This information has made me understand more of what is expected from me, by not only my students but from myself

In the field of radiation oncology, since radiation beams are invisible by ordinary methods and potentially harmful.I try to implement the use of critical thinking, problem-solving, computation and written/oral communication skills in my class. Visual aids in teaching are recognized as important adjuncts to proper training in my humble opinion. As Ghandi stated: Be the CHANGE you want to see in the world.

Moving around the classroom keeps students engaged

does discussing your expectations on the first day really help?

is it ok to bring in material from other sources than what is provided by the school?

Most of the preparation methods discussed are well aligned with online Instruction. Each method minimizes the time spend in preparing for a course, regardless if online or onground. Instructors may sometimes compromise the time based on 'being at home'; thinking they are prepared because they know their environment. This is far from the truth because there are more distractions at home, versus student distractions (welcomed), in an onground environment. One, you can prepare for (onground), versus the unexpected (at home online). Again, applying these preparation methods in either learning environment is key to instructional success! Vera Davis

How is this done? How can an eLearning Instructor apply mixed methodologies for Instruction, in an online course? Solution: build course content in module content areas, instead of clumping into a full page. Also, instead of posting an entire lecture in one are of the course; try breaking the lecture into mini-lectures - structured in Discussion Forums. This will allow students to digest in chunks; while allowing Socratic feedback, as a way to demonstrate their learning on the topic at hand. Any thoughts? Vera Davis

Any thoughts? Initially, most of us are faced with the challenge of understading the structure of an online course - then comes demonstrating functional competence via aptness in navigation. Many instructors may be prepared in terms of the context they will present in the course - as well as the content for each week. However, how many are eally prepared for what it takes to be an Elearning instructor in the 21st Century? Multimedia, meshups, streams, content areas, links; all while providing instruction? How many are ready to teach in a non-traditional learning environment? Should traditionally methological learning techniques be used? Really?

I believe that critical and analytical thinking is very effective in the learning enviroment, individuals can apply analytical thinking skills when tasks or projects are presented to them and they are to decide what approach they should take to complete the challenge. It is a way of thinking that I feel any instructor to should have their students apply.

Effective assessments are critical between students and instructors because without them how can

As teachers we must assess our students capabilities on many levels. I am a fairly new instructor at my school, however I feel like I have been teaching for years. Not in the professional sense as an instructor, but as the Chef of my restaurants over the past 12 years. We must interact with our students/employees to get a better sense of what level they are performing at, and to give positive feedback so they in turn perform accordingly.

To keep our students involved, using questioning as a teaching technique has always been a great tool. Not only does it help educate, it aids in keeping the class on their toes. I believe as long as you provide positive reinforcement, even to incorrect answers, it aids in showing compassion and less stress on the class, improving on the class attitude and class participation.

As teachers, I think we must keep our subjects interested. I teach at a culinary school, however the students have to learn more than just how to cook. They have chosen this path to become leaders in the kitchen, but sometimes forget they have to learn about other aspects of the business. For example, to make money in the restaurant you need to know basic algebra. I just try to put things in a different perspective, not x's or y's, more like "apples and oranges."

i am a new instructor. how do i earn the respect of my students.

At the end of each day perform a 10 minute debrief with the students. Ask how the day went, do they have any questions about the curriculum or objectives. Allow them the comfort zone to respond.

Listen to students when there talking

When you have a student who was in special ed, and they are barely hitting the mark, yet this is their dream profession, should you keep encourage them to keep going and take their money, knowing they may never succeed in the business? I also feel I would be killing her dream. I could keep trying and tutoring her and encouraging her, but I don't think she can even pass state boards. Is this fair?

How do you deal with students that you know can be something if they would only listen and learn what you are trying to teach them

There seems to always be a student that thinks she can do whatever she wants, and has no respect for authority no matter what approach you take. She's been written up and suspended numerous times and that doesnt seem to deter her. Mind you, she is young. What would be some techniques to motivate her?

I have found that offering a virtual study group environment helps the students learn and also bonds the class. I offer the option to the class after their first week of didactic and lab courses. I give them access to the virtual classroom and they set a meeting time. They can discuss difficult concepts, make sure they understood the assignments and talk amongst themselves without being in a "class room" environment.