Preparing for Online Instruction
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
Jim,
Thank you for these good remarks about some of the challenges of being an online instructor. The key is student engagement and we need to always be on the lookout for how we can do this effectively.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Online students (us)mostly take online classes because occupational, family, commuty and social obligations prevent us from committing a schedualed time and day (evening) commitment for attendance and classwork. I have had distant learning from Dept of Defence, FEMA Indiana University and CEE.
Onlinestudents have to maintain a discipline to get their work done in a timely manner.
Family obligations such as school activities and parents meetings, community obligations such as board meetings and activities and social obligations (night out)can make draws on our time.
When as students commits to an online cource they have to be aware or time constraints, and other obligations. Because we do not sit in a class for the required academic achiebvement can not be lowered. We have to learn the same material for the same onsite class. Online facilitators have to be able to advise potential students of requirements and pitfalls, if they can not meet the class obligations, discourage from enrolling.
It is easy to defer school work away from planned times, then time runs out then they rush to get minimum work in, at some schools, pay extra to extend or let it go as a failure.
Vera,
I agree with you. I am currently taking online classes, and teach 2 onsite classes. I have noticed that I have a lot more distractions at home than my students have here at the school. At home, it's my roommate or neighbors. At the school, we have a tighter control on distractions are, if not, at least they are somewhat expected.
Very good point!
-Gabriel
Frederick,
This is a good strategy with many benefits. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know other instructors will find this information valuable.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have found that getting into class early is much more important in my online classes than it is with onsite classes. Because the students cannot see me, it is important that I get into the class ahead of time, and post some sort of comment to let people know that I am in class, and available. One tool that I have used many times, is to come into class, and post a saying, or a story that relates to the material we will be discussing. By doing this, I am trying to get the students involved in the course work from the very start.
Vera,
Very good point and one that needs to be considered when doing instructional planning for either onground or online instruction.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
