For the student to be successful, the Instructor has to be well versed in the subject matter being required and presented. The Instructor has to be able to answer questions or be familiar with helpful resources
I have learned that there is not only a time frame for students. Teachers have to make themselves a timeline to turn on and off assignments, respond to discussion boards and keeping the gradebook current.
Student and instructor success within the eLearning environment depends on how comfortable each is with the CMS and its navigation. Time spent upfront learning the navigational tools, functionality and purpose of the CMS are key. Also, having functional technology and support when needed are key.
I.n the E learning environment students need interaction on regular basis. Course material must be structural sound for online courses. The instructor must be able to navigate the course as well as assist students with this also.
I have learned that as an instructor I need to familiarize myself with all components of the platform, including how to create assignments, due dates and how to mute a participate in a discussion.
Understanding the frustration the students may have because there not computer literate. And communication was a problem as well. Now I know what I can do to support the students better.
I find that time discipline will be a challenge for many students. The instructor will really need to have a consistant line of communication with the students to provide the academic and technical support they need to remain engaged. It really is up to the instructor to have command of both.
I have never taught an online course so am taking this to get some guideance and hear from experienced educators. I have not used an online calendar with students so am interested in learning more about that.
I will need to decide if I will release all of the course on April 13 or to piece it out each week and do all of my grading on Fridays.
What have you learned from this module and how do you intend to apply it?
I have learned that it is essential for me to revisit and/or establish ground rules and expectations for online student participation and task submission so that everyone is on one accord prior to transitioning to just the online learning model. I have also learned that it is vital for me to maintain structural integrity when implementing my lessons online in order to accelerate the progress of my students. I intend on doing this by having easily navigable, daily activities that build up to more complex concepts while providing my students with the support that they require on a consistent basis. In addition to this, I plan to incorporate a system that will allow the students to chat with each other regarding their learning through Zoom Breakout Sessions and/or the discussion capabilities on Google Classroom.
Online learning requires much more organization on the teachers part as well as the students.
I have learned that quality courses are highly interactive not just a platform where students can retrieve information.
I plan to make sure my students know how to get learning support as well as technical support. I have found through this COVID-19 online teaching that students are having some difficulty with home internet support and my directions. I have reached out to help my students with home internet support and I have reworded my instructions for clarification.
From the reading I find that most instructors are usually the experts on the content they teach but using online may be challenging to them. Instructors must first become familiar their online platform before embarking on the journey of teaching online.
What have you learned from this module and how do you intend to apply it?
I wouldn't say I learned a lot from this module. I use Canvas regularly with my students. If anything, i liked the list of things that instructors should be doing. It changes my view of how i use a LMS with my class and how it is different from an online only class.
Undersstanding and familiarizing myself with the CMS employed by my District is paramount. Instructors must also provide access to course content and timely feedback to better improve the student learning experience.
It is encouraging to know that although there are a number of tasks online instructors are required to manage there is also a system, with technical support that will ease the management responsibility for the instructor.
To be successful as an online instructor it is important for me to understand the learning software (where to locate information/how to upload and manage lessons). Communication between me and my students and my students with each other is important to student success.
I appreciate knowing that they realize each teacher approaches teaching in a different way, even online teaching/learning. I am looking forward to learning how to keep students engaged. I see that as one of the biggest challenges for me.
Elearning is about making sure the student is comfortable with the CMS. We must also understand the students have a whole life we do not know about or understand and we must be flexible with our students and meet their needs in their time when time permits. Questions need to be promptly answered to ensure the student is helped.
I am reminded how vitally important planing and organization is for successful online teaching. Whereas, you can interact instantly to manage classroom expectations and behavior in the physical classroom, the online environment does not favor such nuanced flexibility. A highly structured format and clearly defined perimeters are actually the best way to promote intellectual spontaneity of expression.
