To ensure students are comfortable and successful with the online course - the instructor must fully understand how to use the CMS.
I teach adult students and I realize that they will feel more comfortable with the course and their learning if they know they can rely on me for both educational and technical support. I need to connect with my students quickly and maintain a working relationship with them.
I plan on being a coach and personal trainer for them to offer encourage to them that they can attain their GED.
Teacher prep is imperative to pulling off a sucessful online course
Reply to Anniece Williams's post: I agree. If faculty do not spend time preparing and especially understanding the on line platform, all the subject knowledge in the world will be will not make up for that defficiency.
Being there to support your students through this process is very important. They can get frustrated so be available to assist. Also, before assigning online lessons, provide an orientation to explain how the process will work. :)
The course indicates having a good content management system (CMS) and a good familiarity with it. is the key to teaching online. Almost all aspects of interacting with students are managed from the "CMS."
Student enthusiasm, attrition, and outcomes are heavily dependent on timely feedback, answers to questions, grades, etc. Much as in a live classroom.
I have learned that I have a lot to learn in this new transition from ground instsruction to on-line instruction. I do have a small advantage since if previously taught on-line for about a year, a year ago
Just as regular instruction instructor presence has to be seen and felt by the students. Problems with the learning platform can be overcome with prompt attention by instructor or platform support
Just as in regular instruction structure and active participation is key. Students must see and feel the instructor's precense and feedback
Great list to go over when building an online course using a CMS.
I plan to go through my CMS now and complete the checklist of things I should know how to access. Also, take a look at the content we have already started to develop and see if it has the quality characteristics outlined.
General concepts of elearning
In order for online learning to be most effective, there must be organization. Instructional units are organized into modules which contain lessons. Online learners must be able to comfortably navigate through the modules and lessons with confidence; otherwise, it should not be surprising that they may not complete the class. Online instructors must be available to the online students and technical assistance must also be available. In order for best learning to take place, lessons and activities must engage students.
I like the online learning concept however my fear is that some students may not take this opportunity seriously. I have worked in credit recovery for 2 years and have seen the difference between those who took it seriously and those who just wanted to get by with the bare minimum. Unfortunately, this is also happenign in the classroom enviornment. I want to still be able to inspire my kids online as much as I do in the classroom.
I have learned that technological service is just as important as the instructional service.
Knowledge and comfort with using CMS is key for instructors. Utilizing all features to enhance active learning and adapting content as needed to keep all engaged.
Clear concise information that is eaasily located is crucial to the student.
Clear instructions on how to get help when needed is also crucial as well as having someone available and making it known when they are available.
It is important to learn how your management system works and plan how our course will be presented in that system before you begin building your course. You should include, what type of assessments will you include, how will you and your students communicate, how will students communicate with each other.
I will ask questions to meet the nees of my students
I think it's a useful reminder to go back to the basics and to make sure that students know how to use the online platform.
