The self-analysis inventory for me is a new term for actions I have been performing over the last 13 years here at AIU. What these questions do however, is allow me to improve on my ability, admit to some weaknesses and then attempt to correct and perfect those negatives that display in the online classroom.
Yes I agree! Reexamine, and reflection translates to effectiveness and advancement in the eyes of the student who so desperately depends on our stability in the classroom.
I find it easier to identify with students if they realize that instructors are not perfect. I was an online student at one time and had issues at first with time management. When I say to students that I really struggled with time management and give them some tips that works for me they seem to identify more with that. It is not the same as pointing them to Web sites about time management as it helps personify the issue. I find the more personally you can identify with students the more likely they are to listen to you.
As important as it is for an online student taking a self-analysis, it is equally important that instructors do the same. Teaching in an online setting is quite different from teaching in a traditional classroom and therefore, even the most experienced instructors need training to teach online.
There are certain expectations and personality characteristics required to teach online. It would be advantageous to anyone teaching online to have some experience as an online learner to truly understand what it means to learn this way. It is therefore absolutely important that all online instructors complete a self-analysis to see if we meet the requirements and if teaching online is for us.
Here are a few reasons for the importance of a self-analysis for online instructors:
1. Instructors must be willing to spend adequate time each day at the computer to make sure that they read students’ posts, emails, and messages, etc. and respond to students. Online instructors must make sure that they are able to do this.
2. Instructors must also like interacting with students as a group and to individual students and be able to problem-solve.
3. Instructors must be comfortable with the technology used to deliver the course. This will help us to deliver the course appropriately, anticipate likely student problems and provide assistance when they have trouble.
4. Instructors must be able to write and type well since the nature of online learning requires both.
5. Online Instructors must ensure that they have experience with both asynchronous and synchronous modes of interaction so they can use either in the online learning environment as the need arises.
6. Very important, is the need for online Instructors to provide prompt and substantive feedback to students. As Academic Dean, the lack of timely and meaningful feedback from instructors was the number one complaint I received from online learners. The main reason is that instructors are not online frequently or long enough to provide such feedback.
In the interest of all the players, online instructors must complete and be honest with the self-analysis, recognize our strengths and weaknesses and decide if online teaching is for us. As online instructors, we must ensure that we receive adequate and ongoing training to be able to meet all the required expectations for ourselves and the students we teach.
Edna Murugan
I believe that any person that wants to truly be effective needs to make continuous self-analysis as both an individual and online instructor.
Of course we will always have our strengths and weaknesses, however, being aware of these can be encouraging, empowering, and create empathy towards others with the same weaknesses.
When I understand what it takes to overcome my weaknesses, then I can offer my experiences to my students in a "real transparent' manner that is often openly received.
In my college online classes, it became quite obvious whether the online instructor was a "real human being" or just a "knowledge & critique provider". I observed how my fellow students would relate to the instructor accordingly.
I want to be a "real human being" as an online instructor with "real human beings" as students.
Self-analysis is the tool that can create this online class environment.
I have mentored several online instructors and I always try to motivate them to do a self-analysis inventory mainly because it is difficult to objectively evaluate yourself and your capabilities--a good effort on a self-analysis survey will provide that set of recognitions and capabilities or not having those that are desireable to become a more effective online instructor--Dr Jim Young
Reggie,
You make such great points. Yes, you do have to assess the technology regularly to ensure you are providing the best tools for the best instruction. You really have to evaluate everything that pertains to you and your student!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jeffrey,
Great post! We do need to re-evaluate our own strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis. Isn't that what good assessment asks us to do? Look at gaps and "close the loop"? We should do that with all of our courses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It's important to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to online instruction. You have to assess if you have all the equipment, the time, organization skills, etc. to ensure you provide the best instruction for the learners. Understanding yourself allows you to fine tune certain things prior to the start of the course or enlist help to ensure your course is the most affective for student learning.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and as online instructors and the self analysis inventory will help the instructors identify them. The results of this inventory will help the online instructor become a better teacher online. I have always been a believer in analyzing our individual weaknesses and improve upon them. This is especially important in being an online instructor since there are many things to consider to be effective: time management skills, knowledge of technology, writing skills and multi-tasking to name just a few. In particular, I have found that having good organization skills to be especially important as an online instructor since there are many tasks that have to be accomplished with time deadlines. I find having a calendar specifically for each course I teach is very helpful for me to accomplish those tasks. The calendar is constantly being updated and my cell phone sends me reminders of what I need to accomplish throughout the day.
Theresa,
Thank you for sharing. I have bookmarked this for my students. My freshmen will start with this.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Madhuchanda,
Truer words have never been spoken. Isn't it interesting that these same skills are needed for everyone online and in f2f?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jack,
Isn't that what life long learners do? We are always attaining information and skills and defining and adding to our gaps.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Roberto,
True, there are certain delivery skills need to be learned but they can be done one at a time. You don't have to learn to teach online like drinking from a fire hose!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This was a great quiz on self analysis and defined many of the characteristics
needed..http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles.shtml
Theresa
Most of us are working professionals. We need to know if we have sufficient time to devote to the online class. We have taken on this added responsibility and we need to give it our best. Hence, we need to determine if we have time to do so. We certainly need good time management skills. We need to be organized. We need to communicate with our students in a timely manner. Our communication needs to be clear and precise.
Chanda Ghose
Bob,
Many thanks on your kind words. You know I work constsntly on improving myself and those working with me.
Way to go Jack. This is an important point as I've met some who are interested in teaching online but need more training to do a good job at this.
Robert,
Great work! Not everyone is comfortable with having others "look" at the courses. I agree with you, a constructive review with a colleague can do a world of good.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jocelyn,
Great post. Yes, regarding technology it is important to understand how it works. It may actually save time!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
