This course had many helpful and useful tips.
I learned that It is important to provide both content and technical support to the student for teaching online efficiency.
I would recommend this course to everyone who is planning to teach online.
GW
As an online teacher, my initial temptation is to give my students an online reading assignment and have them watch video's to assist in their learning. Although, this might be a method of learning that is efficient, the level of engagement for my students seems low. I need to understand how to create an interactive online experience AND have a sense of flow with my curriculum as I break down things into modules, lessons and topics.
I learned that there are a lot of roles that an online instructor is responsible to fill. We become IT support, a cheerleader, a facilitator, etc. We also need to be able to expertly navigate the CMS in order to better assist our students. I have learned that the CMS that we utilize at my school also has a Student View so I intend on spending time in both the faculty view and the student view so I can better assist my students with troubleshooting their issues.
In order for e-learning to be successful for both student and teacher, everyone must have a knowledge of how the CMS platform works. The instructor must also know the flow of their course and how to communicate it effectively in an organized manner to the students.
I have learned that you need to know specific questions about the requirements of the course.
The modules include the requirements needed to deliver a successful course using the online format - system requirements, student oritentation, and the primary responsibiltiies of the instructor in managing the learning system. Also includes course structures common to online delivery of curriculum content/material.
It is important to be know the CMS structure so you are able to have access to class roster, grade book and understand how to post assignments and discussion questions. Also, it will enable you to help your students with any questions they may have.
I have learned that the quality of the media and the quality (and quantity) of my interactions with the students will improve the student’s ability to learn and grab the content.
I have also learned students also should be able to do a number of things through the CMS and there are a number of items the teacher needs to do to manage the course. There are many important items but I see the two most important are being involved with communication and monitoring the whole class.
As a distance education instructor It is important students and I are supported. I must have support from my institution and my students must have suport from myself. It is extremely important I communicate the course expectations thoroughly in an easy to undertand manner.
Need to be clear on Course Objectives, assignments, deadlines, course components and where things are in the Learning Management System--
I've learned that in order to be successful at online delivery of course information, the course needs to be struictured and the students and instructor must be familiar with the course management system delivery platform (CMS). The instructor needs to be familiar not only with course content, but must also be able to handle technical issues regarding computer hardware and software issues that will be encountered. There also needs to be readily accessable technical support beyond what the instructor might be able to provide in real time.
BE prepared with a proper orientation outlining expectations course information and provide links to glossares, refeences, and self learning sources to lessons and modules.
Keeping up with student understanding and supplementary course material can help students that may struggle or feel over-whelmed by not having the face-to-face, traditional class room setting.
Being organized is key whether in the classroom setting or the virtual. Having clear time tables, communication, deadlines, leason organization, etc. creates a clear expectation for the classroom from the very beginning. I intend to use the guidelines on lesson modules and subtopics and apply the structure to my lessons.
I learned that there are different ways to construct your online classes and it depends on what you want your students to get out of it. It is important that you know your cource management system. I currently have two ways of delivering my online course to my students. Google classroom or canvas. I am trying to decide which one I am going to use and the best way to make sure my students are learning and being active learners. I know that if can access the screen that will help my students to navigate the CMS, that I should look at it to so that I know what they are seeing. Finally that I should look at the instructional side as well to make sure that I am able to post discussion questions, delete discussion questions, set due dates, whether I am going to allow my students to retake quizzes and etc.
I learned that even though the instructor may possess a vast amount of knowledge in a subject, it is still crititcally important that the instructor review all components in the CMS to best assist the students with learning.
I've learned that an online course should be interactive. Students should be able to engage in the learning. I also learned that the instructor should know how to maneuver and operate within the CMS. I believe it was also conveyed that students should expect timely feedback from their instructor and that communication should be prompt.
I need to know the platform and how to use it. It is important for me to be able to explain the format of the class and provide technical help to the students. Being able to know the system and communicate the CMS to the students is imperitive for their success.
We need to be knowledgeable about our online course structure in order to be most effective in assisting our student in navigating the platform.
I have learned that there a lot of elements to e-learning. I need to make sure that i am totally familiar with and comfortable with the delivery techniques and strategies of the delivery format. If i'm not familiar or am uncomfortable then that will make things uncomfortable for the student. I've also learned how important my presence is to the student to ensure their comfort. I also need to make sure that i comprehend the course content completely. I will make sure to spend time familiarizing myself with both the course content and the course delivery format and practice these skills. Also, i will make sure i'm ahead of the game and no procrastinating.
