First time teaching
I am teaching online for the first time and I am nervous about how I will do. I am confident that I know the material because I have worked in the field for 14 years but teaching it is going to be quite different. I am wondering if there are any special tips as to how to start classes and be effective without being too overpowering or seem too nervous.
HI Kim,
Another tip for teaching online is to make certain you thoroughly understand the equipment and its capabilities before you start the course. It lessens your credibility with students if they ask why you did not present the information in a certain manner, and you do not have a logical explanation for your choice.
Hi Kim,
Get the students talking among themselves. The better they get to know each other, even online, the easier it will be to create a learning community. You can also start with a series of questions that each student needs to answer so you can get a mental picture of the the students.
If possible start the class with an activity that gets everyone sharing life experiences including yourself. This buys you some time to get settled and let the nerves calm down. What you will find is that before you know it you will immersed in the course and have forgotten that you are teaching online for the first time.
Gary
