Training must be given not only to instructors inexperienced in online teaching but also as a refresher to more experienced instructors. As stated in the module, "not every good instructor can be a successful online instructor." As online teaching and learning is evolving, there is always room for growth.
We are not a school and have yet to launch our first online course, but as a result of the ton of reading and studying I have already done on e-learning, I see the definite need for all staff and faculty to be trained on the technology, course delivery and learner needs, both real and felt.
Instructors with no previous experience with virtual environment should be trained. Virtual world is quite different than in-classroom training, with its own challenges and issues. Without a good understanding of on-line training challenges, and how to overcome them, even experienced instructor may feel overwhelmed with the task in hand.
Since we don’t offer online training at our campus, I can only tell you what I think the training needs are.
In my experience in business and education, I realize the importance of training and motivating employees. For online class instruction, I feel that you need someone who is innovative and an excellent communicator. If you find these attributes in hirable candidates, then you don’t have to train them as much.
Instructors must be responsive to students needs and concentrate on making their experience rewarding, so that they complete the classes, and sign up for new ones.
Retention and completion are the goals. Instructors need ongoing training in order to sharpen their skills.
If retention of staff is important as a strong return on investment, then special care should be taken to introduce and train faculty for online delivery of courses and programs so that they are comfortable with the tools that they need to successfully do their job--job satisfaction. Once they are properly initiated and trained, success in helping students is followed by better retention, which is followed by successful graduates who are more successfully placed. A special online facilitator/director who does his job correctly would be a wise investment, since such planning is so important. This facilitator/director can also function as that extra central source to assist faculty in addressing student needs.
Training at every in service. In service occurs after the end of each school term.
The training needs at my institution are definitely of the faculty who will be teaching online courses as well as on-ground classes yet using the CMS in the classroom.
The needs were defined by looking at possible growth of:
1.) What classes will be offered online
2.) Will we offer any full programs online
3.) What faculty will teach what portion/classes online
4.) The responsibility of the implementation of this training is done by our corporate education department and also the Faculty Coordinator (me) for training new faculty as they are hired and continuous faculty as updates, upgrades and changes are made to the system/software
time management and follow-through are what I see as the important issues that need additional training. A good "brick-and-morter" teacher does not necessarily equal a great online one, just like students.
the time invested in the right areas are the big things, again. I recommend getting this done prior to starting a program, as it is much harder I would imagine after the program has started.
I think hiring an individual up front that is receptive to change. I have worked with numerous schools and this implementation process has been the responsibility of anyone from the Director of Education to the Online Instructor Trainer.
The training needs at my facility for online course delivery:
1.) The use of an LMS program
2.) Orientation and training for the software itself
3.) Our corporate education department would be responsible for implementing the software and the training.
I'm pleased to see so many are recognizing the need for specific training for online instructors (and students). Anything that will reduce frustration will help everyone get through the inevitable connection problems. Somehow knowing "why" something is happening reduces anxiety and anger.
After just one semester of starting a new online program, I will definitely agree that training is one of the most important aspects of online programs. Although faculty could be experts in their field, if they do not know how to use the LMS, teaching will be very unproductive. The more faculty knows how to use the LMS, I've found, the more involvement they put in the course, and the more involvement in the course, the more students will be "very satisfied" with the course.
Currently, I am trying to find out what the most effective method of training is for our faculty staff, and students. Online training, in-person, as a group, etc.
Our instructors are experts in their fields. Some have experience teaching and some do not...However, all undergo various training before teaching for us and throughout the year. Staff also receive training specific to our online programs.
Training is crucial if you want an online program to work. It can be harder to stay on track for an online student. Part of the training also needs to consist of how to evaluate students to see if they have what it takes to make it in the online school world. I still need to do more research to figure out what is the best training to give staff, students and educators to ensure the success of an online course for our institution. Online education is not for everyone but, it is the only way for some.
Training needs are to be dedveloped throughout the institution. This will allow faculty, staff, and students to ber familiar with tht system. Thus cutting back on tech support calls.
There are two key things that are crucial:
1) A thorough and complete understanding of the platform;
2) Understanding current trends in teaching methodology and best practices to insure that the "real world" is brought up bear in the classroom..
Our institution does not have any online programs, however we are reaching space capacity and may need to soon.
When we do start online, most staff should be required to attend at least one module of an online course. An understanding of online education should have a positive effect on sales and student success.
I can envision a growth opportunity by contracting out some of our base courses to release space for onsite labs, and fast-pace our injection into the online market.
Locally our availability of online instructors is lacking so outsourcing online courses would be our only current option. However, some of our instructors are taking their continuing education courses online and are see a growing market for online instructors. A few are even discussing and contemplating the transition.
I was able to participate in an on-line training of the environment that we use, eCollege. It was an intensive four-week course; we did what the students would be expected to do when they were in a class. There were others that were going to actually teach a class, so they had extra sections they needed to know about and how to use. Having this training help me and the on-line liaison know how to help the students from day one.
The person who conducted the class/course was on staff at the coporate office, experience in this type of training.
We have a good in-class faculty but they don't have the computer skill necesary for establish the online program. So we gone to begin the process offering Basic Computer Trainings to our Faculty Staff.
Our institution hires qualified and well-trained instructors which makes our online class environment as equally conducive to learning. Our students enjoy the convenience of learning at home but never short-changed with the benefits our regular classroom students get in the campus.
We are new in this market--less than a year. We put courses up for others and host them. Since we are not a school our training needs are a little different. The people teaching the course need the initial training and we've been adding a teacher training course for free. Well, you hit the nail on the head here--free does not work! Most don't finish the course and then we have a ton of "help desk" type questions when the course goes live. Next time we offer the course there will be a fee.
We do provide direction for the participants in the course as part of their introduction and that seems to work pretty well unless we get someone who doesn't know what a browser is, then all bets are off!
I admit to being very surprised at the lack of interest in the training for the teachers when they are the ones who have to actually teach the class! It's their material but they don't seem to get that teaching online is quite different than teaching f2f.
