Instructors must make several adjustments as they move from
the traditional classroom into the virtual or online classroom. They need to move away from their role as
subject matter expert or “sage on the stage” to providing opportunities for
students to learn on their own. The
instructor needs to cheer the student on from the side lines, offering support,
clear, frequent and timely communication, and encouragement.
The instructor needs to understand how students learn and
tailor the curriculum to address various learning styles. They need to plan learning activities that
demonstrate that learning as occurred and that help the student integrate the
new skills or knowledge into their field of practice or study. In order to do this, the instructor needs to
have a clear view of the competencies that are to be achieved in each
unit. The student needs to be able to
demonstrate their ability to use the new skills or knowledge so the instructor
can accurately assess their learning.
The instructor also needs to make time in their schedule to
interact with the students daily, answering their questions and providing
feedback. Without this contact students
feel disconnected and less engaged. The
instructor needs to have the time and skills to assure that technology is
working properly and to make the necessary corrections quickly when they find
out that there are problems.
Students also need to have a different skill set to be
successful online learners. They need to
have basic computer skills, being able to make folders, opening and saving
files, working with multiple applications at one time, understanding how to use
the web and how to attach files and links to their work. They also need access to a computer with a
high speed connection.
Students need to have the willingness and ability to
communicate with their peers and instructors online. They also need to create
time in their schedules to participate in the class discussions fully and
frequently. They need to be able to
check their class several times a week.
They need to plan their work accordingly as it may take 24-48 hours for
the instructor to respond to questions.
They need to begin their work early in the week in case they find they
have questions. Students need to feel
comfortable with asking questions of both their instructor and their peers.
Time management is critical.
The student needs to be both organized and self-motivated. They need to be willing to take
responsibility for their own learning.
Online learning takes a certain maturity on the part of the
student. The students learning directly
corresponds with the effort and time they put into the class and the process of
their own learning.
Students also need to be able to balance their personal
lives and responsibilities with their online class. This can be difficult and needs serious
considerations dependent on your personal obligations or your own personal needs. It is also important to note that online
learning also offers the flexibility to work your study time around other
personal obligations. It is helpful to
have a study area that is free of distractions.
Some strategies for helping students be more successful in
their online experiences would be to clearly identify the challenges and
benefits of online instruction and allow the student to make educated decisions
based on their understanding. I was very
surprised to learn that I was expected to spend 15 hours per week on a 3 credit
hour course. I would have anticipated 9
hours and had made allowances for that in my schedule. I have made some sacrifices in my personal
life that I did not expect having to make.
I might not have begun this process if I had been fully informed that I
would have to make that type of time commitment and that I would need to be in
school over the summer to stay on course.
During the first week, I would have them develop a plan or schedule that
they intend to follow to make the time in their day that they need to be
successful. If they have difficulty in
developing the plan they might see that they would have difficulty in
dedicating the time needed to be successful.
I would advise students regarding their need to computer and
technical expertise and offer classes to support the necessary skills. I would also design the curriculum to build
slowly on their skills while teaching the new skills that they need. I would make recommendations on where and
when they could access computers if they did not have a computer or the needed
bandwidth.
I believe that some of the most critical skills for an
online instructor is their ability to engage the student online and provide
them with the needed feedback and encouragement in a timely manner. The instructor needs to set consistent and
clear expectations on when coursework is due and provide a calendar to keep the
student on track.
When I first began this certification process I was
struggling with engagement online. I
learned to provide multiple ways of contacting me so that students got their
questions and concerns addressed in a timely manner. I developed some tools, activities and
techniques that have helped me engage the student and to assess their learning
of the needed competencies. I have
learned a great deal about clear communication, especially clear communication
of expectations. I have developed a
calendar of when assignments are due. I also verbally communicate expectations
at least weekly and send summaries at the end of each week.
I know I have a lot to learn about curriculum
design for online teaching and I look forward to maximizing my learning
experiences as I move through this program.
Technology is changing so rapidly and I am sure that there
are no exceptions in online instruction.
Instructors need to find ways to keep up with the current online
teaching technologies. Keeping current
is the instructor’s responsibility. There
are several websites that offer support for online instructors. There is ongoing training and education to
keep instructors current on new technology.
I also believe that we are developing a worldwide network of peers in
this class that we can keep in contact with and assist each other in remaining
relevant and current in online teaching technology.
