Presenting the course content should include synchronous and asynchronous learning. Whether or not you are using both types your content should be organized with well defined guidelines.
Instructors must make assessments of which form of online learning is appropriate.
Make sure tudents understand how each component is a part of the designed pattern which leads to academic success and achieving learning outcomes. The syllabus and LMS are key components in communicating several of these components. Communication is the key.
Its all about communication
I learned that usiing a centralized LMS to post content, submit assignments and conduct discussion is important for the success of a course. Also, I have learned about the advantages and disadvantages of synchronous and asynchronous learing environments. I think that a combination of both is the best for learning outcomes.
I like the creation of a FAQ's wiki on my page. This would be greatly helpful and I'm incorporating it.
Communication and organization are key to any learning environment. However, for an asynchronous environment clear and meaningful organization becomes crucial to avoid roadblocks to student success.
Asynch vs. Synch.......they each have a reason for use. It is up to the instructor to identify which forum is better fo the content they wish to deliver. Some of the criteria may be that Synch is required for daily F2F through video class online. Where as a Asynch is an any time delivery method for the student to pick when they are available, but also requires the student to be more self paced.
I definitely like the synchronous learning environment for the courses I teach. Clinical skills really are not designed to be taught virtually so having all my students available to me at a specific time is important for their success.
It is important to think about how to organize the online portion of your classroom as much as you do the layout of your physical classroom. You need to have clear expectations and proceedures. These will need to be communicated to the students. Consistancy is key. Instructional reminders or "how to" videos/ recordings will help. Also, a FAQ board/page for the repetitive tasks so students can check there first if they forget how to do something.
One course can effectively utilize synchronous and asynchronous methods. Organization of the materials and accessibility are crucial to student success. I plan to use the FAQ Discussion Board concept as I like the idea that answers can be posted publicly by instructor and students.
Keeping a course well organized and consistent will help students know where to find information and understand what is expected of them in the course.
Both Synchronous & Asynchronous methods have advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen based on which one will best deliver the learning outcomes. Establishing a clear Pattern of Teaching, developing clear guidelines, the course materials being organized, being clear with learning outcomes and ease of accesibility are all important factors in creating an effective online course, or any course for that matter.
Communication is the key to getting your instructions/point across to the students. You will be able to determine the needs and wants of students by reviewing their submissions. As a teacher, you will be able to see their needs and wants without asking.
It is important to determine which types of instruction work best for you and your classroom. Evaluating synchronous vs. asynchronous will help you pick the best one. The way that the teacher organizes the course content can help enhance student success.
Communication and organization are essential to a successful online classroom.
It is imporant to figure out which method of teaching works best for the students and course. While my county is using a combination of the asyncronous and syncronous, I think it is important to identify which lessons should be live and pre-recorded.
I have learned that consistency in the organization and rules for a course can produce better student compliance and acheivement.
The advantages of synchronous learning is that students can feel an immidiate connection to each other and there is no room for procrastination. Asynchronous learning allows for greater flexability but also allows students to go in at the last minute and finish assignments and posts at the last minute.
I believe a blend of both asynchronous and synchronous learning delivery best addresses the needs of most online learners who need to benefit from flexibility to juggle school, work, family and life in today's hectic environment. The ability to record synchronous webinars or "chat sessions" allow those that can't make a set chat due to scheduling conflict, permits them to view and listen 7/24 when time permits.
Instant messaging is a really useful technology tool enabling students and instructors to 'see' who is online and communicate as necessary.
I personally believe online students have more ways to interact with their class, classmates and instructor compared to their on-ground counterparts who typically are not available or accessible outside of campus schedules. Further, I believe the Covid-19 virus has only expanded the use and familiarity of online education to the degree that it will eventually become the norm with less and less dependence with on-ground/in-class instruction.
