I think I disagree, I think that the online instructor does everything that the ground instructor does. But ... more.
The online instructor has to perform the same tasks, they have to deal with the same student issues, the delivery is different. But for our institution, we do have to prepare weekly live recorded presentations.
The difference is we have more asynchronous methods to work with and interact with the students.
-- Matt
Daniel,
Time and interaction are often the focus to improve online instruction. Especially if the courses are primarily text-based in their format. The extra effort required in these areas is often indicated by instructors for online instruction being more demanding then teaching in a traditional classroom.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Arijana ,
I expect your PJs and slippers are close enough to the "fuzzy bunny" that we can trust your statement to be of first-hand knowledge. ;-] My guess is we have all had a traditional class or two of the type you described. Your point is well taken and your prescription for responsibilities of the teacher are sound. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Joe,
To answer your question, yes, we are all here to ensure the learner gets most knowledge from the course. "The most" is a relevant term dependent on each learner (in many cases) and as facilitators it is our duty to provide that opportunity by meeting the student where they are and helping them achieve the educational objectives of the class. Very good point. Thank you for your thoughts.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I would agree and I think it requires more dilligence in some cases. That missing of face to face time definitely affects how we can identify students that may be in trouble with the material. So taking the extra time to do it online can require not only more time but more interaction as to highlight those students.
I disagree with the statement. As a teacher you have several responsibilities toward a student and they do not change with the mode of your teaching platform. As a teacher we have to treat them all with respect, give every student opportunity to learn and make ourselves available to them when they need help. We are giving our knowledge, experience, insight, opportunity for growth and development and once again has nothing to do with where you are located; in the classroom or in your office. Responsibility of every educator is to have good written and oral communication skills and once again the mode of teaching does not change that. I had traditional classes in the past where I didn’t feel a great presence of a teacher even though there were there every single time. Teachers responsibilities do not change with the teaching method. You still have to be ready to teach the material and answer questions regardless of how those questions come to you and when. Only difference I can think of right now is that when you teach in the classroom your responsibility is to dress up and look nice and professional and in online environment you can teach same material wearing your p.j’s and fuzzy bunny slippers (not that I ever did that so don’t ask how I would know it ;)
I disagree that the responsibilities are different. I would counter propose that although the methodology is different, the instructor must meet all the institutional and student requirements. As the lesson described, it is difficult to ascertain the real issues without the verbal and visual cues we are all used to. It is however, possible. Several of the other respondents made very good points. There is a lot you can do to meet the challenge of providing the learner with the best experience possible. The instructor is still the facilitator and must do all the things required of any instructor. The techniques, and sometimes the methodology change, but aren’t we all here to insure the learner gets the most knowledge from the course?
David,
Good point. You must have some lawyer blood in you. ;-] "It depends" is definitely the first answer to give for any question where ambiguity may exist. The follow-up to this answer one should probably be to request "define responsibilities." (Specific tasks like telephone calls and/or emails to the student? OR General responsibilities like equitable class policies, individualized accommodations, supportive learning environment, etc.?)
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I'd say that we have the same responsibilities, but with a different emphasis depending on the course and the students involved.
I've had semesters where the students have hardly asked questions and have all gotten through with relatively high grades, while the next semester in the very same course can be bad enough to make me question my commitment to teaching.
As the lawyers like to say, the correct answer is "it depends" ;)
Dave
Kimberly,
The fulfillment of these same responsibilities may require differing amounts of effort depending on the delivery platform. Yes, I agree the ultimate responsibilities are the same. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ginny,
The requirement for regular and immediate feedback via e-mail and discussion boards can provide a more constant demand on the instructor. But I agree the and responsibilities are the same in providing quicker responses (hopefully less than 24 hours) will optimize student opportunity to move forward successfully.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Dr. V,
I would have to disagree with the concept that the responsibilities are different. The responsibility is to ensure that our students are receiving a quality education. The way we perform these tasks will vary considerably. The online arena requires regular and immediate feedback via email, something the traditional setting might not require because students can ask questions in a face to face venue.
Because the online class usually operates at a much quicker pace than the traditional classroom, the instructor also needs to prepare for this as well. The quicker response allows the student to move forward successfully.
Thanks,
Ginny
I truly think that just being a teacher requires the same responsibilities. We all do it in different ways but our goals are still the same.
Marcia,
Your point about the additional attention required toward communication and organization by the instructor is well stated. The level of effort required in these two areas for online environments is almost always escalated for comparable instructional effect. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I believe that online teaching has some additional responsibilities over that of a traditional classroom. The two most important issues to consider in teaching in an online environment are communication and organization. Just like traditional classrooms, lesson plans are critical. Getting the message across to students is the ultimate goal. With the limitations of communication with students, how you communicate in an online environment is critical. This requires instructors to be able to communicate effectively using technology and written word. What you say is as important as how it is organized and presented. Once a student is lost or confused, learning stops and may not start again for some time.
Online education requires instructors to go beyond just the traditional knowledge of their subjects, but to develop good resources, use the latest technologies, communicate and organize information to best meet the needs to their students and promote distant learning.
Earl,
Well stated. Yes, equitable opportunity, regardless of platform is the responsibility of teachers in traditional and online settings. The teacher should always meet the students at their needs and accommodate the path to learning. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have to disagree with this question. Technically, the process of commumication may vary but the responsibilities remain the same. Regardless of the platform, instructors should make efforts to engage all students. All students shold be provided a platform to express their ideas and receive feedback from instructors or peers.
Also, students who are disengaged in the learning process should be counseled to see what are their road blocks to learning. Instructors should be available and facilitate the learning process in both settings.
Ervin,
Very good point - the students will often 'get' the importance of the course from the teacher. I know I had an undergraduate history professor that made me (a math/science student) feel like her class was one of the most important subject I would take. I would never have thought that on my own.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Disagree,
Just because we are online we still have to have the same effect on students as on campus instructors. They have to understand that this course is just as important ans any other and we have to have the same feeling.
Don,
I agree with you that more verbal interaction is required in the online classroom to compensate for the robust non-verbal communication that naturally occurs in f2f sessions. However, I don't quite understand your statement "As a student the physical presence of an instructor cannot be judged." Please elaborate on this aspect, it sounds interesting. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
