Download 10 Tips for Online Course Design & Teaching by Fran Lukacik & Melissa St. Pierre and more Study notes Education Planning And Management in PDF only on Docsity! 1. Course Design • Always think of the student's needs when developing or changing your course. Take a look at your class from a student’s perspective and ask yourself: “Would I want to take this course?” • Aim to be a learning facilitator rather than a professor. • You can never be over prepared for what can happen in the online classroom. Build a guide or FAQ file that explains how to deal with typical things that can go wrong in the online classroom. • Plan your course carefully but make sure it has some flexibility. • Be clear to your students about how the class will work. Provide information for getting help, both technical and instructional. 2. Using Technology • Allow time initially for students to understand the online software before the instruction starts. • Be prepared to facilitate an online class; make yourself comfortable with technology and understand what WebStudy can do. Students rely on instructors for help and guidance; know where to send them for help. • Anticipate possible issues and be ready to resolve, encourage, or re- direct. Have a back up plan for the unexpected. • Know your tools so you can focus on the instruction and content of your course. • Consider different font styles and colors for important messages but don't get carried away with the "wow" factor; it can take focus away from your learning outcomes. Be creative, but remember bells and whistles don't make the learning better. 3. Student Faculty Relationship • Know the names of your students and always use their names when sending emails or replying to their posts. • Get to know and understand your students; complete activities to build trust early in the semester. • Be present; students feel better when they know that you are there. • Send out a welcome letter in advance of the class. • Make every student feel as though they are a valuable contributor to the learning experience. 4. Student Faculty Communication • Communications is key; develop as many channels as possible. Communicate regularly to the students, including how you will announce changes to the course; Email? News tab? • Be courteous to your students at all times. • Wait twenty-four hours before responding to what you consider to be a personal attack. • Define tasks or procedures in the online class and use the same language throughout the course. You may want to build a glossary of terms. • Ask the class questions that will tell you if they understand. Remember you can't read their face or see their body language. • Summarize frequently, highlighting points for review, similar to what you see at the end of most textbook chapters. 5. Cooperation Among Students • Get the students to talk to you and to talk with each other. • Encourage learners to learn from each other. • Encourage a collaborative learning community. • Include a place for students to socialize in the class, such as a “Cyberspace Café” or “I have questions, do you have answers?” 6. Active Learning • Engage the learners and keep the learning active and interactive. • Encourage students to bring real life experiences into the classroom; this will help to show what you are teaching is applicable and will help students remember and recall.
