be the "make or break" to my online course.
E-learning offers a great deal of flexibility for students. It is imperative we put the necessay time frames in place and not waffle with compliance. I look forward to implementing e-learning into my program.
Students learn better on an online environment when they know and feel supported by the instructor and know that there is technical support if they encounter some issues.
I think that this is a great communication tool. It will be useful with moving students forward with online learning and ensuring that we as educators are effectively meeting our educational needs
It is important to ensure that students are supported with course content/instruction and with technical support. I have seen lately that it may be assumed that a student knows how to operate a computer because they use one in class. With online learning, students are accessing progrems with with they may be unfamiliar, they may be using computers that are different from what is in the classroom, and they may not have a headset and a microphone for video chats. Once students raise those concerns, it's not enough to say try to fix it and let me know if you need help. It's obvious that they need help, so provide that technical support.
Reply to Cristiane Timoteo's post: I agree Cristiane. I work much harder instructing online than I did in the actual classroom.
I have learned that it is important to understand my districts CMS and course structure. I learned the importance of being familar iwth techniques and strategies to be able to answer questions about the platform that my students may have along the way. I am learning to navigate online teaching so I can relate to my students frustrations and I have to be able to put myself in their shoes and reassure them.
