I have been a teacher for over 25 years, including time in middle schools, secondary schools and colleges. In the past few years I have had to opportunity to teach some online courses. I was wary at first. I am an enthusiastic and skilled technology user, but I worried that a lot of the energy of the class would be lost in the online environment. However, I have come to love online teaching, not just for the convenience. It has forced me to alter my approach, and I believe it has been for the better.
First off, I have to be much better organized- not a bad thing.
The biggest difference that I see is that when I present an online course, I have to ask myself what do I need to have the students do in order the learn the material. In a traditional classroom I simply presented the material to them- maybe a lecture, maybe a Powerpoint- but the assumption was that my presenting was most of what we needed.
The online approach shifts the focus away from me and onto the students. I also find that a student must do something to be present in an online class, whereas in a traditional class some students might be present physically but not doing anything.
Finally, I like the student to student interaction in an online class.
I would be interested in hearing from others about the pros and cons of distance learning…
UNCLE DAVE!
Jess found your blog today and passed the link on to me. I am posting here for a couple of reasons.
First, to say hello. I hope all is well.
Second, in regards to online learning I recently took a course that suffered because the instructor faded into the background too quickly. It left the students unenthused and slightly confused as to what he was looking for. It is important that the class is centered on the students, but it must also have a guiding presence. If not, much like a more traditional classroom you will have students who are “there” but not doing anything.
Hey Nick,
Great to hear from you. Excellent point- an online course is neither an independent study nor a correspondence course. Online classes have different personalities, and an important role for the instructor is to respond appropriately to help keep things moving.