The most important thing that I have learned about this topic is the importance of the instructor being functionally efficient with the chosen CMS. This reading, thus far, has reminded me of the fact that the beginning of an online course can start out slowly. Why? The students may be at different levels of comfort and competency with technology. As a result, it is vitally important to take the time eductae all participants in the beginning to ensure success over the course of the clas. Another important point, from this topic, is that I do not want my students to fall into the category of attrition.
This topic also pointed out the importance of setting up your course in an organized way with modules.
Robert J. Jones
Wow! I have been doing this for many years and the Module has given me many new concepts I can use to improve my setups and delivery programs. This will allow my students to gain more knowledge using CMS.
I learned that as an online instructor - there are several ways to interact with the students and make sure that they are undersatnding the information in which you are delivering. Also, students learn at different levels
In order for my students to be successfull, I must set them up for success by making sure nothing goes wrong on my end. I must also be patient with them, and understanding when technical issues do arise.
I need to make sure I stay involved and start discussions and keep the students interested and wanting to learn.
It is important to remember that all students and staff learn at different levels and speeds. Some have no knowledge of computers and some seem to not soak it in online as easily. So therefore just to support all and remind them that we are here for any assistance.
Good communication is imperative in online courses.
I need to ensure the students that I can assist them if they encounter any technical difficulties or other questions.
To make the most of a virtual learning environment, I need to make sure that I am using a consistent structure in my course. I cannot control what other educators do, but I can make sure that my course is easy to navigate and use for students. That being said, I need to make sure I myself and fully competent in the LMS that my district has chosen which is Canvas, so that I can make sure that my course is ready for students and that I can help them be successful in this new type of environment.
I am looking forward to seeing how this is all accomplished online. I've always been a classroom teacher. I've never created lessons online.
Understanding the CMS and how it works is the first think. Then, I need to plan ahead the goals I want my students to meet for each module. I need to look for how I want to set up my modules and lessons to keep them active in the course as well as learning so the students meet those goals.
Not all teachers develop and deliver their courses in the same manner, so it is important that the instructor explain to scholars how the course is set up and how elements of the course are named.
I have learned that the content that I present must be clear and consice to better help the students navigate the on-line learning environment. They need to know that as an instructor, I always there to help guide them through the process of learning.
I will use this forum and the ideals from other instructors to make the learning process more engaging for my students.
How to set up online learning to be effective for the student, to keep his or her interest and keep it orginized as they develop their on line learning.
To be a competent online instructor, I must have an understanding of the learning management system used by my institution. At UNLV, we use Canvas, and at previous institutions, I have used moodle. My goal is to provide both learning and when appropriate, technical support for my students. I must set up course objectives that follow scaffold learning, and that makes learning interactive.
To ensure success through courses, course goals should be identified. It is of key importance to communicate guidelines and expectations to students. I've recently, started adding specific due dates to assignments instead of open ended.
I learned and re-inforced that learning the stucture of the lessons and knowing what is going to happen ahead of when students receive the information to the module is key. " Flying by the seat of my pants" is not an option. I also beleive that as an instructure I need to make every effort to interact with the students and be avaliable for them when I am needed. I took online coarses many, many, (many) years ago. It is amazing and encouraging how much it has advanched and the number of opportunities are almost endless.
Students want to know they will get the support they need to complete the course
A variety of instruction techniques are necessary for effective on line instruction.
I have been using a CMS in my classes for many years, so, as I read through the information, I tried to stop and think, "Do I know how to do that?" with the system that I use. One thing I will try to do better is add a very formal "How to use it" lesson during the first few days of each semester. And also give a "homework" assignment to make sure they can use it at home and as a record for me that they can.
