Keeping students engaged is a unique challenge online. I find that the key to working in the online classroom is to keep discussions interesting and relevant.
Beyond a student's initial response to a discussion thread or question, I often pose follow up questions or ask that students look at a situation or response from another angle. I also find it helpful to incorporate personal experiences in the field as well as outside sources; referring students to a video lecture or other resource keeps things fresh and interesting.
Absolutely! That is a very important part of being an online teacher--trying to determine when students need additional attention.
I think you are right about that, Dr. Ernst. The other thing I would add is that some students need more attention than others. It is also important that an online teacher pay attention to the students' cues in order to deliver more personal attention when needed.
Thanks for your comments Michelle. It seems to me the description of the online instructor that you used in your post could also be a residential instructor. What do you think?
Hello Everyone,
Techniques required to be a successful online instructor include the ability to facilitate a course keeping in mind you are working with multiple learning styles and that there must be a form of intereaction that focuses on each method so that all learners have a fair chance at having material presented in a manner that works best for them,
I believe being able to keep students engaged in the learning process is key.
