When an instructor sets up an online learning experience there are some items that the instructor should take into consideration. For instance, to create an engaging online classroom environment the instructor should have a firm grasp of the various resources and technological tools that are available.
Imagine a carpenter who has no idea of what a drill is and the carpenter resorts to using a screwdriver or a hammer and various size nails to make holes for a chair that needs to be made. Sure, it can be done but it would not be very efficiently built. The same principle applies to online instructors. An instructor who does not know about the various tools that are available, which can facilitate the generation of prime and exciting course content, would be wasting time doing things the “old way”. Anyone using the wrong tools for the job would waste time and possibly frustrate others.
It is important that an instructor try to keep up to date on the various tools that become available as technology advances. Ok, here is a case in point. When was the last time you used a slide rule? Would you be willing to learn how to use it so that you can teach your students and have them use it throughout the semester? Probably not. That tool is not very efficient or as accurate as a calculator However, you might be willing to learn how to use it just for the sake of curiosity. The new technology provides new ways of doing things and probably more efficiently than some of the old methods you currently know.
Another thing that an instructor needs to convey to the learners is what will be expected of them during the course. When a learner understands exactly what is expected, the learner will most likely be satisfied with the course and will probably contribute more to the community of learners. A well-organized instructor will provide clear and unambiguous guidelines to ensure that there will not be any misunderstandings in assignments, due dates, consequences, or how things work. Therefore, it is always a good rule of thumb to lay the groundwork during the first day of class.
Another very important topic that should be considered in the preparation of an online course is the establishment of comradeship between the students. This can be done by creating ice-breakers that will involve the participation of the students whereby they all contribute, and continue to contribute, their experiences and personal stories (which they would not mind sharing). In this fashion, the students learn about each other and in the process, they start to build a trusting environment where they can feel confident enough to share their ideas, thoughts, and more personal stories. This is known as forming a community where students can openly discuss course requirements and content. Additionally, within these communities, many learners have gone on to forge lasting friendships with their peers which have helped them in their personal and professional lives.
Therefore, do your students a favor… get them involved and they will think back, thank, and remember you.
Reference
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2011). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction (Updated ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
I agree that a trusting environment can help create an effective learning community. Collaboration between the learners and the presence of the instructor is valuable to the success of the course. Discussions are a great way for the community to form over time. Thanks for sharing.
George I definitely agree with you about an instructor keeping up with the technology advances and tools that are available. The analogy that used of the carpenter using a screwdriver instead of a drill to make a hole is perfect. I also can’t remember the last time I saw a math teacher or scientist use a slide ruler. Great blog.
George,
I really liked your graphics (as usual) and I think I saw myself in the cartoon of the teacher at the chalkboard explaining everything that she needed to cover the first day of class. What I liked was your analogy of online instructions setting up a course to that of a person posing as a carpenter who has no idea of any of the tools needed to complete the task. As an educator you have to know what is available to you and how to use it. That sometimes means you have to become a student to fully grasp how to use what technology you have correctly. .
Great post, George!
You gave a great analogy regarding utilizing the appropriate tools (e.g., carpenter, screwdriver, hammer, etc.,). By the way, I loved the clip and cartoon as well – lol! It is true, how effective can an instructor be, when they have not obtained a sufficient grasp of the technology that will be utilized throughout the course. If anything…this would cause more of a hindrance to both the instructor and the learner when the dynamic initiated by the instructor has become a situation of the “blind leading the blind.”
I also agree that when an instructor clearly conveys the “expectations” of the course it does lay a foundation for a mutual, productive learning experience for both the instructor and the student. Again, great post – thanks for sharing!