Three most important things I would consider while teaching an online course are:
1. Know the level of your students’ knowledge. This is a good point to start with. However, based on my experience of teaching for more than a decade, this level drastically varies across the class. Some have extreme difficulty to express their thoughts; even though English is their first language, while, others are just outstanding with their grasp of the subject and expressing and putting across their thoughts in a very rational and reasonable way. So, the real task of an online teacher is to balance this knowledge level difference in the classroom and adjust the teaching or delivery of the subject in a manner that suits all types of the students.
2. Inspire students to learn the subject. This is an extremely challenging task when one is teaching in an online course, where instructors don’t get to see the students and vice versa. I start my teaching by making relevance of that topic to the business world we live in (since I teach Business subjects) and how important it is to know the subject in order to make right decision in the work place. I give enough current real business examples to students to high light the importance of knowledge of the subject I teach.
3. Make students comfortable in the class to keep them connected to the class. This is accomplished effectively by encouraging students to ask questions. This is the most ideal way to make students to make comfortable in the class by telling them that is no stupid questions and every questions important. By allowing them to ask any questions is another way to check how much they are making any efforts to understand the subject. This will greatly help to make adjustments in teaching methodology and note circulation.
Thanks,
Sunil N. Kulkarni
Robert,
Right on. It is about the students, how they learn and what you need for them to learn.
Nice job.
Naomi,
Thank you for providing your thoughts in the form of questions. It really helps others think about the right questions to ask when they are thinking about teaching their online students. Thanks again.
1)know your course material and learning objectives
2)provide varied methods of instruction to assist different types of learners
3)identify struggling learners and help them better understand
1) Am I completely accessible and responsive to the students? Ensuring I make enough time to facilitate the course and be present is key to ensuring student success and retention.
2) Is the classroom itself user friendly, efficient and functional? In other words, is my classroom set up, with all appropriate and detailed materials, to completely accommodate student needs effectively?
3) Is my tone warm, friendly and professional? Do students feel they can come to me for support? They are excited to learn from an enthusiastic instructor?
Tina ,
Your course syllabus is many times the first point of communication with the students. Make sure it enhances the learning process and provides an outline for all aspects of the course for the students. Nice job.
The three most important things for me consider when teaching an online course are:
1. Make sure the course syllabus is clearly and precisely presented. Make sure that any links included in the syllabus are operational. Always allow for change and improvement to the course syllabus that allows for it to be more dynamic.
2. Effectively communicate with the students in the courseroom when posting discussion question replies. I have found that sometimes how I format my responses is how the student will format theirs. So, for example, if posting a reply and I have cited works and a reference, I will need to make sure that the formatting is proper.
3. Respond to e-mails in a very timely manner to provide the needed information to the student. If the turn-around time is 24 or 48 hours, then I need to make sure that I do. If I am still working on a final response and see that it may exceed that 24 to 48 hour "window" then I would an e-mail to the student that I am still finalizing my response and provide a timeframe of when he or she should expect to receive it.
Tina Means
Wendy,
The syllabus is the first point of communication with the class many times and it is essential that the expectations are clear in that document first.
Thanks!
I believe I have to consider
that I provide clear expectations for the students in the syllabus and other areas, have a positive tone and am approachable and interact with the students on a timely and regular basis.
Wendy
James,
When courses are set up for instructors, it is very important that the designer and instructor communicate to make sure the learning outcomes are begin assessed. You do not want a disjointed course in which the instructor has no way of making necessary edits by themselves. Instructors still need some flexibility in the course.
Tomi,
Clear, concise and communication with a positive tone are essential. Through this communication, you can learn what the students know and what they yet need to know. Communication is the key.
I believe that communicating clearly and with a supportive tone is the first one. Second, it is important to use a variety of different forms of technology to create a learning community. Third, it is important to build on previously learned knowledge and skills. Students tend to be more motivated to learn more and particate when they see themselves succeeding. Thus, it is very important to encourage them and give detailed feedback.
Hello,
The schools at which I teach set up the courses for the instructors. However, I do have an opportunity to interact with the student in many ways.
First, I am concerned with creating a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment. I can do this by monitoring all of the communications in the classroom and if necessary using a sandwich method approach with any sudents who might be engaging in any activities that are creating a less than safe or positive environment.
Second, I want to make sure that my classroom is properly set up and that I can provide any added materials as necessary. As part of this, when a school provides the platform, I provide live chats or seminars that are interactive where I can go over material for the week and include some interactive activities. I also go over the objectives and deliverables for the class, providing guidance and clarification as necessary.
Third, I want to track the performance of my students. I do this by tracking their weekly participation and their performance on the weekly deliverables. I reach out to students who are not performing up to the required levels for the course to try to provide assistance in whatever form is needed and viable.
Thanks, Jim
Amy,
You are right there are manyu considerations. Thanks for narrowing it down for us. Nice job.
There are so many things to consider, but to summarize:
1. Set expectations. I do this through a dynamic syllabus, and then communicate the points frequently throughout the course using different communication methods - email, announcements, discussion board, etc.
2. Participate and interact with the students. This develops and promotes a community environment, and breaks down any student-instructor barriers that may exist.
3. Reinforce learning objectives through individual assessment and classroom participation. This allows for the scaffolding describes in this module.
Mark,
The knowledge and experience of the students and intructor is essential. Providing content in a variety of ways is also the best way to engage all levels of students. Thanks for your input.
Steve,
The learning environment is important in developing that community. The expectations and you serving as a role model also advance the opportunity for community.
Jerry,
Your information stirs up three questions. Who am I teaching? (audience analysis) What are the student expections? And, think about their expecations in contrast to the learning outcomes. What is the level of the couse content? (instructor and students) Thanks!
Todd,
Yes, these are all good ways to engage with students and provide them timely feedback. Thanks!
Hello everyone,
Once one of my online courses has been authored and I begin teaching, I need to take into account the level of computer, online, and word processing literacy my students possess. Many students lack the basic technological skills needed to thrive in an online learning environment so it is imperative that I try to anticipate their needs. Next, I need to be certain that I have provided—at every turn—clear, concise, visually accessible directions for all aspects of course content and course policies. Finally, I need to be sure that I have presented all lessons to my students in multiple educational modes so as to assure that I accommodate various learning styles.
Mark A. Coppelli
