The Personal Aspect
As a new on ground instructor and someone who has only taken, not authored or taught online classes the issue of personal connection comes to mind when learning about creating an effective online course. As was mentioned, having a variety of methods through which students learn including video, URL's, etc. is necessary. It is also important to consider how each student as well as student and instructor communicate and facilitate in the online environment. This personal interaction and often accountability between student and instructor is necessary for effective learning. This happens naturally in an on ground class but must also be established or given attention to in an online class. How can this be maximized is a good question and point of consideration.
Carolyn,
It's good to teach online and F2F so that you can learn from each environment.
Good morning! My teaching load consists of teaching both on ground and on line. After taking two classes on line myself, written communication is far more difficult than face to face. I learn very fast that even though I am ‘talking’ as I write, my tone of voice and facial expressions are not magically placed in my writing. The same so for reading; it works both ways.
As a computer programmer, the machine does not know (nor care) that I am smiling, crying, or joking. Email, or electronic communications, is the same way. Learning to use words as a way to convey my meaning over a communication line was extremely difficult. It is a constant struggle for me.
Dianne,
You are so right. I took an online course on purpose just to get the experience as a students. Much knowledge comes from that experience. Thanks!
I also had an eye opening experience as an online student first and then ultimately becoming an online instructor. My experience as an online learner helped me tremendously when I began to teach online courses.
Thanks, Dianne
Zac and Teresa,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We are all different and learn, think and do things in different ways. It's good you are thinking about that in your teaching. Thanks again.
Amy,
The "ah ha" moment has happened. It's amazing when we get on the other side of the computer as a student that the light comes on. Ha! Keep learning from your experiences. Thanks!
Teresa,
I couldn't agree more with your point about utilizing a variety of methods for students to learn. I've only been teaching online for a few years but I've already come across every type of learner. Some comprehend best through video, some through reading, and some through listening. This relates to communication because I think it's important to reach out to students as often as possible and ask them how their learning is going. They'll often give very useful incite into what type of learner they are and it opens up that line of communication.
I started teaching online about four years ago. Two years ago I became an online student myself in a degree program. What an eye opener! My perspectives about online teaching changed dramatically after earning an online degree and experiencing many different teaching methods as a student. The experience was truly invaluable.
Kelly,
When student know what to expect, they can more appropriately meet the objectives. I know when my "boss" (dean) helps me understand my expectations, I can more readily meet them. Good point.
Something I really try to do when either course developing or teaching an effective course is to add in how this course applies to their profession. I find that when I discuss not only my professional design work, but also what designers in the industry are doing, the students are much more engaged and can relate to the course material better. Students want to know what is expected within the design industry or whatever they are studying, so if I can add in how to make the design and how it relates to what designers are doing out there, and how one can use a project like this in their portfolio, I almost always receive better work. I do think it is necessary to have personal as well as relating the information in order to have effective learning and have students become engaged.
Christine,
I think it helps tremendously when you have the student experience. And, as you noted, we can't assume anything. ;-) Thanks for your input.
I myself have also been on both sides of the online learning experience. As a student and as a teacher I have come to the realization that in order to optimize the online learning experience the student must find a way to become motivated and self disciplined. In all reality not all students are cut out for online learning; however, instructor involvement, availability and encouragement can do wonders for those students who may just need that little bit of guidance to adapt to the online learning environment. As a student, I was perfectly content with keeping the distant learning experience just that, distant, and until I became an instructor I assumed that that was the case with all students who chose this route of learning. I have since learned that though some students follow this route there are quite a few that want to establish a relationship with the instructor (me) and thrive from continuous interaction and encouragement. I continue to learn from previous experience with my students in order to adapt different methods of engaging my students in order to bring out the best I can in them.
Brian,
Great! I'm glad you hear you enjoyed the class. It's always fun to learn new things. Take care.
I really enjoyed the class, and I will incorporate several of the teaching techniques.
teresa,
Your experience as an online student gives you great insight on being an online instructor. It's great how you can distinguish what naturally happens and what you'll need to work on to make it happen. Thanks for your input.
