I learned the importance of projecting and maintaining my presence and authority from a distance.
It is as important to get to know your students regardless of it is online or face to face.
To have a good online learning experience, the students should know about you and what makes you the best teacher for that course. This should include experience, credentials and such. This will allow the students to know they can ask you questions openly and get an honest answer. You should ensure your presence in the course by particiapting in discussions wit the class, answer questions when needed and sending reminders about due dates and such. To develop a relationship online, you should keep that comunication open and know a little about your students as well. I liked the idea of having them do a bio of themselves.
My experience is different at this time because I already know my students and have relationships with them in to the traditional environment we had up to this point. Thinking back to my own online educational experiences, I can attest that it is very important to create a presence and foster relationships.
I learned that the best way to make students in an online course feel welcome is to have them complete a personal bio of themselves. I intended to use this as a first-day assignment.
Sharing biographies and establishing your online presence establishing a mutually comfortable and respectful environment.
I will try to respond quickly, within 24 hours, to all questions and comments. I will also be clear about expectations, especially deadlines.
This module taught me that online learning really doesn't differ from classroom learning in strategy only the environment changes.
Student biographies are important, but so is the instructor biography for establishing authority and creating a safe and effective learning environment.
I will make this a priority in my class for the first assignment. I will make sure I read and comment on student biographies.
The idea of posting a biography is very good. I also like the idea of maybe doing a video bio for my students.
Connecting with each student personally should be accomplished early in the course so that students ferl comfortable and know how to ask for help.
I learned that there are several different ways to connect with learners even if you are not in the classroom evironment. This module helped me prepare building relationships with students in order to create an environment of authority, relationship and acknowledge any conflicts as they arise. This will help with an encouraging and influencial learning environment for all.
I learned how to build an relationship with my online students and how important it is to do this.
You need to listen to your students and help them with any or all questions.
I am going to create a short biography. Plus make a list of what is required for studenst biographies.
This is something I already do with my studentsso that we can relate to each other.
Establishing a rapport with the students by allowing them to state and post a bio at the beginning is a nice way to start the course off.
Intruction of myself to the students is key. Establishing my authority and history of my expertise will allow the students to have confidence in who they are receiving coarse content from. Making the students feel comfortable and confident in the coarse of study will help potentiate learning.
For fully online courses it is easy for students to feel there is no "real" person behind the course, so finding ways to convey personality, presence, and authority is crucial for student success. In 2020 there are virtual ways to create the same student/instructor relationships we would in an on-ground course.
That an on-line instructor need be one who can influence, persuade, inspire and energize students just like in a regular classroom.
