Online learner
I believe that one of the key components of a successful online student is communication with the instructor. This module discusses building a relationship and I know from my own experience as an online student I felt more involved when the Instructor was engaging and responsive. I find with students my management of the course is easier and more successful the more involved I am. Students respond better and remain responsible to their assignments when they sense my presence. This is easier to manage and provides for a higher quality of education.
Erica,
I would agree that being present in the course as the instructor and demonstrating that through appropriate and frequent communications is an ideal way to connect to your learners. Communication is paramount.
Herbert Brown III
I agree, and I think communication is one of the most important aspects of teaching, period. I can see where it would especially be true in an online environment because having an instructor who is present and engaging will probably also hold the students more accountable, forcing them to be engaged as well.
Ranjeet,
I believe you have hit on the key factors. The most important is communication! Regular, meaningful communication with students is paramount in establishing a sense of presence in the course and with your students. The type of feedback and how it is presented is also important to set the tone that you are there to help and they shouldn't feel intimidated by you. You can also share some personal stories and real life experiences in the course material so that students know you are engaged in a professional way in the material you are teaching.
Herbert Brown III
I agree. An instructr who is engaged is much more likely to have success in class- alot like an instructor in a traditional class environment. Figuring out what those criteria are in the online environment has been challenging. I am not an online instructor- I teach in the traditional class but I manage an online program of 10 instructors. I've found that instructors who provide timely responses and substantive feedback in assignments/discussion as well as those who reach out to students who haven't completed work, tend to be much more successful. What other ways can instructors show their presence in class?
