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Home | Teachers Aid | Article | From Classroom to Cyberspace: The Right Stuff for Teaching Online
You're comfortable with technology, and want to teach online. Knowing what is similar--and what is different--from traditional teaching will assist you in designing and teaching successful online courses.
In addition to course content such as lectures, readings, and assignments, it's very important to provide consistent and reliable methods of communication between you and your students.
Your school's e-learning department can assist you with developing and teaching online courses. Good luck, and welcome to the cyber-classroom!About the Author
Karen Lawson spent more than twenty years in the business world before returning to college. She used student financial aid programs while earning her MA degree in English at the University of Nevada, Reno.
From Classroom to Cyberspace: The Right Stuff for Teaching Online
By Karen LawsonYou're comfortable with technology, and want to teach online. Knowing what is similar--and what is different--from traditional teaching will assist you in designing and teaching successful online courses.
Develop Online Courses that Support Learning
Online instructors must design courses that facilitate different learning styles, and use modes of communication that support students and enhance the course content. Tips for creating successful online courses include:- Creating an environment supportive of multiple learning styles.
- Incorporating instructor-led, interactive online "discussions."
- Including activities for students who don't participate often.
In addition to course content such as lectures, readings, and assignments, it's very important to provide consistent and reliable methods of communication between you and your students.
Communications Options Enhance E-Learning
In a traditional classroom setting, students can ask questions, and they may meet with you to discuss their progress. Although this is not possible in a virtual classroom environment, you can provide online venues for interaction between students, between you and the students as a group, or one-on-one communication. Typically, online learning platforms provide:- Dedicated e-mail. You, along with each student, will have an e-mail address affiliated with the class. This eliminates the need for sharing personal e-mail addresses. Course e-mail allows you to communicate individually with students, and provides privacy when posting test or course grades. These e-mail accounts allow you to easily recognize senders, as the user IDs are consistent in format.
- Bulletin Boards and Chat Rooms: These venues allow students to post general questions or to respond and discuss assignments with you and fellow students. As the instructor, you will moderate student posts and keep discussions on topic. You can schedule online discussion sessions for specific dates and times and establish online office hours for students.
Your school's e-learning department can assist you with developing and teaching online courses. Good luck, and welcome to the cyber-classroom!About the Author
Karen Lawson spent more than twenty years in the business world before returning to college. She used student financial aid programs while earning her MA degree in English at the University of Nevada, Reno.
