Saturday, 2 July 2016

5 things to remember when teaching an online course


1.     Identify the technical equipment needed in your online course: computer, internet access, headset, applications needed to download (include instructions ask your IT dept to see if there are any made if not create easy to follow instructions). Provide technical information to the students this gives the students an understanding and confidence. Technical formalities should be dealt with before the course start time; therefore this will not be a roadblock for your students.

2.     Have a clear course outline/schedule of timeline, information covered, with Assignment due dates (Assignment criteria possibly attached in a hyperlink) and Assignment worth available in a handout form. Guide the students to know the biggest hurdle is managing and planning of their time in order to complete their assignments!

3.     Introduce yourself and let them know you will be available for them (state when you will be able to respond to their emails within a set time parameter) Acknowledge the success of an online course is highly dependant on the student who is organized and does the work. This is a good time to have the student introduce themselves. Students need to feel a sense of community this might be achieved by discussion forums. Easing into the course with introductions and why they are taking an online course may bring their ownership of the responsibility of online learning into the forefront.

4.     Have effective and dynamic activities (Link videos, websites that are interesting and relate to your course material) so the student’s will develop engagement in the course.

5.     Check in with the students to help mentor and motivate them. Provide feedback that is personalized, supportive and thoughtful. Which drives students to improve and seek out resources you have provided.

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